Important Upcoming Dates
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03/05/2024- Student Holiday- School Planning Day for staff
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03/08-03/14- Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
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03/14/2024- Hidden In Plain Sight
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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
Greetings, SoCo family,
Welcome to a review of the last full week of February. That’s right! Next week we roll into March. Time sure does fly when you’re having a good time, which we strive to do each week at SoCo. Here are just a few of the many examples of us having a good time this week.
Academic Conversations
I had the pleasure of observing two OUTSTANDING teachers this week. Earlier in the year, I participated in a training session that emphasized the importance of having students engage in academic conversations during class. In essence, the focus is placed on having students discuss topics that they are learning, rather than being passive receivers of the content. Both Ms. Effgen and Ms. Anderson could teach a class on this! Both English teachers taught students their material, and then gave them the opportunity to engage in discussions with classmates and themselves about their understanding of the learning target for that day. We are very fortunate to have these two student-centered teachers at our high school!
Exceptional Upcoming Events
We have our Hidden in Plain Sight presentation being held in the Silverbox on March 14 at 6:30pm. Please mark your calendars for this free event if you are interested in hearing from our School Resource Officer, Mr. Cottom, and Substance Abuse Counselor, Ms. Marshall, about signs of risky behavior that teenagers engage in. For more information, you can contact Ms. Marshall at cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu.
Our ticket sales for International Night are open to the community beginning this Monday, Feb. 26. The event is on March 2, with two show times: 1:00 and 6:00pm. If you haven’t already done so, please register for your tickets on our website at .. This event WILL sell out, so don’t delay in getting your tickets early. No tickets will be sold at the door. Here are the links for each show:
Tickets Sale 1:00 P.M Show
Tickets Sale 6:00 P.M Show
I’m looking forward to hosting our first-ever Breakfast Breakdown this Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30am in the main office. This is an opportunity for students to share ideas for school improvement with me, as well as for me to respond to any questions they have. With so many of our students having jobs and/or participating in after-school events, this is a chance for them to share their thoughts with me and avoid having a scheduling conflict with after-school responsibilities. To sign up, please click on the link below. To date, we don’t have many students signed up, so we may need to reschedule this event and have more advertising time if the numbers don’t increase. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRPsiovXG1RhtsLCXMfCNKYIElp012L1a1nR4xdIBgZHOU8g/viewform.
Finally, I’d like to shine the spotlight on our newest club, Bring Change to Mind. This is a national organization whose mission is to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. I want to thank the president of this club, Maya Martinos, along with the other club members who posted this banner on the wall across from Student Services this week. Both adults and students are encouraged to take one of these uplifting messages if they need one. Talk about bringing a positive vibe to our school’s culture!
Enhancing School Culture
Each week, I enjoy sharing with the community the clever lessons and ways that we display student work throughout our building. This week’s focus centers on Mr. Kingston’s Social Studies class. After his students studied the Progressive Era, students shared their knowledge of Progressive Reformers in this artistic way. The wall outside his classroom is literally covered in dozens of student work samples, so I’m including a close-up picture of one great example of the content students learned.
I hope all of you find time to relax this weekend.
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
2024 Basketball Camp
Who | Basketball Enthusiasts Ages 7 - 15, Boys
Time | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost | $207 per session
($195 + $12 Fee)
$185.50 per session for additional siblings
($175 + $10.50 Fee)
Save $20 if you sign up for multiple sessions
Location | South County HS Gym (Entrance #12)
Camp Includes:
- Daily Skill Instruction from SC Coaches & Players
- 1 on 1 Tournament
- Hot Shot Contest
- Free Throw Contest
- Individual & Team Awards
- Free Camp T-Shirt
What to bring
- Basketball shoes
- Athletic shorts
- T-shirt
- Water Bottle
- Campers may bring a lunch or purchase lunch from the CONCESSION STAND
CAMP DATES:
June 17th-21st
June 24th- 28th
July 8th-12th
REGISTER NOW
https://www.stallionsboysbasketball.com/basketball-camp.cfm
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.
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.
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, and Crew with a Senior Ad in the Spring Sports Program!
Deadline is March 15, 2024! Please order on the SCABC Square site: https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Contact Elena Jordon at 703-302-0197 for more information.
Senior Ad Form
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
Stress, Trauma & Coping
The experience of traumatic events shapes us, no matter if they happened during childhood or as an adult. Trauma is an event or series of circumstances that have lasting effects on mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Stress occurs from our minds and bodies identifying an event as physically or emotionally life-threatening. The situation triggers our survival instincts and our natural fight-flight-freeze response. But our minds and bodies cannot sustain being in survival mode for extended periods of time. Sometimes, those who experience high amounts of stress and traumatic situations are unable to process or move past what has happened and are stuck in a loop.
Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations. The effects of traumatic events place a heavy burden on the individual, connected families, and communities. Responses to stress and traumatic experiences are personal. There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Historical trauma is critical to understanding the progress and plight of African American mental health and wellbeing. During February the contributions into the culture and history of the United States of America from African Americans are highlighted and celebrated.
Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are important. Creating a strategy of helpful coping skills to pull from prepares us to face difficult moments while increasing levels of resilience and feelings of wellbeing. Here are a few tips to add to your coping strategies:
- Seek mental health and/or substance use treatment.
- Identify one or more people you feel safe with who can help to hold you accountable.
- Develop, repair, or maintain healthy relationships for internal and external support.
- Learn and practice self-regulation skills.
- Encourage yourself and others.
- Find ways to increase your self-esteem.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Model healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations.
- Identify your triggers and practice ways to work through them.
Resources:
Why Historical Trauma is Critical to Understanding Black Mental Health
Addressing Childhood Trauma Starts with Family Support
Violence Prevention
ACEs and Minorities
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
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
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