Important Upcoming Dates
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08/19/2024- First Day of School
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08/28/24- Save the Date Back to School Night
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10/09/24- 12th Graders SAT School Day
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo Nation!
We had a fantastic Return Week for staff this past week. I have lots to share about reflections of this week, and equally important, our preparations for next week. Let’s get to it!
Student and Staff Belonging:
We have about 30 yearbooks from last year still available for purchase. If interested, students should see Mr. Zehner in room B-134. Payments are $100 cash only. Please email Mr. Zehner with questions at ztzehner@fcps.edu. Don't let this yearbook become history; grab one before they're all gone!
School Culture:
We had an amazing Stallion Stampede this past Thursday. Just as a pack of stallions exhibits raw energy and a collective spirit, a packed house of students and parents was on full display that day. I met several new friends and got reacquainted with some old ones. I want to give a shout-out in particular to Larry, who left quite the impression with me, my admin team, and the PTSO. You left us in stitches, Larry!
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Keeping the positive energy going, I’d like to highlight one of our freshmen students, Hobie Biliouris, who was recently featured in an article about his strong performance on a boys’ gymnastics team. I love hearing and reading stories like these. When one of us is successful, it brings positive attention to our entire school community. Way to go, Hobie! Here’s the article for those of you who wish to read more about this student-athlete’s amazing talent, along with a few pictures of Hobie performing: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.npr.org/2024/07/29/nx-s1-5021905/boys-gymnastics-olympics-us-men__;!!Pwvz7ORF!NmdJgt3afjT1mDZFUMYQAFlQCPL_B3UaTD_E6vhVMtkCiMz6BZLoOcBI9au6iNfG1C6YxgMMqO8lZUgrwlBWjxT7nck$
On the last day of this past week, our staff was treated to the most delicious cupcakes from our Student Leadership team. Our teachers were definitely “eating up” the leadership skills of these student bakers, one cupcake at a time!
Another big culture item that was donated to our school happened this past summer. As recently graduated Thomas O’Donnell completed his Eagle Scout Project, he donated two new podiums for our staff to enjoy. Thank you for your hard work and contributions, Thomas! We’ll put your hard work to great use this year!
New opportunities for student involvement continue to appear. There was a recent article published about two of FCPS’s newest sports: Boys Volleyball and girls Varsity Wrestling. While the article is not specifically about SCHS, it does outline the popularity of these sports: https://www.ffxnow.com/2024/08/12/fcps-gets-set-for-varsity-boys-volleyball-and-girls-wrestling-programs/
Staff Spotlight:
I want to give a HUGE shout-out to our School-Based Technology Specialist, Leslie Lewis. She presented professional development this week to our staff on two separate but important matters: Setting up their gradebooks and (co-presenting) Universal Design for Learning. She is an ultra-talented Stallion who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty!
5 Things You Need to Know about Next Week:
- In support of House Bill 1473, passed by the 2024 General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Health have developed a Fentanyl Education and Awareness Informational One-Pager. All Virginia public schools are required to distribute this one-pager to all students in grades 9-12 within the first two weeks of the 2024-2025 school year.
- For rising seniors, we are hosting our annual Senior Sunrise this Monday, August 19 at 5:45am at the track. I plan to be there and look forward to sharing pictures of that event with you next week.
- We're hosting a Pep Rally on the first day of school, and we’re kicking off the year with a burst of Stallion pride! Our staff are bringing their A-game, packed with positive energy, and we know our amazing student body will rise to the occasion and match that spirit! Let’s make this year unforgettable!
- I’m hosting my Office on Wheels event this first week. This allows me to bring my laptop on a cart and park in the hallway to be more accessible to students and staff. I like to survey students at that time as well, so we’ll have some results to share with you then. The survey question will be, “What are loving about SoCo this week?”
- Remember that we are starting our new Cell Phone policy this week. This policy is in response to Governor Youngkin signing Executive Order #33 requiring all schools in the Commonwealth to have a “cell phone free education.” Please talk with your student(s) about not using their cell phones during the class period, whether they are inside the classroom or in another part of the school. They are only permitted to use their phones before school, during class transition periods, lunchtime, or after school.
As always, please remember to check our website for latest news: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/.
As we begin this exciting new school year, I wish all of our students an amazing first week as Stallions. Let's saddle up and embrace the challenges ahead with the strength and spirit that define us. Remember, Stallions, we stand strong—every step of the way!
Go Stallions!
Kambar
#StandStrong
We’re Eager to Welcome You Back-to School!
As summer winds down, our school and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Before the first day of school, make sure you have completed the following:
- Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar [add contact info] if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
- Update Your Contact Information
To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
- Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.
Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
- Prepare for Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
NEW: REPORT FUTURE ABSENCES THROUGH PARENTVUE
Starting August 19th, parents and caregivers can report up to two (2) consecutive full-day absences using ParentVUE.
All Day Absences: The Attendance feature in ParentVUE is the FCPS secure web solution for reporting all day absences.
Partial Absence: To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance, please email us at southcountyhigh.attendance@fcps.edu
Parent and caregiver instructions are available on the Attendance page. The Parent Support Request page now includes under Application “SIS Parent” the Inquiry “Report Absences” option.
Logistical Information:
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School Calendar: The FCPS 2024-25 school calendar is available online.
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Student Laptops: Students will pick up their laptops the first week of school.
Immunization Information:
Families of students with incomplete immunization records need to provide acceptable proof of immunization to their child's school as soon as possible. You can find the list of required immunizations on the General Registration Immunizations webpage.
If your child’s immunizations are incomplete, here is what you need to do:
- Get your child’s immunization record from one of these places:
- Request immunization records for free through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS).
- If your child was immunized outside Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
- Request records from your healthcare provider. Some may charge for copies.
- Submit your child’s immunization record to SCHS. Families should submit their child’s completed immunization records before September 30.
- Student Consent Forms moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC) on August 1
Starting August 1, 2024, student consent forms will be on the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC).
Forms available in the PDC starting in the 2024-2025 school year include:
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- School Counseling Opt-Out
- Digital Resources Consent
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
- Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
- Family Life Education Opt-Out
- SOL Retest Permission
- Hazel Health
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Opt-Out
- SOS Screener Opt-Out
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
- Emergency Care Form, Health Information Form and Medications
The goal of the health room is to ensure your student experiences a healthy and safe school year. To proactively plan, we ask that parents/guardians complete the Online/Verification Update packet in SIS ParentVUE to include emergency contact information, Health Information Forms, and Emergency Care Forms. The Online Verification Update (OVU) packet allows parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS and kindergarten through 12th grade. The enrolling parent will be able to access OVU through their SIS ParentVUE account. To assist you, follow this link to the site.
If your student will have a medication at school, please complete the appropriate authorization form: medication, inhaler and/or epinephrine. A new authorization form is required annually for medications kept in the health room, and for students who self-carry emergency medications such as inhalers or epinephrine. Please note that an authorization form is also required for medications needed during any FCPS-sponsored activity occurring outside of regular school hours (ex: field trips, sports, band, drama, chorus, etc.) in accordance with FCPS Medication Administration Regulation 2102.
Parents may drop off unexpired medications and forms in the health room on :
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- Monday 8/19: 8:30-3:00 pm
Once school begins, medication may be dropped off any school day from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Students who are self-carrying emergency medication may drop off authorization forms in the health room.
Medication Guidelines
FCPS continues to follow medication protocols to help ensure the safety of medication administration at school. Important requirements include:
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- Any time you drop off or pick up a controlled medication in the health room, both the parent/guardian and School Health Aide/FCPS staff member will complete and sign a Medication Delivery/Pick Up Form documenting, among other things, the type and quantity of medications dropped off/picked up. A copy of the completed form will be provided to the parent/guardian and school administrator.
- Medications will be reviewed to ensure the medication description on the container/packaging matches the medication in the container.
- All prescription medications must have a pharmacy label on the original pharmacy container. Over the counter (OTC) medications must be in an unopened original container. It is not acceptable for parents/guardians to bring in refills and transfer those medications into the container in the health room throughout the school year.
- Only a 30-day supply of prescription medications should be brought to school. No more than 100 tablets or pills of OTC medication should be brought to school.
SAT School Day Intent to Participate
On Wednesday, October 9, South County High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 4.
South County High School: 2024 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form https://forms.gle/22qb7SXb3GR97u9Y7
Your student will need to use a @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. A translated version of the form content may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43896). FCPS sites cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the exam.
For more information, please see the SCHS SAT School Day webpage. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at South County High School, please contact Chris Bird at cwbird@fcps.edu or at 703-446-1643.
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Cheer, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Marching Band, and Volleyball with an Individual or Group Senior Ad in the Fall Sports Program!
The Deadline is Sept. 6, 2024
Please order on the SCABC Square site: https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs or contact Elena Jordon at scabcsponsorship@gmail.com for more information.
Senior Ad Form Fall 2024
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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