Important Upcoming Dates
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08/28/2023- Underclassmen Picture (GR 9 &10- PE Classes) (GR 11-Social Studies)
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08/29/2023- Underclassmen Picture (GR 9 &10- PE Classes) (GR 11-Social Studies)
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09/28/2023- Late Buses Starting
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08/30/2023- 5:30pm-8:00pm Back to School Night
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09/29/2023- SR&R Sign & Return Signature Sheet
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
SoCo family,
This week, we had one of the best starts to a school year that I’ve ever experienced in my 27 years of service. I want to thank all of you for preparing your students for school this year. It’s clear that all of you set high expectations for our students, and they are hitting the ball out of the park! Let’s get to some details!
Last Saturday, August 19, I attended the Lorton Community event. It was great spending time with my colleagues at our feeder schools and meeting so many families. At one point, we ran into Superintendent Reid, who was as equally impressed with the event as we were.
School began on Monday, and students and staff alike appeared to truly enjoy reconnecting with one another. From engaging in “connection” activities to upper classmen helping underclassmen, school spirit and kindness were evident throughout the school this week.
During lunches this week, we started our new, expanded salad bar. I ate lunch from there, and it was amazing! Students can take as much fruit and vegetables as they like, and they even get a pretzel! If you know your student enjoys healthy eating or you’re trying to get them to eat healthier, please encourage them to test out this option!
Chromebook distribution went extremely well this past Wednesday and Thursday. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Jones, Mr. Waters, and their team of 30 people who assisted with this process. Early remarks from students are that these devices are noticeably faster in starting up and running than our previous laptops.
In the parking lot, it looks like the adjustment we made to our second Kiss and Ride location outside of the Bubble is going very well. In essence, we stopped selling passes to students along the sidewalk to prevent them from being blocked by Kiss and Ride cars. The traffic flow in this particular location went extremely well.
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However, we are having problems with the other Kiss and Ride by door 12. The issue is when drivers are leaving and turning onto Laurel Crest. Everything runs smooth when vehicles are turning right, but we are seeing a lot of cars trying to turn left onto on-coming traffic. Of course, this is a dangerous turn to make, and while drivers are waiting to make that turn, it’s backing up the vehicles behind them who are trying to turn right. Beginning next week, we’ll have signs out there that indicate “No Left Turn”, as well as having traffic cones that prevent a left turn. If you are in this situation, please determine an alternative other than turning left onto Laurel Crest.
I enjoyed seeing a variety of creativity from teachers this week, but one that really stood out was from Mrs. Armstrong’s freshmen English class. Students wrote about goals that they’re working on this year. Her creative hallway display highlights the varied goals our students have, and on the back of the cards, students wrote steps they’re taking to meet those goals.
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Speaking of the hallways, this past week I had the chance to begin a few student voice activities. The first involved a simple survey that asked them what they enjoyed most about the first week of school. Students could complete it an “old school” version on a whiteboard or by clicking on a QR code with their phones. I wasn’t shocked that students enjoyed seeing and spending time with their friends, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of them recognized the teachers and staff as the MOST pleasant part of their week. That just speaks to the fantastic culture of our school whereby students and staff TRULY enjoy connecting with and spending time together.
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The other activity allowed me to not only secure student voice but staff voice as well. I call it my Office on Wheels initiative, and it’s quite simple to implement. I just take my laptop on a cart and park myself in the hallway to allow students and staff to have easier access to me. When nobody is in the halls, I can respond to emails and complete other work; however, the best part is when staff and students walk by. I had wonderful conversations with both groups that morning, and I feel certain that had I remained in my office, none of them would have occurred. Being visible and accessible to these stakeholders is something that is very important to me, and I’m going to try and do this at least once a month, if not more often.
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This past Wednesday afternoon, I had a fantastic time speaking with the Stallion football team about the importance of who they represent while on the team, working hard, and their impact on our school’s climate and culture at the beginning of the year. The students were very respectful, and it meant the world to me when one student even shared his helmet with me so I could feel more like part of the team.
Speaking of the football team, the game Friday night vs. Robinson was a great way to start the season. Everyone in attendance appeared to have a really good time. From the football players to the cheerleaders to the dance team to all of the fans, we had a perfect night of coming together as one community. Besides holding off Robinson from scoring any points and having great conversations with so many parents, students, and staff, one of several great memories was watching our Spirit Squad sing “Caroline” as the song played over the speakers! What a great vibe!
On a more serious note, one of the Robinson players was hurt at the end of the game, but he was doing relatively well as he was taken off the field. I know everyone in attendance was concerned for the young man. His mother was there with him, and the medical staff indicated that he would be okay. I know we all wish him the best as he heals.
And lastly, at our Stallion Stampede two weeks ago, one of our student’s State 1st place awards for Science Olympiad was taken. It is believed to have been accidentally picked up by a younger child. If you know of its whereabouts, please contact the main office to schedule it be returned.
The bar was set VERY high this week with school spirit and positivity, and I’m hoping we can match it again for Week 2. Our school theme this year, Together As One, is a great way to describe how our school year has begun!
Respectfully,
Kambar
Together As One
#OneStallion
Please join us for Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 30th from 5:30-8pm. We will host a resource fair from 5:30-6pm in the main lobby area, followed by classroom visits from 6-8pm. Leadership students and administrative staff will be available to help you navigate the school throughout the evening. We will also have light refreshments and class shirts for sale courtesy of student leadership (cash or check only). Your student should provide you with a copy of their schedule, including teacher names and room numbers, prior to Back to School Night. We can’t wait to see you there!
SAT School Day Intent to Participate
On Wednesday, October 11, South County High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 6.
South County High School: 2023 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form https://forms.gle/vJG43KVtC9wrR6f46
Your student will need to use a @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. A translated version of the form content may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43896). FCPS sites cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the exam.
For more information, please see the SCHS SAT School Day webpage.
If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at South County High School, please contact Chris Bird, SAT School Day coordinator, at cwbird@fcps.edu .
Senior Families
Student Services has some upcoming events for both students and their families to assist you in your post-secondary planning.
For Parents/Guardians:
Senior Parent Information Night is coming up on Thursday, September 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of post-secondary planning including:
- College selection and admissions timelines
- College application components
- Process for sending important documents such as official transcripts, counselor and teacher recommendations, and test scores when applicable
- Options available through Northern Virginia Community College
- Financial aid resources
- Brief overview of post-secondary options such as military enlistment, employment, and trade and technical education
We welcome any follow up questions at an informal parent Q&A on Friday, September 15th at 8:30am in the College and Career Center – Room C101. (Please note that the Q&A is meant for general questions, and we ask that specific questions related to your senior be directed to their individual counselor.)
For Students:
Seniors will participate in group meetings with their counselor to go over college and career planning topics and important Senior To-Dos for this fall during Advisory. Seniors will meet with their counselors on September 5th and 7th. Students should check in with their Advisory teacher at the beginning of the period before being dismissed to their designated locations. Counselors will also be following up with seniors throughout the fall to discuss individual plans.
Other:
In the meantime, seniors and parents can work on completing two important forms that help your counselor craft any required counselor recommendations. They are the "Request for Counselor Recommendation (Student Form)" and "Parent Input form" at this link: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/student-services/post-secondary-planning. Thank you to those of you who already submitted them last spring and over the summer.
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2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.
Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources
Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission.
Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.
Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.
Electronic Student Online Verification/Updates in ParentVUE
The Department of Information Technology (DIT) and Office of Student Registration are excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet (OVU). Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration, improves efficiency, and enhances the digital experience for parents and staff. For more information, please go to https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/family-communication-resources/sis-parentvue-online-verification-and-update-packet.
🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
💻 Chromebook Tips
High school and secondary school students are receiving a new Chromebook this year. These devices feature larger screens than previously issued devices and battery life that easily lasts the school day.
Encourage your student to visit the following helpful links to:
If your child prefers to use their personal laptop, make sure it meets our minimum requirements. Students may access our student Chromebook FAQs (FCPS Google login required) for more information.
If your student runs into any issues while using their Chromebook, please have them reach out to their school’s tech team for support.
Food Pantry
South County High School is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in a county as wealthy as Fairfax, one in four kids in our area are struggling with hunger.
Food for Neighbors is a location organization addressing this problem by collecting from our community via the Red Bag Program and donating to our local schools. The FFN Red Bag Program is how we are able to fill our food pantry and then distribute food to our students in need.
We hope you will consider participating in the Red Bag food collection program. You can make a difference in a local student’s life by simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart every two months.
Here are some ways to support and Get Involved:
Request a reusable Red Bag here and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house.
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Here is how it works:
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- Request a reusable Red Bag here and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house.
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SCHS Food Pantry Donation List | Fill your Red Bag with the food items that are listed on the SCHS Food Pantry Donation List.
- Put the Red Bag outside your front door in the morning on the next bag collection day. Collection dates are also listed on the bag tag. And don’t worry, FFC will send reminders.
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Your Red Bad will be picked up from your house, the food sorted at SCHS and delivered directly to the school food pantry at SCHS. As an added benefit, you can get a tax deduction for the food that you donate!
With your help, even more kids can be fed. For more information on the Red Bag program click here.
As we partner with FFN, other critical volunteer opportunities include: driving to pick up filled Red Bags and sorting the donated food during the Red Bag Day events. Visit the FFN FAQ page to find out more and to sign up to volunteer in these two very important roles. These are great opportunities for our students to receive volunteer service hours, too.
If you have any questions please reach out to Karen McGuinness, SCHS Food Pantry Liaison, Claudia Pirouzan-Jones, SCHS Assistant Principal and Food Pantry Liaison, or Karen Joseph with FFN.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, care, and community support.
2023-24 Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms
The Fairfax County School Board is committed to protecting student and family privacy and wants all parents to be aware of their rights. If you would like more information regarding your rights and opt-out forms, please review the information found in the 2023-24 Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms. FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available—a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level. To access the complete Annual Notice opt-out booklets online (requires use of a PDF reader), go to http://www.fcps.edu, and search for Opt-Out Booklets. Choose either the K-8 or 9-12 version. Parents may also request a paper copy from the principal’s office at their child’s school. If you wish to opt your child out of any of the activities mentioned above, you must complete and return the appropriate forms to your child’s school.
Family Life Education (FLE) Opt-Out Forms
If you wish to opt your student out of FLE, please fill out the appropriate form and return it to Mrs. deKanter in the SCHS Athletics Office.
Update Contact Information to Receive Messages From FCPS
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from FCPS and our school by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. Make sure you complete the Emergency Care Form for your child every year and update when necessary.
To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then select the “Online Verification/Update” form in the drop down menu. Click “Begin Packet.”
Parents who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account continue to have the option to communicate updates via the normal paper process. They can also print and complete a blank Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to the front office.
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What Is Schoology?
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
Parent accounts will be available after August 21. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. More information on how to login and use Schoology is available online.
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📃 Updates to High School Transcripts
In order to increase transparency on high school transcripts, FCPS has made updates to high school course titles for courses that receive additional 0.5 or 1.0 weighting.
For all enrolled high school students in the 2023-24 school year and beyond, high school course titles will now reflect:
- An HN (Honors) for any course that has a 0.5 additional weighting.
- An AV (Advanced), AP (Advanced Placement), DE (Dual Enrollment), or IB (International Baccalaureate) for any course that has a 1.0 additional weighting
The new AV label was created to address several college-level courses that previously had a 1.0 additional weighting without a designation.
The course title changes will apply to all weighted courses across all high schools.
Seniors who have already started to enter their senior year course lists through any college applications, should review their course list to ensure they included appropriate course titles.
Read more about transcript updates.
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Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss and ride procedures and being patient as they wait for their children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2150 with any additional questions. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
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PTSO
Our PTSO has been busy this summer planning multiple events for the upcoming school year. One of the primary ways you can support our school is by joining our PTSO membership. Please click the QR code below to begin this process. We appreciate everyone who is able to participate!
Lunch information
For the most updated lunch menu throughout the year, please go to https://fcps.nutrislice.com/menu.
Free and Reduced Meal Applications (FRM):
Any families that applied and were accepted as Free/Reduced priced lunches last school year (22-23) will still be valid for the first 30 days of 23-24 SY (until October 4). However, if you would like to continue to be on FRM after October 4, you must apply and be accepted before that date to continue with this program. Here is the link to apply: https://www.fcps.edu/frm
Also, if any families would like a copy of their approval letter to use for other benefits, please email fcpsmealsaps@fcps.edu.
Finally, this year we have a new salad bar. It will be an all-inclusive salad bar, including salad mix, fruit, vegetables, and proteins.
South County ATHLETICS
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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