Important Upcoming Dates
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12/07-12/15- Chanukah
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12/12/2023- 4:00-8:00pm Ledo Pizza Fundraiser (SCHS Band Program)
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12/13/2023- 10:00am & 1:00pm: Tiny Tots Concert
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12/18-01/01- Winter Break (No School)
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03/22/2024- Deadline for Senior Dues
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Warmest salutations to our SoCo community,
We’re in the full swing of December now. Seasonal concerts, fun events, and overall cheer are found all around our campus, which largely contributes to our positive school culture. Want proof? Check out what’s happening at SoCo.
My week started off with a great sign of appreciation from our students to a special group. Ms. Straughn’s Spanish Heritage class received a huge book donation from our PTSO. The students were SO enthusiastic about this gift, and here they are showing off just a sample of what they received.
One of the best parts of being a Stallion is the number of organizations that we offer students to join. This past week I was able to attend the Muslim Student Association for a portion of their meeting. The students did a fantastic job of facilitating information about upcoming events. Overall, I was very impressed with how organized and professional these students were with this meeting.
I had to leave this meeting mid-way through because I was double-booked with the Black History Month (BHM) planning committee. Led by Mr. Mims and Mr. Miller, we are planning the largest celebration that I have ever seen in my 27-year career. We have huge, culminating events for each week, along with several engaging yet smaller ways of celebrating on the other days. I know ALL of our SoCo students are going to enjoy celebrating BHM this February!
Monday night, we had our NHS Induction ceremony. Ms.Ohlmeyer and Ms. Smith did an outstanding job of creating a very dignified and classy celebration. As students’ names were called, they walked across the stage to receive their certificate and pin. On the screen behind them was their picture and response to one of three questions (What is your favorite quote? What is your favorite memory? Who is your favorite SCHS teacher?). My heart was full of school pride as I read aspects about students that I didn’t know. This ceremony was the highlight of my day!
The following night, we had a huge crowd turn out for our Orchestra event. The middle school joined the various high school ensembles as we had a night full of holiday music. Ms. Swift even gave me the opportunity to be a guest director for the evening! Have I mentioned how much I love being the principal at South County High School?
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Wednesday morning, we were able to officially dedicate our Sensory Stallion mural to the school. This artistic piece is a unique mural because it’s meant to be touched and for visitors to interact with it. It’s made of various materials, including a course cloth for the body of the horse, a soft material for the tail and mane, and leather for the saddle. It’s also puts on full display the pride we have in our country and in our school. The event was made even more special when our Superintendent, Dr. Reid, was able to join the students and staff for this event! I hope all of you can enjoy it the next time you’re on campus. It’s located beside the auditorium.
Lastly, I wanted to give you a few more examples about hotly contested our Door Decorating contest is going. See for yourself, but I think our judges are going to have a VERY hard time selecting a winner!
That’s all for now! Have a great weekend!
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
Senior Dues are $100 and help to cover the costs of Graduation and are due by March 22.
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.
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!
Senior Ad
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 January 2, 2024! 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
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
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental health challenges will not receive treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 19% of adults in the United States (47.6 million) dealt with a mental health challenge, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). People often turn to alternative methods to cope with issues that are uncomfortable topics to speak about. These reasons include turning to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage difficult situations or high stress levels. These mind-altering substances are sometimes used as coping mechanisms for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, focusing, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary moment away from the reality of everyday life. Substances can enhance the feelings of pleasure, decrease feelings of anxiety and restraint. Substance use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not all coping mechanisms are destructive or fail to provide appropriate or adequate adjustment to the environment or situation; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The main 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. Schedule a visit to your Primary Care Physician and a Professional Counselor if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in the stabilization of a healthy mind. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and good examples. Keep in mind that finding balance in life is an ongoing process. Lastly, 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 further information & support:
Catric W. Marshall, MS., LPC., CCC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu
Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. 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.Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar.
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 Phone: 703-446-1625
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OPTION 2- LATE ARRIVAL
OPTION 3- EARLY RELEASE
(CALL OR EMAIL FIRST THING IN THE MORNING TO REPORT EARLY RELEASE)
- Handwritten notes are acceptable*
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- Please always leave a message, they are checked constantly*
South County ATHLETICS
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
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