Mustang Weekly, December 15, 2023

principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

Thank you for an incredible school year so far! I am filled with gratitude and excitement, reflecting on the relationships we have built and the incredible journey we have had as a school community this year. As winter break approaches, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and rejuvenating time. Please take this time to relax, recharge, and create beautiful memories. I hope you all have a wonderful winter break and a fantastic start to the new year!

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


don't forget

UPCOMING DATES

As a reminder, there will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024 for winter break.  The school offices will be closed.

To help make sure our families have a restful break, no homework should 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 should be due immediately following the break. 

We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024


South County High School

Academic Advising Dates

For Rising 9th Grade Families

January 24, 2024 — Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30pm

Content area teachers will be available at the Curriculum Fair in the cafeteria to discuss core class and elective course offerings. Also, there will be an informational session for rising 9th grade families in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45. 

Grade Level Curriculum Orientation—

High School counselors will meet with students in large groups to present information about course offerings, sequencing, prerequisites for specific courses, and graduation requirements at South County Middle School on January 31st, 2024.

Middle School Counselors will meet with students February 5th-9th through Science classes to complete academic advising.

Students with an FCPS login can access our electives information here.

South County High School Student Services


Young Scholars Field Trip

Seventh grade Young Scholars enrolled in either Math 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors have been invited to attend an optional field trip to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology on Jan. 4. This half-day field trip is an opportunity for students who may choose to apply to Thomas Jefferson during their eighth grade year to see the school and visit several labs. Eligible students received field trip forms from their math teacher on Dec. 5 or 6. Signed permission forms need to be returned to the main office by Tuesday, Dec. 12. To read more about the Young Scholars model, click here. If you have any questions, or you are willing to be a chaperone, please email Dana Gorman, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, at dwgorman@fcps.edu.


community

Inadvertent Family Education Rights and

Privacy Act Disclosure

In a letter to the community, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid followed up on an inadvertent Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) disclosure to a parent. 


⛄ Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit our winter resources webpage for links to academic support; mental health support; and food, clothing, housing, and other county resources.


School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.


Promoting Mental Wellness During Winter Break

Although mental health indicators have improved over the past year, Fairfax County Youth Survey (FCYS) data suggest that more than 25% of students in 8th to 12th grade feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more in a row. The holidays can be a time to reduce stress, but they can also contribute to it. Here are some tips for making winter break a positive time for the young people in your life.


SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE Downtime

ParentVUE and StudentVUE will experience downtime from Friday, December 15, at 5 p.m. through Wednesday, December 20, at 6 a.m. 

Grade Book progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break. Emails will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.