Important Upcoming Dates
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03/25-03/29- Spring Break
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03/29/24- Good Friday
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03/31/24- Easter
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04/01-04/02- School Planning Day/Teacher Work Day (No School)
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04/01-04/05- National Assistant Principals Week
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04/02-04/08- Week of the Youth Child
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04/04/24- School Librarian Day
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04/07-04/14- National Library Week
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04/10/24- 4-8pm- Fundraiser Panera SCHS Theatre Boosters
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04/10/24- Eid al-Fitr
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04/17/24- Purple Up! Month of the Military Child
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04/22-04/26- Public School Volunteer Week
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04/22/24- Earth Day
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04/22-04/23- Passover
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04/24/24- Theravada New Year
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04/24/24- Administrative Professionals Day
Student Attendance Reminders
Parents are encouraged to provide a minimum of 2 hours notification for early releases, last minute requests may delay early dismissals. Any student leaving school without checking out through the attendance office will be marked UNV. Parents can pick-up their children outside of Door 1.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Read more at Britannica.com.
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A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! This year's Easter artwork was created by Falls Church High School student Dayanara M. The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who sacrificed so that Christians may have life with God after death. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
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School Planning/Teacher Work Days
There will be no school for students on April 1 and 2 for school planning/teacher work days. See the complete School Year Calendar.
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Dear SoCo family,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the beginning of Spring Break! As we dive into the latest happenings at our school, we have exciting updates to share with you.
Innovative Instructional Practices!: Our students in Mrs. Straughn's Spanish Heritage speaking class recently showcased their creativity and knowledge through captivating presentations on nutrition. They transformed into restaurant entrepreneurs, crafting their own menus while delving into discussions about the healthiness of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. It was a delightful and educational experience for everyone involved!
Awards Galore!
DECA Achievements: We're incredibly proud of our 11 students who have qualified for the International Competition! Their outstanding performance at the State level speaks volumes about their dedication and skills. Special congratulations to:
- 1st Place overall in Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making: Christian Hunt & Eric Eggar
- 3rd Place overall in Business Services Management: Annabelle Logan
- 4th Place overall in Sports & Entertainment: Dominic Zakar
- 6th Place overall in Quick Service & Restaurant Management: Kate Stafford
- 6th Place overall in Integrated Marketing Campaign: Product: Melisa Grigorescu & Emily Logan
- 7th Place overall in Professional Selling: Sadie Castleman
- Other qualifiers: Student Based Enterprise: Ross West, Trey Hess, Jason Stewart, & Selome Yard
- Hospitality & Tourism Team Decision Making: Gideon Abebe & William Allen
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Regional Science Fair Success: Congratulations to Julia Sites and Amelia Johnson for their outstanding achievement at the South County Science Fair! Their project, "The Effect of Artificial Light on Skyglow," not only won first place but also qualified them for regionals. At regionals, they received 1st out of the 33 other Physics and Astronomy projects. April 12-13 is the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair at Old Dominion University. Due to Amelia's prior commitment, Julia will be the one competing at states. I speak for our entire school community as we congratulate both students on this outstanding accomplishment, as well as wish Julia the best of luck at the next level of competition.
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VMEA’s "Blue Ribbon Award": We're thrilled to announce that we have been recognized as a "Blue Ribbon" school by the Virginia Music Educators Association. This prestigious award reflects our commitment to musical excellence across band, orchestra, and choral performances. Each of these three disciplines in a school must have their most advanced groups receive a rating of "Superior" at Assessment to qualify for this award. Congratulations go out to our students in each of these programs, as well as the respective Directors in each program (Mr. Engdahl, Mrs. Swift, and Ms/x. Rodriguez). Go SoCo!!!
Student Peace Award Recipient: A round of applause for Eden Aklog, who received the Student Peace Award of Fairfax County for her remarkable contributions to the New Hope Rehabilitation and Healing Center. Eden's dedication and efforts are truly commendable. Eden, along with other high school ambassadors, helped raise funds for the Center through local car washes, bake sales, and -- most prominently -- an auction at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC which raised approximately five-thousand dollars for New Hope. To read more about this award, please go to https://fairfax.studentpeaceawards.org/eden-aklog/.
Please join me in congratulating our very own, Eden Aklog, for this amazing and inspirational recognition!
Culture Corner:
Women’s History Month: To celebrate Women’s History Month, a guest speaker, Dr. Allison Smith, joined our students in the auditorium to share her remarkable career. As a distinguished figure with over 35 years of civil and military service to our nation, Dr. Smith’s career path from a U.S. Army Combat Veteran to her current role as Director of the Office of Defense Trade Controls Management is truly inspiring. Her message of advocacy and the impactful role of women throughout history resonated deeply with our students.
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Student Voice on the Go!: I want to share one of my favorite ways to solicit student voice about our school culture. Having students write responses on a dry erase board allows me to have a chance to interact with a multitude of students in a brief amount of time. After reading an article about the importance of students feeling like they belong at school, I decided to “take it to the street” and see what SoCo students would say. Students decided if they felt like they belonged or didn’t belong at school, and then identify a word that described that feeling a bit more. Here are the results. The first picture is the entire board, followed by a closer-up picture of the “Belong” column. It’s nice to see teenagers feeling so good about school!
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Cultural Celebrations: I want to wish a Happy Easter and Passover to all our families celebrating these joyous occasions! May your homes be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. Wishing you a season of renewal, blessings, and happiness.
Upcoming Initiatives: Additionally, I had the pleasure of attending a training session this week, where we delved into two exciting initiatives that will shape our educational landscape in the coming months and years: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Universal Design Learning (UDL). AI encompasses the use of technology and algorithms to enhance learning experiences and personalize education for students. On the other hand, UDL focuses on creating inclusive and accessible learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. It's an exhilarating time to be on the cusp of such innovative concepts that will undoubtedly enrich our students' educational journey.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Wishing you a wonderful spring filled with joy and success!
Warm regards,
Kambar
#OneStallion
Together As One!
April is the annual celebration of Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experiences of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. We’re creating a display for the Month of the Military Child that visually portrays the many different locations that SOCO students have lived and moved throughout their lives. If you would like to participate, we encourage you to complete the google form below, that will allow us to collect the information for the display.
MOMC Map Display Link
2024 Basketball Summer Camp
See attached Flyer
2024 Volleyball Summer Camp
https://www.stallionsvolleyball.com/
The SCHS Theatre Boosters are hosting a restaurant night on Wednesday, April 10th from 4-8pm at Panera at 9402 Lorton Market Street from 4-8pm. Enter/share the promo code FUND4U or show the flyer and SCHS Theatre Boosters will get 25% of the proceeds!
Virtual Drug Presentation Messaging
The Fairfax Prevention Coalition is hosting a virtual presentation on Effective Drug Presentation Messaging on April 10, 2024 from 1-3PM EST, featuring Barbara de Nekker with Community-The Anti-Drug Coalition (CTAD). This presentation is open to all who inspire drug free youth. Please share the attached flyer with your teams and networks. Registration link can be found here
Don't forget to purchase your yearbook!
Yearbook sale now!
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
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