Important Upcoming Dates
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08/26-08/27- Underclass Pictures (Grades 9-11) Pre-order
- 08/28/24- Save the Date Back to School Night
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08/30-09/02- Labor Day Holidays (No School)
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09/04/24- 6:00pm- Senior Parent Information Night (auditorium)
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10/09/24- 12th Graders SAT School Day
Labor Day Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
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Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings to the very best school community in the State of Virginia!
We had a FANTASTIC first week of school! While it wasn’t perfect, it was very close to that. I’m eager to share so many great memories with all of you, so let’s jump into my reflections for this week.
Student and Staff Belonging
Our first of three “big rocks” for this year surrounds student and staff belonging. It’s important that our Stallions feel that school is a place for them to enjoy, and that EVERY member feels that they are valued and respected.
One great way to commemorate your presence and value here at school is by having your school pictures taken. This Monday and Tuesday, August 26 and 27, are picture days for underclassmen. Pictures will be available about three weeks after they are taken. Pre-orders can be made online at https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001132248#login. For more questions about ordering, please email underclass@vosphoto.com.
Another way that students can feel a sense of belonging is by participating events outside of the school day. I’m referring to activities like our Senior Sunrise event, which took place at 5:45am this past Monday. Our students were perfectly behaved as they caught up with old friends and made new ones. This event made me so proud to be a Stallion!
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The sense of belonging to continue to grow at our first-ever First-Day Pep Rally. After student attendance was taken in period 1, teachers escorted their classes the gym for a school-spirited orientation for our students. Seniors walked in the gym to a loud ovation from all other students and staff who gathered prior to their arrival. Whether from the stands or on the gym floor, our staff and student body had several ways to express their Stallion pride, as well all look forward to the best year of high school. I appreciate everyone who was able to attend. Special note: In case anybody wonders if our staff is competitive, check out the last picture, which clearly captures one of our Assistant Principals, Mrs. Tolan, starting the relay race early before the rest of the competitors even left the starting line. Now that’s being motivated to win!
High Quality Instruction
A second priority that we are focusing on this year is high quality instruction. Mrs. Cameron’s Advisory class was one of many that engaged in a fun-filled challenge this week. They enjoyed participating in their lesson collaboratively, which focused on what this year’s theme, Stand Strong, means to them. As she noted, “My advisory class loved today’s challenge. Competition was fierce but friendly.”
School Culture
The culture we set at SoCo is our third focal point for this year. In addition to the Senior Sunrise and First-Day Pep Rally, I wanted to share results from our student survey we collected during our pre-week Stallion Stampede Student Orientation. The question was asked of students, “In one word, what do you hope for this year?” Here are the results:
Staff Spotlight
I try to limit this section to one staff member each week. However, there were just too many people who made this first week so special that I couldn’t limit it to one. I’ll reserve this week’s focus to be limited to the Pep Rally. First, I have to thank Mr. Brian Mason for emceeing this event. Mr. Mason is an EXCEPTIONAL History teacher, as his students always attest to, but he took it to another level by hosting this first-ever event. His energy and enthusiasm kept our Pep Rally “peppy” the entire time!
I also want to highlight Sean Miller, our Social Studies Department Chair, who served as our DJ! Ever the consummate professional, Sean masterfully “spun” the energy at the Rally, keeping the beats—and the crowd – pumped up all day long!
Finally, I have to recognize Mrs. Tolan, our “motivated” AP who spear-headed this Pep Rally. Mrs. Tolan’s creativity is only one of her many strengths. She serves in many capacities, but one she truly enjoys is leading our school culture. We’re fortunate to have her as part of our SoCo family!
Speaking of school culture, at SoCo we enjoy celebrating all of our students’ accomplishments. I was pleasantly surprised recently when I received an email from the Department of Defense, learning that one of our Stallions was selected as one of 36 students nationwide to be part of the Joint Science and Technology Institute West. Sage Hofmann, a current senior, traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico,to expand her knowledge and experience with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Way to go, Sage!
Club Corner
Each week, I will introduce a new club to you, showcasing their purpose and fun activities they will be participating in. Coming out of the gate first will be DECA, which is a student-led organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through activities such as social/networking events, community service, field trips, guest speakers, and competition, DECA encourages its members to become academically prepared, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders in the community and beyond. Follow @socodeca on Instagram to see their latest news.
ALL interested students & parents – please attend an informational DECA session to learn more about DECA, and how you can be involved!
Keeping It Classy!
For those of you who have student drivers, please remind them that we only allow students to park on campus who have a valid SoCo parking pass. Students who park in the Visitors spots or in the Faculty Lot receive parking tickets. We did not issue any the first week of school because students are just learning the expectations, but we will start enforcing this policy beginning this coming week. Thank you for your support in advance.
5 Things You Need to Know about Next Week
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Back to School Night (BTSN) is this Wednesday, August 28, 2024. There are several pre-BTSN events starting at 5:30pm, including information about our PTSO, ParentVue, and School Nutrition services, among several others. The event itself starts at 6:00pm, as parents will walk through their student’s schedule that night. Logistics for this night will be shared over the PA system that evening. This event is meant to highlight class policies and procedures; however, it is NOT a night for individual parent-teacher conferences. Parents will spend eight minutes in each class, followed by a transitional period of eight minutes to travel to each other class. We look forward to seeing as many of you here as possible.
- We start keeping track of tardies to school and between classes this Monday, Aug. 26. Please discuss with your student the importance of getting to class on time. Consequences for tardiness happen collectively between classes, which means if a student earns two tardies to period 1 and three tardies to period 3, that student has earned five total tardies. Lunch detention is issued when a student reaches 10 tardies.
- We are excited to announce that parents are now able to enter ONLYfull day absences through ParentVue. Please be sure to specify in the notes the reason for the absence. If you have to report a late arrival, early release or an absence longer than 2 days, please call or email the attendance office at 703-446-1625 or attendance@fcps.edu.
- I will make announcements every day this upcoming week to students, reminding them of our county-wide expectations for cell phone use. I want all of you to know of the most recent legislation coming from the VDOE, which is considering an even tighter restriction of cell phone use at schools than we currently practice. Again, I ask that you have a conversation with your student about putting their cell phones away during instructional time, which is NOT limited to the classroom. Any time that class is in session, students must have their phones away. This includes when they leave class to go to the restroom, library, counselor, or for any other reason. As of the day I’m writing this message, students CAN use their phones before school, between classes, during lunch, and after school. These are the only times cell phone use is permitted.
- Several sports are starting this week, including Girls Volleyball on Monday, August 26 at home. Please come out and support our student-athletes as they compete and represent SoCo. It means the world to them when they see our community cheering them on!
Finally, this is a gentle reminder to continue checking our website for various news (https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/ ), as well as our school’s social media account (@south_county_hs).
Let’s continue to Stand Strong and support one another in our community, making SoCo a place where every student flourishes and feels appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Kambar
#Stand_Strong
📅 Date: Monday August 26th & Tuesday August 27th 2024
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two to three weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001132248#login
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email underclass@vosphoto.com
Information
- 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.
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.
Senior Families
Student Services has some upcoming events for both students and their families to assist you in your post-secondary planning.
For Parents/Guardians:
Senior Parent Information Night is coming up on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of post-secondary planning including:
- College selection and admissions timelines
- College application components
- Process for sending important documents such as official transcripts, counselor and teacher recommendations, and test scores when applicable
- Options available through Northern Virginia Community College
- Financial aid resources
- Brief overview of post-secondary options such as military enlistment, employment, and trade and technical education
For Students:
Seniors will participate in group meetings with their counselor to go over college and career planning topics and important Senior To-Dos for this fall during Advisory. Seniors with last names A-K will meet with their counselors on Tuesday, September 3rd and last names L-Z will meet on Thursday, September 5th. Students should check in with their Advisory teacher at the beginning of the period and wait to be dismissed to their designated locations. Counselors will also be following up with seniors throughout the fall to discuss individual plans.
Other:
In the meantime, seniors and parents can work on completing two important forms that help your counselor craft any required counselor recommendations. They are the "Request for Counselor Recommendation (Student Form)" and "Parent Input form" at this link: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/student-services/post-secondary-planning. Thank you to those of you who already submitted them last spring and over the summer.
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
AWARENESS
Overdose Awareness and Understanding the Dangers of Opioids
In Northern Virginia, consistent with national and state trends, the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities, including young adults and school-age children. Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain and can include prescription medication and illegal drugs.
Tragically, their misuse can lead to devastating outcomes. Fentanyl is an extremely fatal and especially powerful opioid, even in small doses. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl.
August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day. There are three things you can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl:
- Talk with children and loved ones in your life about the dangers of drug use, especially opioids. For more information about substance use among youth, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, please watch this webinar.
- Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse.
- Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose.
Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on our website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information on topics related to student well-being.
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We are excited to announce that parents are now able to enter ONLY full day absences through ParentVue.
Please be sure to specify in the notes the reason for the absence. If you have to report a late arrival, early release or an absence longer than 2 days, please call or email the attendance office at 703-446-1625 or southcountyhigh.attendance@fcps.edu. Thank you!
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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