Mustang Weekly, April 5, 2024

principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

Welcome back to the 4th quarter! It may have been a short week, but it has been very productive. I am seeing fantastic effort and focus in our classrooms and hallways, so let us keep up this positive momentum and finish strong as we head into the final portion of our school year. As always, thank you so much for your support, and please let us know if you have any questions, feedback, or concerns. Enjoy your weekend!

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


put this on your calendar

UPCOMING DATES

Wednesday, April 10 - No School, Eid al-Fitr

Friday, April 19 - Staff vs Student Volleyball Game

Friday, May 3 - No School, Teacher Workday


Month of the Military Child graphic

 

April is the Month of the Military Child.  South County Middle School invites our military students and their families to a celebration breakfast on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 8-9am.  FCPS defines military students as those with a parent or stepparent who is active-duty military, serving in the reserves or National Guard, or recently retired from service.

This will be a time for us to celebrate and honor the sacrifices made by our military students, and the commitment of their families.  We want to provide an opportunity for our military families to connect with each other and with our school community, as well as introduce our Military Family Life Counselor and celebrate our Purple Star School status.

Please RSVP using this google form.  If you are unable to attend but would still like your military student to participate, please email Melissa Shaffer mjshaffer@fcps.edu.


Athletic Physicals for Middle School Sports

Athletic physicals are required for middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in middle school sports during the 2024-25 school year.   These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form: FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE).

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.


rise against hunger

Rise Against Hunger

The 8th Grade Day of Service is just around the corner. We are still trying to raise money, $1,715, for Rise Against Hunger by April 15th. If you want to spread the word, feel free to share the link below with your family, friends, and on social media: http://tinyurl.com/RHSDonationSCMS.


Student Laptops

Effective after spring break South County Middle School will start charging students for broken assigned student laptops.  This will apply to damage above superficial wear and tear of the device.

Laptop

$444

LCD Screen Replacement

$80

Keyboard Replacement

$14

Laptop Fan

$6

Top/Bottom Cover

$30

Palm rest/Keyboard (all in one)

$52

Screen

$89

Please remind and work with your students to ensure that they are being responsible users of the school equipment.  Middle School students can be very rough on the equipment and we need them to be more responsible for their assigned laptops.  As a reminder you are able to opt your student out of the FCPSOn laptop program if you choose to.


community

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit  

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan


Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule: 

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.  

Foros Comunitarios sobre los Horarios de Inicio de las Escuelas IntermediasLas Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax están explorando opciones para ajustar los horarios de inicio de las escuelas intermedias e invitan al público a formar parte del proceso. En todos los foros se hará la misma presentación y se ofrecerán las mismas oportunidades para hacer comentarios. Por favor, asista al evento que mejor se adapte a su horario: 

La inscripción no es obligatoria, pero ayuda a planificar. Haga clic en la fecha del acto para inscribirse. Habrá servicio de interpretación y guardería. Más información sobre el proyecto de exploración de los horarios de inicio de la enseñanza media.  


Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will discover how FCPS is integrating this program into the classroom to support student literacy growth. Tips for supporting students at home will also be shared. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade. 

📖 Noche de Lexia para Padres: Cómo Ayudamos a su Hijo a Aprender a LeerAsista a una noche de información virtual para aprender acerca de Lexia el martes, 9 de abril a las 6:30 p.m. Los participantes descubrirán cómo FCPS está integrando este programa en el aula para apoyar el crecimiento de alfabetización de los estudiantes. También se compartirán consejos para apoyar a los estudiantes en casa. Integrando Lexia en el currículo de alfabetización se alinea con el Acta de Alfabetización de Virginia, Acceso Equitativo a la Alfabetización de FCPS, y la Meta 3 del Plan Estratégico 2023-30 de FCPS, que apunta a que todos los estudiantes lean al nivel al final del tercer grado.