Important Upcoming Dates
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May 5, 6, 12 & 13 7:00PM: Theatre Arts Department-The Lightning Thief
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May 29-Holiday/Memorial Day-Schools closed
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June 9th- 9:30AM: Graduation Eagle Bank Arena
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June 16-Last Day of School (Early Release)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo family,
We have been very busy these past several days. Our best celebrations are always the ones when we get to acknowledge our students and staff, and this week we had so much to appreciate.
First, our Administrative Assistants had their special day this past Wednesday. They rarely have the chance to enjoy lunch together, so it was a special treat to do so this week. Meanwhile, I gained even more respect and appreciation of them while I covered the phones and main office. The anxiety I had with phones ringing, doorbells buzzing, and people asking questions all at the same time is something I won’t soon forget! Even on their special day, we were missing a few members of the team for this picture because they were STILL serving others within our school!
We also had a chance to celebrate Stress Less week. While we had numerous activities for the students this week, one of the most unique activities was our experience with the traveling petting zoo, My Pet Alpaca. The students and staff truly enjoyed the chance to interact with these animals and their owner.
On Saturday, we hosted our annual Spring Fling Craft Show. As always, our PTSO put on an incredible event, including more than 75 vendors, a dunk tank, live band, and so many carnival games! A special shout-out goes to the 7th grader who threw a perfect pitch that saw me tasting the water in the dunk tank (see below). Thanks for another memorable Show, PTSO!
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We’re in the midst of sports teams completing their regular seasons, and with that comes special events like Senior Night. This past Wednesday, I went to the Boys Tennis match, and as we were waiting for the opposing team, I thought I’d hit a ball or two around with the boys. Please understand I’m not a tennis player, but I can play a mean game of ping pong, so I have some skills! Shortly after taking a few hits, the rain started coming down. It started as a mist, and before we knew it, huge raindrops were falling on us. Yes, we kept playing of course! Boys will be boys! I tried holding my racket over my head to block the rain from hitting me, but that proved to be ineffective (i.e., bad Dad joke!). Later that afternoon with the ceremony moved indoors, Coach Black and Coach Crabb had a wonderful ceremony for the team. Way to go, Stallions!
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Boys Lacrosse celebrated their Senior Night this past Friday. I want to commend everyone who was able to attend that evening, especially because the weather was cold and raining. Despite the weather, the seniors and their family members were in great spirits on the team’s way to beating Fairfax High School 14-5.
Friday evening, our very own Ms. Mayfield hosted the 2023 National Junior Japan Bowl. This academic competition was for Japanese learners in Grades 1-8, and their participation was as impressive as their knowledge of the Japanese language! Way to go, Ms. Mayfield and all of these talented language learners!
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend my first Crew team regatta. This was a whole new cultural experience for me, as my only exposure to this sport has been seeing them working out in our hallways. I’ve NEVER been to one of their matches. I was so impressed with their athleticism and sportsmanship! Way to go, Crew! Here are the results from that event.
We had 8 boats competing, with three in the women’s division and five in the men’s. In all, we had 60 athletes total from South County.
Men’s Junior Four. 4th place
Men’s Novice Four. 2nd place
Men’s Varsity Four. 6th place
Men’s Junior Eight. 1st place
Men’s Novice Eight. 3rd place
Women’s Novice Eight. 5th place
Women’s Varsity Eight. 4th place
Women’s Junior Eight. 1st place
Other fun facts from the Crew regatta are:
Number of Teams: 37 Entries: 255 Athletes: 1434 Visiting Teams: 5 (Blair, St. John’s, Rowland Park, Walt Whitman, & Windsor School, Bahamas)
Upcoming Celebration:
In May people throughout the United States celebrate Jewish American and Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage. This history is a foundational part of American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of American innovators year-round, and the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month are opportunities to honor diverse and important stories. Please be on the look-out for and have conversations with your children about activities happening around our school to recognize and celebrate these wonderful cultures.
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
From The Testing Office
AP Testing Parent Volunteers Needed
The Testing Office need parent volunteers to help support Advanced Placement (AP) Testing from May 1 through May 12. 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-aptesting#/
If you have any additional questions, please contact Chris Bird, AP Test Coordinator, and cwbird@fcps.edu or at 703-446-1643.
Spring SOL Testing
Annual End-Of-Course SOL testing will begin at South County High School on April 24 and continue through June 2. The primary testing date for each exam is as follows:
Tuesday, April 25 – English: Reading
Monday, May 8 – Biology
Tuesday, May 9 – Geometry
Wednesday, May 10 – Algebra 2
Friday, May 12 – Earth Science (Geosystems)
Monday, May 15 – Algebra 1 and Chemistry
Seniors will be testing during the weeks of April 24 and May 1, as will some students with special testing accommodations. Students should check with their classroom teachers regarding the dates and details of their individual tests. Please check with your student regarding their testing dates.
There will be no advisory on April 25, May 9, and May 15 in order to facilitate SOL testing. The full SOL testing calendar can be found here on the SCHS web page.
Spring SOL Testing
Annual End-Of-Course SOL testing will begin at South County High School on April 24 and continue through June 2. The primary testing date for each exam is as follows:
Tuesday, April 25 – English: Reading
Monday, May 8 – Biology
Tuesday, May 9 – Geometry
Wednesday, May 10 – Algebra 2
Friday, May 12 – Earth Science (Geosystems)
Monday, May 15 – Algebra 1 and Chemistry
Seniors will be testing during the weeks of April 24 and May 1, as will some students with special testing accommodations. Students should check with their classroom teachers regarding the dates and details of their individual tests. Please check with your student regarding their testing dates.
There will be no advisory on April 25, May 9, and May 15 in order to facilitate SOL testing. The full SOL testing calendar can be found here on the SCHS web page.
Senior Dues:
- $100 – pays for graduation, cap and gown, diploma cover, etc.
- Can be paid through My School Bucks or cash or check to Ms. Straughn (C240) and Ms. Storer (C231)
- Checks will not be accepted after May 1st
Prom:
- May 20th 8pm-11pm at Westwood Country Club, Vienna
- $60 – ticket sales begin May 8th during lunches
- If you your student has overdue fees on their account, they will need to resolve those first before buying a prom ticket
Senior Class Trip:
- Wednesday, June 7th Kings Dominion
- More info to come
Graduation:
- Friday, June 9th at 9:30AM Eagle Bank Arena
- Students must arrive to Eagle Bank by 8:30 AM with only a car key in hand (no phones, no wallets, etc.)
- No tickets required for graduation – unlimited seating
- Required Graduation Rehearsals: Tuesday, June 6th 10AM and Thursday, June 8th 10AM in the bubble
Caps and Gowns:
- Make sure your senior completes the Senior Caps and Gowns form to have the correct size ordered ASAP. Students will need to be logged into their FCPS google account to complete this form.
- Caps and gowns will be distributed during graduation rehearsals.
- If your student owes fees (textbooks, senior dues, missing chargers/laptops, etc.) they will not be able to collect their cap and gown until their fees are resolved.
Graduation Pictures:
- Graduation will be photographed by Victor O’Neill Studios
- You can create an account before graduation in order to view pictures after graduation.
SAVE THE DATE
*Prom this year will be on May 20th, from 8-11:00 pm at the Westfield Country Club in Vienna.
*Tickets will go on sale May 8th-12th during Blue day lunches and May 15-19th during all lunches.
*Tickets will also be sold on my school bucks from May 8-May 19.
*All School debts including dues must be paid before you can purchase a prom ticket.
*Additionally, if you are bringing a guest from outside of SOCO you will need a completed Prom Guest Application to purchase your ticket. These applications can be picked up in Sub Schools.
*Please see Mr. Kingston (A125) or Mrs. Hill (A119) with questions.
South County Leadership and PTSO are celebrating the SCHS teachers May 1-5! Leadership is selling Balloon Bouquets to thank teachers during this week.
You can purchase a balloon bouquet via myschoolbucks for $5. After purchasing, be sure to email Kelley Peck (kapeck@fcps.edu) with the name of the teacher and the message you would like to be included on the card. Leadership students will be creating and delivering the bouquets throughout the week!
SCHS Theatre Arts Department
Check out the trailer for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical!
South County High School Theatre Arts Department is proud to present The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. With over 100 students involved in the production process, you don’t want to miss this one! Tickets are available at schstheatre.com or directly at this link. Performances are on May 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 pm. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on the 2005 novel by Rick Riordan. Follow Percy Jackson who newly discovers that he is a demigod and goes on a quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. If you have any questions, please reach out to Molly Rumberger at mdrumberger@fcps.edu.
Don't wait!
Order your copy of 2022-2023 Yearbook here!
South County High School 2023
Summer Basketball Camp Boys and Girls
Time: 9am- 3pm ( Early Drop off will be available)
Who: Basketball Enthusiasts ages 7-15
What: Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
✓ Daily Skill Instruction from SC Coaches & Players
✓ 5 on 5 League Play & Championship Tournament
✓ 1 on 1 Tournament
✓ Hot Shot Contest
✓ Free Throw Contest
✓ Individual & Team Awards
✓ Free Camp T-Shirt
Where: South County HS Gym (Entrance #12)
When: July 3,5,6,7 and July 10-14
Cost: $195 (Save $20 if you sign up for both sessions)
Checks payable to South County basketball Attn: South County Basketball or Online at www.Stallionsboysbasketball.com
Bring: Basketball shoes, athletic shorts & t-shirt
Campers may bring a lunch or purchase one from the CONCESSION STAND
See Attached Flyer & Registration
South County High School 2023
Summer Basketball Camp
Who: Basketball Enthusiasts ages 7-15
What: Boy’s Basketball Camp
- Daily Skill Instruction from SC Coaches & Players
- 5 on 5 League Play & Championship Tournament
- 1 on 1 Tournament
- Hot Shot Contest
- Free Throw Contest
- Individual & Team Awards
- Free Camp T-Shirt
Where: South County HS Gym (Entrance #12)
When: June 19- 23 & June 26–30 9am-3pm
Cost: $195 (Save $20 if you sign up for both sessions)
Checks payable to SCABC Attn: BOYS BASKETBALL or Online at www.Stallionsboysbasketball.com
Bring: Basketball shoes, athletic shorts & t-shirt, Face Mask
Campers may bring a lunch or purchase one from the CONCESSION STAND
2023 BBALL CAMP
PTSO
Staff Appreciation Lunch Donations
Please help us thank our amazing teachers and staff with a Staff appreciation Cinco de Mayo lunch! The PTSO will be catering a hot lunch for all staff on May 5th but we could use some help with drinks, sides and a candy dessert bar. We would also like to have a collection of gift cards that we can gift to our staff of 250. We are so lucky to be able to thank our teachers in person and show our appreciation for all that they do! If you would like to donate, please sign up here.
Drop offs can be made to the HS between May 1-4. Please reach out to Karen McGuinness at karenmcguinness6@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you!
Trademasters Stallion Caring for Community Fundraiser!
Trademasters has long been a HUGE South County supporter from sponsoring the South county Athletic Boosters, the Marching Stallions to the Holiday Extravaganza, Trademasters has always given back to our school community and they are continuing that tradition!
Each time you call Trademasters and mention South County, Trademasters Service, Inc. will make a donation back to the school whenever a qualifying service is purchased! Just call 703-644-6400 for a heating, air conditioning or plumbing service call and tell them you are from South County!
Spring has sprung, and that can mean a rise in airborne allergens, like pollen and mold spores. Now is a good time to change the filter on your home’s HVAC system. Trademasters is also offering some great rebates on equipment. Just mention South County when you call!
Tickets for All Night Grad Party (ANGP)
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)
Price: $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.
************ BE PART OF THE FUN *******
*********HELP is needed for the 2023 ANGP ****(Sign-Up Here)
Class of 2023: Class of 2023: ANGP Sign-Up (signupgenius.com)
Popcorn Fundraiser to support the 2023 ANGP
Calling all of Stallion Nation to help the Class of 2023 with their popcorn fundraiser. It’s yummy and gets delivered right to your home! Thanks for your support!
Please use this information to place your order:
https://poppinpopcornonline.com/store
Enter This Information:
SELLER ID: JHPBQB
Group Name: SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - CLASS OF 2023 ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Drug Additives to Be Aware of: Xylazine “Tranq”
In our continuing efforts to educate the community, we have been tracking a new trend in the region known as Xylazine or Tranq. Tranq, a non-opioid tranquilizer, is often mixed with other drugs giving the user a fentanyl-like high for an extended period of time. Considering the rise in opioid-related overdoses, it is important to know about various additives such as fentanyl and tranq that can be mixed in, unbeknownst to the user. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer which is not approved by the FDA for human consumption; it affects the central nervous system by suppressing breathing and slowing down vital functions in the body. Tranq has recently been detected in several fatal overdoses related to cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in unsuspecting users. Narcan/Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, will not reverse the overdose in a person who has taken Tranq thus resulting in potential death. Continued use has resulted in lesions, ulcers, and other health related issues resulting in loss of limbs from untreated abscesses.
While alarming, education is key to keep our communities safe. Here is some recent data showing the trend in our region. Xylazine was present in 19% of drug overdoses in Maryland in 2020 alone; with trends increasing in Pennsylvania by 26% and in Connecticut by 10%. In areas of higher populations Xylazine has been present in 1 of every 5 deaths that have been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Xylazine was present in 64.3 % of deaths when it was detected. 38 states including the District of Columbia have seen a rise in “Tranq” in and around their communities.
For more information please, contact me or the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270. Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
Sources & Resources:
NIH: Xylazine
DEA: Xylazine
DEA: Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine
CDC: Xylazine
Overdoses in Philadelphia
FCPS Webinar: Everything You Need To Know About Opioids
For further information & support:
Catric Marshall, MS., LPC., CCC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu
You are cordially invited to The Newington Forest Elementary
40th Anniversary Picnic
Newington Forest Elementary is thrilled to be able to connect with classmates, teachers, students and administrators from today and years past. Please join us on Thursday, June 1, 2023 for a fun filled evening of activities, food, and fun.
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Newington Forest Elementary
Spread the word far and wide and RSVP here by Friday, May 26.
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