Important Upcoming Dates
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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
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo family,
We had fantastic week two of school this past week! From classroom visits to hallway conversations to seeing our students excel in sports, there was so much happening this four-day week of school. Let’s reflect on the wonderful accomplishments of our Stallions!
Sense of Belonging
One of the ways I often advocate for students to feel like they belong at school is by getting involved in clubs, sports, or music programs. This past week, I had the pleasure of seeing some outstanding student-athletes perform on our Girls Volleyball teams! Our Freshmen, JV, and Varsity athletes truly dug deep to support one another.
The Freshmen team was exciting to watch. They served up success throughout the night! Just like in life, it's all about setting the right goals and spiking any challenges that come our way! Way to go, Freshmen!
Meanwhile, the JV team was equally athletic, proving that success is a team effort!
Lastly, the Varsity team dug deep and showed that in sports and in life, it's all about making the right moves, staying in the game, and always going for the ace!
High Quality Instruction
At SoCo, we have a powerhouse team of top-notch instructional leaders who bring learning to life! One of our finest is Mr. Chiprut, our incredible World History 1 teacher. On Wednesday, he had his students journeying back in time, exploring prehistoric people and cultures. His storytelling style, paired with vivid pictures, had students hooked from the start. Teachers like Mr. Chiprut are the glue that makes learning stick, inspiring our students every day!
I also had the pleasure of watching student presentations in Mr. Velazquez’s STEM class. His students provided constructive feedback on t-shirt launchers that were previously built. These students sure know how to launch their ideas to new heights—especially when it comes to building t-shirt cannons!
School Culture:
We are excited to announce the installation of our new SoCo parking lot banners, proudly displayed for all to see! These vibrant banners celebrate our Stallion spirit and school pride, now posted high up on the poles, reminding everyone that at South County High, our pride is always reaching new heights!
Back to School Night was a real treat this year, as we saw hundreds of parents and students moving through the hallways this year. We are incredibly grateful to have had such a fantastic turnout at this annual event! When parents are involved in their child's education, it makes a world of difference. Students tend to perform better academically, feel more supported, and are more engaged in their learning. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students thrive! A special shout out to our incredibly supportive PTSO for hosting dinner with the staff, as well as providing valuable information to our parents about ways they can support.
And lastly for this section, … Ooh là là! The French department has given their section of the building a magnifique makeover! With new French décor that will make you say c'est incroyable, our students can now immerse themselves in the joie de vivre of French culture every day. Stop by to see how they've turned their corner into a little piece of Paris—c'est la vie at South County High!
Staff Spotlight:
This week’s spotlight shines on one of our valued security assistants, Brandon Cameron. Mr. Cameron, or Coach Cam as the students call him, is well respected by staff and students. He knows the greatest number of students by name, which is why I refer to him as a Human Google Machine. His photographic memory is something unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The great thing about Mr. Cameron is that at the root of that special talent is his love for our students. Thank you for being such a talented and involved Stallion, Brandon!
Club Corner:
This week’s focus on club’s brings us to the Women of the World club (WOW). Sponsored by Ms. Shanae Hill, this club encourages women to make a positive impact in their community and develop stronger voices through civic engagement and personal empowerment. At monthly meetings, they plan and hold events like Breast Cancer Awareness events, Galantines’ Day activities and other fun community engagement activities. Check them out on Instagram @soco.wow or Schoology - X43R 4KPF KPSJB. For more information, contact Ms. Hill at slhill@fcps.edu.
Spotlight: Weeks of Joy
In our 36 weeks of Joys initiative, we are committed to focusing on the positive events we have at SoCo. This week, I truly enjoyed our student voice activity, which asked students, “What can teachers do to help you feel more motivated in class.” This question was posed in a national magazine, and our Stallions had consistent remarks to peers from across the country. The number one factor our students highlighted was teachers using humor and incorporating fun in class. Here’s a snapshot of our results from this hallway activity.
Attendance Matters: Did you know?
- Both excused and unexcused tardies are counted towards chronic absenteeism
- One positive interaction with a trusted adult in the building can make a drastic impact on whether a student decides to come to school. Let’s work together to encourage students and staff to build positive relationships with one another.
- Freshman flagged for being chronically absent in middle school are reporting a welcoming and supportive start to the year!
As always, this is a friendly reminder to check the website for all thing SoCo: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/
Park It Right: Keeping Our Campus Safe and Sound!
Here are some important factors to keep in mind about school safety procedures at SoCo.
- The Meaning Behind South County Being a Closed Campus:
South County High operates as a closed campus to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff. This policy helps create a focused and secure learning environment.
- Why Student Drivers Cannot Use Their Parked Vehicles to Eat Lunch:
To maintain a safe and orderly environment, students are encouraged to enjoy their lunch in designated areas on campus. This helps us ensure that all students are accounted for and can be easily reached in case of emergencies.
- Parking Permits for Student Drivers:
Student drivers must purchase and display a valid parking permit to park on school grounds during school hours. This process helps us manage parking effectively and ensure that everyone has a safe and designated space. Failure to display a permit may result in citations or towing fines.
- Delivery Policies:
To maintain campus security and minimize disruptions, deliveries from outside vendors such as DoorDash, UberEats, Lyft, etc., are not allowed. We encourage students to bring their own meals or purchase lunch from the school cafeteria.
- Parent Food Deliveries:
If parents need to drop off food items for their students, these must be delivered to the main office. This policy helps us manage deliveries efficiently and ensures a secure campus environment.
- Consequences for Leaving Campus Without Permission:
Students who drive off campus without proper permission may face disciplinary actions. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and accountability of all students during school hours.
Summing It Up
In closing, as we continue this school year with our theme, Stand Strong, we encourage every member of our South County High family to embrace the strength within. Whether it's supporting your child with their studies, participating in school events, or cheering on our Stallions, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we stand strong, not just as individuals, but as a united community that believes in the potential of every student to thrive. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Kambar
#Stand_Strong
SEL Screener
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. All South County High School students will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account.
For more information about the SEL Screener including information on opting out please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Opt Out Form English
Opt Out Form Arabic.
Opt Out Form Chinese
Opt Out Form Korean
Opt Out Form Spanish
Opt Out Form Urdu
Opt Out Form Vietnamese
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
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
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September 11 National Day of Service
With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
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2024 Back to School Message – Sandy Anderson
2024 Back to School Message – Mateo Dunne
PTSO
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 (and places their first order), 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.
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
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