Important Upcoming Dates
-
02/19/2024- Presidents Day (No School)
-
02/22/2024- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
-
03/05/2024- Student Holiday- School Planning Day for staff
-
03/08-03/14- Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
-
03/14/2024- Hidden In Plain Sight
-
03/22/2024- Deadline for Senior Dues
-
03/25-03/29- Spring Break
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, Stallion Nation!
This past week, we celebrated Valentine’s Day, so I hope all the readers are feeling the love-vibe throughout the newsletter this week. What do we love about being at SoCo? Let’s look at this past week’s events!
School Culture
Our celebration of Black History Month (BHM) continued this week. I saw a BEAUTIFUL mural outside of Ms. Sargeant’s classroom. The theme of African Americans in the Arts is on full display in this creative work of art.
My hallway travels found two other teachers who proudly displayed their students’ work outside of their respective classrooms. First, Mr. Chiprut had a great display of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires
Around the corner and up on the second floor, Ms. Rinehart’s Astronomy class did an exceptional job of identifying and describing the moons around Saturn or Jupiter. I truly thought these posters were purchased from the store; they are THAT good!
And our Valentine’s week would not have been complete without at least a few hearts on display. First, appreciation goes out to Mrs. Peck and the leadership students for selling and delivering candy and flowers around the school to our student body.
I also want to acknowledge and thank Mrs. Straughn and her students for showing the love on Valentine’s Day in the upstairs C-hall area!
Excellent Events
We hosted a Blood Drive this past Wednesday. I appreciate all our student helpers who ensured that the check-in and -out processes ran smooth.
Friday afternoon, our School Counselors facilitated great scheduling lessons in auditorium for rising sophomores. Our current freshmen are still learning a lot about which classes are required and which ones they can choose, so I encourage parents to have in-depth discussions with your students. It’s important to ensure that students don’t overload themselves with too many rigorous classes, while at the same time they want to have a competitive transcript for whatever they choose to do after high school. I encourage students to do what I do whenever I have questions about classes: See a Counselor! They’re the experts and are best equipped to guide our students.
 |
We ended this week with an exceptional discussion from our BHM committee. Four professional musicians joined our students in the gym as they discussed a variety of topics, including what motivated them to go into music, how criticism shapes their music, and how collaboration benefits the music industry. A special shout-out goes to another one of brightest student leaders, Caury, who served as the emcee for this event.
Following the Question and Answer session with these talented musicians, another group of our students decorated an inviting lounge area for our visitors to debrief and relax. Thank you to these generous students and their sponsor, Ms. Lipsey, for putting the finishing touches of class on an exceptional day of learning.
Coming Attractions
I’m excited to start a new program in just under two weeks. On February 27 from 7:30am to 8:00am, this new Breakfast Breakdown with the Principal will invite students to have a light breakfast with me and give me feedback on important topics.
While they enjoy various juices, hot cocoa, and pastries, we will discuss such topics as ways we can improve Advisory classes next year, how we can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) but still ensure a “productive struggle” academically, and grading policies for our school. With AI, it’s amazing to reflect on just how far we have come with technology in such a short period of time. It wasn’t that long ago that the Internet was “the latest and greatest” thing to revolutionize our culture. To truly appreciate that, check out this link about news broadcasters discussing what the Internet was in 1994. Remember, it was as new then as AI is now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlJku_CSyNg
Back to the Breakfast event, I will begin advertising a sign-up for this event next week, but here’s a link that our newsletter subscribers can use to get the jump on this event: https://forms.gle/Rbi2w6EXUZNDSWPg7. You see, membership does have privileges!
Ticket sales for this year’s International Night event on March 2 are going on sale this coming week. The first option for purchasing tickets will go to parents from Feb. 18-25. The QR code will be sent out to parents via eNotify. Starting Feb. 26, ticket sales are open to everyone for both the 1:00 and 6:00 shows. I cannot emphasize enough for parents to purchase your tickets early. Both events WILL sell out, and we will NOT sell tickets at the door due to seating limitations. The only way to purchase tickets is electronically via the QR code we will send to you.
Lastly, please save the date for our PTSO Spring Fling Craft Show. This popular event is returning on April 20, 2024. Last year was one of the most enjoyable shows I have ever attended. We had a band, a train for young children, and even a dunk tank! No pressure to our PTSO, but that was a very high standard set last year. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for this year’s Craft Show!
Have a great weekend!
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
Hello families,
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 9 through 12 during the week of (03/08/2024-03/14/2024). Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link:
https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
Eating Disorder Parent Information
In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023),
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources about eating disorders. To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website.
In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.
Upcoming Events for Junior Families
Junior Parent Night (In Person) – February 28th at 6:30 PM in the SCHS Auditorium
Junior parents are invited to an overview on post-secondary options. Topics will include four-year college list building and admissions criteria, degree and certificate programs at Northern Virginia Community College, and employment training opportunities. The evening will briefly touch on exploring military options during senior year. Those already interested in military service after high school are encouraged to participate in the FCPS Military Night on March 20th as information will be presented in greater detail. Juniors will receive the same information during the school day from their school counselors on March 4th or March 8th.
College Night (Virtual) – March 12th at 7:00 PM
South County is partnering with Lake Braddock to host a panel of College Admission Representatives for juniors and their parents. A link to participate will be sent closer to the event date. The event will be recorded for those that are unable to attend live.
The topics to be covered include:
- Junior Year and the College Search
- Community College Options
- How Do Colleges Make Admission Decisions?
- Financial Aid/Scholarships & Private Schools
- Managing the Process and Student Decisions
FCPS Military Night (Virtual) – March 20th at 6:00 PM
FCPS Virtual Military Night is March 20, 2024, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This event features U.S. service academies, ROTC programs, congressional representatives, senior military colleges, and enlistment recruiters. It is open to all FCPS students and families interested in learning more about military education and service options. A zoom link and detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event date.
There’s no better way to remember your high school years than a book you can keep forever. Speaking of high school memories, parents can now order any size senior ad with a special Valentine's Week discount! Show your love for your senior student by using the code LOVE24 for 10% off at checkout! With limited space available for senior ads, you won't want to miss out!
*Discount ends 2/18
Senior Ad
Don't forget to purchase your yearbook!
Yearbook sale now!
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*
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
|
