Important Upcoming Dates
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11/22-11/24- Holiday(Thanksgiving Break) School and Office will be closed.
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11/29/2023- Fairfax County Youth Survey
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05/01/2024- Deadline for Senior Dues
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Happy early Thanksgiving!
With next week being a short week (we’re only in school Monday and Tuesday), we won’t have a newsletter coming out next week. Fear not, we have enough information to share this week that can cover two newsletters! Let’s get to it.
This past weekend, Chorus students auditioned for a spot in the District X Honors Chorus at Mount Vernon High School. District X is comprised of the East side middle and high schools of Fairfax County, as well as Falls Church City Public Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools, and three private schools. Students competed against students from 12 other high schools and 13 other middle schools for a spot! District Chorus Results are here! See Below! They will be performing in concert with the other students who made it on Saturday, February 10th at West Potomac High School!
Please congratulate the following students when you see them:
South County High School SSAA Soprano 1s
Morgan Haynes
Nandika Reddy Kuppam- Third Highest SSAA Soprano 1 score
Amaris Stokes
South County High School SSAA Soprano 2s
Genesis Montano
Kennedy Pitter
Annabell Vargas-Runner Up Highest SSAA Soprano 2 score
Alternate #2: Sophiya Norton
South County High School SSAA Alto 1s
Isabel Butts
Faith Mekonen
Alternate #2 Emma Parkinson
South County High School SSAA Alto 2s
Alternate #1 Kara Bailey
South County High School SATB Soprano 1s
Lea Ahrens- Runner Up Highest SATB Soprano 1 score
Caprice Aspland
Kristin Gyamfi
Caelan Wommack-Highest SATB Soprano 1 score
South County High School SATB Soprano 2s
Shanelle Animley
Danielle Edwards
Abigail Mitchell
Sarah Peckham
South County High School SATB Alto 1s
Ariana Rahman
Abby Sparks
Frangelys Ullola
South County High School SATB Alto 2s
Aannali DeFranco
Amana Haque
Olivia Marlowe
Leila Slye
Tai White
South County High School SATB Tenor 1s
Andrew Beasley-Runner Up Highest SATB Tenor 1 score
Adriel Jimenez
Zachary Smith
South County High School SATB Tenor 2s
Liam Caron
Gavin Flynn
Matthew Walsh
Alternate #2 Adrian Licona
South County High School SATB Bass 1s
Nathan Bach-3rd Highest SATB Bass 1 score
Trey Jones
David Ransom
Syla Ramirez
Jack Shifflett
South County High School SATB Bass 2s
Isaac McLendon-Runner Up Highest SATB Bass 2 score
Xander Ayon
Alternate #1 Jacob Butts
Not to be outdone, our South County Orchestra students auditioned for District Honors Orchestra on Tuesday night and 25 of them were chosen for the group! That’s a HUGE number! Not only that, but we will have section leaders in ALL but 2 sections of the orchestra! I could not be prouder of these students who are helping to elevate the level of the South County Orchestras. AMAZING.
Congratulations go out to all of these great musicians!
Ethan Larimore – CONCERT MASTER!!!
Ryan
Hunter Do
Rebecca Johnson
Isidora Dakic
Sophia Speidell
Steven Liang
Sera Kim
Ariana Ahmadzai
Issac An
Sofia Dorichenko
Suraya Suleman
Emily Logan
Aayan Shaikh
Lydia Malley
Hannah Tan
Sarah Tracy – 1st chair viola as a FRESHMAN!!
Sarah Jeong
Mark Shultz
Christine Hwang – 1st char cello!!
Caleb Hicks
Tyler Engelbrecht
Jocelyn Tran - alternate
Elizabeth Symolon
Noelle Barmonde
Our Student Leadership class did a phenomenal job of marketing this week’s theme, Dude Be Nice! The décor in the building was beautiful, and the overall message of everyone needing to be kind to each other was well received. Thanks to all who were involved and celebrated this important message.
Thursday was a busy day for me. In addition to various meetings held outside of our school, I had the chance to meet with US Secretary of Education Cardona, as well as other principals and superintendents from across our country to brainstorm ways to keep students safe during these times. We had a great discussion and brainstorming session, and I felt honored to be part of such an important Think Tank.
Meanwhile, at school we had our club fair. Mrs. Saale was a usual superhero with coordinating more than 50 organizations for our students to visit. Our Health/PE teachers also stepped up to provide solid support with the event as well. In all, our students appeared to truly enjoy this experience!
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That evening, I joined members of our Fairfax Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the Boots to Suits clothing drive, which is a nonprofit providing the veteran community with professional attire as they enter the civilian job market. The SCHS Military Connected Youth assisted with accepting donations that night at Laurel Hill Golf. While at this event, I had a great time catching up with old friends, like Steve, Elena, and Casey, and also made some new friends, like Jim and Megan. My time with Jim and Megan was particularly enlightening, as we shared examples of how wonderful the students at SoCo are. They also gave me permission to highlight a personal mission they have, which is raising awareness of condition called Batten’s Disease. Their testimony was so heartfelt that I felt confident our community would want to know more about it, so I’m including a picture of a Tyler’s Mission business card. Go Tyler!
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Thursday evening, I was one of several Stallions who was able to attend opening night of Much Ado About Nothing. Mrs. Rumberger always puts on a first-class show, and she didn’t disappoint with this one! This Shakesperean comedy had the crowd in stitches as we witnessed romance going awry between Claudio and Hero, as well as between Benedick and Beatrice. I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Bravo, Stallions!
Friday was another celebration as we recognized the national Substitute Appreciation Day! Our substitute teachers do a fantastic job of working with our students when their teachers can’t be available. If you didn’t know about this special day or simply didn’t have a chance to tell them “Thank you,” I’m sure they would welcome your support the next time you see a substitute teacher.
This weeks’ instructional spotlight is a bit wider than normal, as I had SO MANY wonderful classroom observations this week. I typically only select one of several classrooms I see, but this week’s lessons were so unique that I have to include them all. For instance, in Mrs. McGhee’s World History 1 class, there was a ton of movement required by the students as they had to move between multiple stations to complete their Hinduism projects.
 Next, I saw a fantastic lesson in Mr. Velazquez’s Pre-Engineering class. Students presented their projects on simple machines, which included staplers, forklifts, and jar lids. The students were very poised and professional as they explained to classmates the reasons why these machines were needed and how they operated. Very impressive to say the least!
My third observation this week found me inside Mr. Long’s Culinary Arts class. I served as one of several judges as we taste-tested the pumpkin desserts that six stations of students completed. The talent that Mr. Long is able to develop in this class is second to none! I don’t know who “won,” but I sure did pack on the pounds and sugar as I enjoyed hearing the presentations from these student bakers
Finally, you have seen previous newsletters where I highlight the student work that adorns our hallways. This week, I was particularly enthralled with Mr. Kingston’s student work samples outside of his classroom. Students drew pictures that compared and contrasted Presidents Washington and Adams. Inside the figures were the similarities, and outside of them were the differences. In addition to the great content, this poster caught my eye. Great job, Georgia and Paisley!
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
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 as soon as possible.
Requests submitted after Friday Nov 17, 2023 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. If you report your students absence ON that Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving, 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.
The Fairfax County Youth Survey will be administered to all 10th & 12th grade students during Advisory on Wednesday, November 29th. You may review the survey here. If you would like to opt-out your child, please return the opt-out form to the main office or email it to Raven Turner at rturner@fcps.edu.
See Attached Parent Letter
Senior Dues are $100 and help to cover the costs of Graduation and are due by May 1.
The easiest way to pay is through My School Bucks.
Cash or checks are also accepted and can be made out to South County High School and can be given to Mr. Kingston in A125 or Mrs. Hill in Room A119.
Senior Dues need to be paid in order for students to attend prom or the Senior trip to King’s Dominion, or Graduation.
SCHS Bands is hosting a silent auction as part of the 18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday December 2, 2023.
Nearly 3,000 shoppers are expected to converge on the SCHS campus for a day of shopping, entertainment, and holiday fun! We have so many amazing items ready to be auctioned (and adding everyday)!
Check them out here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1i8izl2hOryagWUxo-XeLJ7uS3wzDS7Y9F3omi6B6aIs/edit#slide=id.g28cb1e897b4_0_12
Please help us share about this wonderful event. We appreciate all your support of the SoCo Band!
FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS
This holiday season, let's come together to make a difference in the lives of food-insecure students in our community. Food For Neighbors plans to provide local families with Holiday Meals at Thanksgiving. Visit the FFN website today and learn how you can help students and their families experience the joy of gathering for a holiday meal. Every $50 donation provides a meal for a family. Your generosity can make a world of difference for local students!
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Basketball, Cheer, Dance, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Swim, and Wrestling with a Senior Ad in the Winter Sports Program! Deadline is December 13, 2023! Please order on the SCABC Square site:https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs or contact Elena Jordon at 703-302-0197 for more information.
PTSO
The class of 2024 The All Night Graduation Party is doing another fundraiser! This time we are doing pre-orders for Krispy Kreme Donuts. Orders will be taken from now until 27 Nov 2023 and each pre-order for qualify for free entry into the holiday extravaganza. You can place an order for a dozen (or more) Krispy Kreme donuts.
All orders can be picked up on Saturday, 2 Dec 2023 during the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza at South County HS. Entry will be through door #12.
All orders must be placed by sending either an e-mail or text to Katie O'Donnell:(910) 584 1093 or ktodonnell1970@gmail.com
Please see the flyer for cost. Payment will be needed in advance via cash, credit, venmo (@ktodonnell1970) or Zelle
The Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show needs you!!!
Please, consider spending a few hours of your time on Friday, Dec.1, or Saturday, Dec. 2 to support the largest PTSO Fundraiser of the year.
Take a look at our Sign-up Genius and choose a slot or two. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-42437979-18th
The Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity
It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is in of Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please, take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you could spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-45077117-publicity
Save this code SCSS4010
EVERY Thursday from now until Jun 2024 Papa John's is supporting a restaurant night to support the ANGP.
We raised $70+ in Sep. Let's keep the momentum
The South County High School All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) Committee has secured a year long (school year) fundraiser with our local Papa John's! EVERY Thursday from now until June, if you use the coupon Code SCSS4010, you will get 40% off your order and the ANGP will get 10% of all sales. This is for our local Papa John's only (Off Silverbrook Rd).
So save this coupon code and use it every Thursday you are in the mood for Pizza! This is a great way to support our local Papa John's AND support the ANGP at the same time!
Enjoy!
Your ANGP Planning Committee
As the cooler weather comes in, the leaves begin to change, we exchange our sandals for boots and Pumpkin flavored favorites, and football becomes the topic of many conversations. Families gather one or more times a week, wearing sport paraphernalia to root for “their team”, often enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Adults may have these interactions in the safety and confines of their own home, at a friend’s house, or in a noisy establishment with televisions and a bar. When this routine becomes a habit seen by teens regularly, they may begin to associate alcohol with football. So when they attend their school’s football game, it’s now their night out with friends, and the close association between football and alcohol has already been established for them.
Media ads from various companies showcase their ice-cold brew options with stereotypical attractive people at a bar, appearing cool. When adults attend in-person games, tailgating seems mandatory as part of the full experience. When teens meet up before attending football games, pre-game drinking may be something they consider.
Alcohol.org states that people who watch games at viewing parties, average consumption of 7 drinks and those who tailgated averaged 8 drinks. In a country that values football and has connected football to the consumption of alcohol, it’s easy to see how teens may be conditioned to do the same. If a student is old enough to attend football games, they’re old to have conversations about alcohol safety.
Here are some tips to help:
1.Establish clear and consistent boundaries “I will not tolerate…”.
2.Explain why adults have the privilege to drink and adolescents are not allowed to drink.
3.Do not exaggerate.
4.Set a desired outcome for the conversation: Think about what you want your teen to understand before you get into the conversation.
Resources
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/ATODParentPresentationRequired103119b/story_html5.html
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, MS., LPC., CCC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu
Awareness Month
National Career Development 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. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
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South County ATHLETICS
 Phone: 703-446-1625
OPTION 1- ALL DAY ABSENCE
OPTION 2- LATE ARRIVAL
OPTION 3- EARLY RELEASE
(CALL OR EMAIL FIRST THING IN THE MORNING TO REPORT EARLY RELEASE)
- Handwritten notes are acceptable*
- Call/email/note must come from parent/guardian, NOT the student*
- Please always leave a message, they are checked constantly*
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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Email: 