Important Upcoming Dates
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01/22/24 5:00-9:00pm- SCHS Crew Club Fundraiser- Chipotle
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01/24/24 4:00-9:00pm- SCHS Theatre Booster Fundraiser- Squisito
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01/25/24- End of Second Quarter- Early Release (two-hour)
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01/26/24- Student holiday/Teacher Work Day
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02/05/24-02/09/24- National School Counseling Week
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02/07/2024- Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
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02/15/2024- School Resource Office Appreciation Day
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02/19/2024- Presidents Day (No School)
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02/22/2024- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
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03/05/2024- Student Holiday- School Planning Day for staff
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03/22/2024- Deadline for Senior Dues
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03/25-03/29- Spring Break
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Warm wishes to our SoCo families,
Wow! We had two snowfalls this week that impacted our school operations. That’s very surprising to me after going all last year without ANY snow. I sincerely hope everyone was able to stay warm and safe as we bunkered down with our families through this frigid air. One thing that’s not surprising is the number of great experiences we had despite the weather. Let’s get to it!
Inspiring Instruction
Dan Velazquez and his STEM Engineering class had a wonderful lesson this week. Students have worked several weeks on their t-shirt launcher projects. Group leaders shared their team’s project via a PPT presentation. These presentations had great pictures, descriptions, and embedded videos.
Josh, Aileen, James, and Jayden all did a phenomenal job of not only sharing their respective group’s plans, but they also responded to questions from Mr. V. and me with professional and insightful remarks. These student leaders are more examples of the amazing talent that resides within SoCo!
Amazing Athletics
Senior Night for Gymnastics was another exceptional event! We competed that night against Alexandria City, Lake Braddock, and Annandale high schools. Our athletes performed exceptionally well. From the bars to the beam to floor to the vault, SoCo gymnasts excelled that evening! I’m so proud of these very dedicated student athletes!
One of the best parts of being a principal is having the opportunity to attend these after-school events, see our students perform in the spotlight, and then brag on them the next day. After Wednesday’s gymnastic meet, I happened to run into a few of these incredible athletes in the hallway. After spending time talking about their event and showing them some of the pictures I took, we came up with an idea to show our school spirit: synchronized toe touch jump! I always feel honored when teenagers want to engage in something fun with me, and these students made my day!
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After students leave school for the day, I often like to walk the hallways to see what’s happening with our various organizations. One day this week, I happened to see our ultra talented Crew team practicing. As a friendly reminder, this is NOT your garden-variety Crew team. The SoCo Crew athletes are performing at a superior level. Last year, they were nationally ranked, and that’s become a tradition for this particular group of Stallions. Keep up the great work, SoCo Rowers!
Parent Participation
PTSO continues working hard behind the scenes, with a planning meeting Wednesday night and the General meeting Thursday evening. I know some students often deter or discourage their parents from being as involved with their education once they arrive to high school, but I have always felt that this age of development is one that needs the MOST parental oversight and involvement. Seeing our parents come together and share information, questions, and celebrations is just another reason why we are all fortunate to work together in 2024. Speaking of working together …
This is a final reminder that our next Parent Advisory Council meeting is this Monday, January 22 at 6PM. We’re meeting in the library, and I look forward to sharing information about upcoming events, as well as hearing YOUR perspective about the experience of being a Stallion. In a similar way that the Faculty Advisory and Student Advisory groups operate, I enjoy listening to this group of parents. They provide advice to me on ways to continue improving our school’s culture so that every student feels accepted and that they belong at SoCo.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
Our custodians had two days of snow clean up this week. Several staff members have commented about how appreciative they were to have the parking lot and walkways cleared when they arrived to school following the snow. These Stallion heroes often work behind the scenes, keeping our school clean and safe for all stakeholders. If you happen to see a custodian this coming week, please take a moment to thank them for their tireless work. I came to school on Saturday to check on them, and I grabbed a quick picture of just a few members of this incredible team!
I hope you all have a dry and warm rest of your weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
Academic Advising for 2024-2025
South County Families,
We hope you all have enjoyed a restful winter break! We are excited to begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year with schoolwide programming taking place over the next few months.
Schoolwide programming will include the following:
January 24th — Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30pm
There will be a panel presentation for rising 9th grade families in the auditorium starting at 6pm. Content area teachers will also be available in the cafeteria to discuss core class and elective course offerings.
Grade Level Curriculum Orientations
School counselors will meet with students in large groups to present information about course offerings, sequencing, prerequisites for specific courses, and graduation requirements.
Rising seniors received a presentation during Advisory
Rising 9th grade (Middle School)
- January 31st during Advisory
Rising 11th grade
- February 16th during Advisory
Rising 10thgrade
Academic Advising Conferences
School counselors meet individually with their students to assist them in exploring their academic and postsecondary/career goals. Students will review their transcripts and select their courses for next school year.
- January 12th through January 24th
Rising 12th grade through USVA History classes
- February 5th through February 12th
Rising 11th grade through PE classes
- February 20st through February 26th
Rising 10th grade through PE classes
Students with an FCPS login can access our electives information here.
We are looking forward to working with your students for the upcoming academic advising season!
South County Student Services
Edison Academy Open House
Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (snow date is Saturday, February 10). We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA. Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses! Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or cjdeedy@fcps.edu if you need any additional information. Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on February 3rd.
See attached flyer
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.
The South County High School Athletic Booster Club
The South County High School Athletic Booster Club hosts their Annual Golf Classic to raise funds to support our athletic programs. It is also a great way to network with fellow community members and supporters of SCHS!
Our 17th Annual Golf Classic will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Laurel Hill Golf Club, across from South County High School.
Are you interested in being a sponsor this year? Please check out the sponsorship options or register to play on our website: https://birdease.com/schsgolf.
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!
PTSO
Happy 2024 South County families!
A South County Senior and his sister (Sophomore) have initiated another fundraising campaign to raise funds for Seniors at South County who are unable to meet the financial obligations of their senior year. This includes graduation dues and ANGP tickets.
All funds will be requested through school counselors in order ensure anonymity. All funds raised by these two exceptional students will be donated to the PTSO and earmarked for the financial support of Seniors with a demonstrated need.
Funds are being raised through the following go fund me site if you are interested in making a donation. https://gofund.me/7816e416
South County High School PTSO is partnering with Seasonal Roots, a local online farmers market, to bring healthy, delicious food to our community, to support local farmers and artisans, and to raise money to support the All Night Grad Party for our seniors!
Seasonal Roots is an online farmers market that delivers “dirt to doorstep” to families in Maryland and Virginia. Each week the market offers more than 150 items that are all grown and produced locally, sustainably, and ethically. Market items include fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, vegan specialties and more.
As part of this fundraiser for ANGP - new customers can join Seasonal Roots for 50% off the membership fee (a $25 savings!)
PLUS for every new customer who signs up, a $20 donation will be made to South County PTSO! WIN-WIN for everyone! Be sure to use promotional code SOCOANGP at https://www.seasonalroots.com/socoangp.
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
 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*
Awareness Month
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
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Quarter End, Early Release and Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
Quarter End, Early Release, and Student Holiday Thursday, January 25,is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher work day. See the complete school year calendar.
South County ATHLETICS
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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