Important Upcoming Dates
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09/30/24- 6:30-8:30pm Hidden In Plain Sight (Silver Box)
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10/09/24- 12th Graders SAT School Day
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Well wishes are extended to our SoCo families!
We have a very busy but productive week in so many ways. From special themed days to incredibly positive instructional experiences, our Stallions are displaying school pride in so many areas. Let’s look at what we’ve accomplished and experienced this week.
Victory at Home! A Game to Remember!
In a dazzling display of determination, SoCo football triumphed over West Springfield with a spectacular 43-25 victory! But the win was only part of the story—our Stallion spirit truly stole the show. The Spirit Squad’s spirited shouts, the cheerleaders’ cheers, and the band’s booming beats created a crescendo of community camaraderie. Fans feasted on fabulous fare from our Band Parents’ concession stand and sampled scrumptious selections from a variety of vibrant vendors. It was a home opener bursting with brilliant bonding, proving once again that our Stallion pride can’t be beat!
Student and Staff Belonging
One of the Assistant Principals, Mrs. Tolan, and I engaged in a Walk and Talk activity with two of our outstanding Stallions, Giselle and Brooke. They both are enjoying their classes and our positive school culture. They identified Mr. McCormally and Ms. Blesi has their trusted adults, recognizing that they genuinely care for their students and make learning fun. The insights I continue to gain from these casual conversations is assisting me with recognizing the accomplishments and strengths of our school, while also finding the areas in which we need to improve. I truly appreciate the candor that both students share with us.
High Quality Instruction
Last week, I referenced the sample newsletter to staff that our Instructional Coach, Dr. Omohundro, offers this year. Here’s a sample of it for all to see.
Early in the week, I had the privilege of observing Mr. Crichton’s AP Physics class. The students completed a lab on estimating the collision location of two toy vehicles. These AP Physics students are really crushing gravity in the lab—talk about force to be reckoned with!
I had the pleasure of observing Mrs. Ballard’s AP English Language class, which stands out as one of the most welcoming and supportive environments in our school. As students focused intently on preparing for an upcoming exam, Mrs. Ballard shared a truly inspiring message: “Remember, you are more than a score or grade. You are young individuals who are already remarkable, and this is just one assignment. I believe in you!” Her words remind us all that kindness and encouragement from teachers are key to helping students grow to their full potential. Kudos to Mrs. Ballard for delivering such a meaningful and uplifting message!
School Culture:
We had several impactful events that left a positive result on our school culture this week. First, we had a wonderful faculty meeting early the week. We intentionally changed around a few formats, including the focus of including student performances, celebrating staff accomplishments, giving out raffles (thank you to our PTSO!), engaging in staff-lead Professional Development, and reserving the content to items that we need to discuss (with all remaining items being emailed to staff). A next day survey revealed an overall satisfaction rating of 4.1 (on a 5-point scale), which is rather high for faculty meetings! Here are just a few of the activities we enjoyed together:
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In the spirit of celebrating our dedicated team, I'm excited to introduce the new "Super Stallion" award program. This initiative allows any of our valued stakeholders—students, parents, or colleagues—to nominate staff members who consistently demonstrate exceptional engagement and build positive relationships within our community. To submit a nomination, simply complete a card available in the main office or use the attached form and submit it directly to me. Each month, we’ll select two Super Stallion winners during our faculty meeting to receive a gift card. And remember, in a culture of appreciation, everyone wins—because even if your name isn’t drawn for a prize, you still receive the most valuable reward: recognition!
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Looking ahead, parents who are looking for ways to get to know “behind the scenes” and “before anyone else knows” information, please consider joining our Parents Advisory Council. Our first meeting of the year is Sept. 18 at 7:30am in the library. Please sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/tsCZfbKJNsgdBztr7.
Similarly, we have an opportunity for students to attend our first Principal’s Student Advisory Council “Breakfast Breakdown” on September 24 at 7:30am in the main office conference room. Again, for students who want to provide input on ways we can continue improving the experience of being a Stallion, I invite all of them to attend. Students can sign up via the advertisements posted throughout our school that look like this:
Kicking Off Hispanic Heritage: A Month of Culture and Celebration!
SoCo is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This special time provides a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to explore and appreciate the rich culture and contributions of the Hispanic community. By highlighting diverse traditions and stories, we aim to foster greater understanding and unity within our school. Join us in this meaningful celebration of heritage and learning! A special shout-out goes one of our outstanding World Language teachers, Mrs. Straughn, and her committee for working diligently to begin preparations for this month-long celebration.
Staff Spotlight:
Stephen Kingston, a 19-year teaching veteran, is in his fourth year of proudly standing strong with us at South County. Over the years, he’s become a true Stallion in US History, mastering his subject and inspiring students along the way. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Kingston has led with heart, previously sponsoring the 12th grade class and now co-sponsoring our Culture Champions team. When he’s not making history come alive for his students, he enjoys staying active and spending quality time with family and friends. We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and compassionate Stallion leading the charge!
Club Corner:
In this week’s spotlight, we proudly recognize The Work2BeWell Club of South County. This organization exists to create a supportive environment where students can speak up and learn about the impact of mental health in their lives. Every student at our school has a story— little do they know that story could be used to help another stallion. This club will allow for students to find healthy ways to exercise mental wellness activities and allow for stallions to have an encouraging network of peers to manage the highs and lows of high school. To express interest or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the club sponsor, Mr. Mason, at jbmason1@fcps.edu.
Days of Joy:
This year we are recognizing 36 weeks of joy at SoCo. We have so much to be appreciative of, and this initiative ensures that we continue recognizing and celebrating the wonderful aspects of being a Stallion. For me, I experienced great joy when I met with five of our Senior Class Officers this week. The discussion centered on what they wanted their Senior privileges to be this year. We settled on identifying the details for students who want to paint their parking spaces, as well as allowing seniors to leave five minutes early from their last class on Fridays. More important than the topics were way these student leaders presented their ideas in such a positive and professional manner. I couldn’t be any prouder of these Stallions!
3 Things You Need to Know about Next Week:
- Parents, I kindly ask that we all extend grace and patience to our student drivers, who are still learning the ropes of driving and parking safely. It’s important to remember that this process can take them a bit longer, and they may need a few extra moments to park or re-park their vehicles. Our senior representatives have noticed that some parents have been honking or rushing these students, which only adds to their stress and makes them more nervous. Let's support our young drivers by showing understanding. If you’re in a hurry to leave school property, arriving before 7:50 can help you avoid the heaviest traffic and ensure a smoother experience for everyone. Thank you for helping us foster a compassionate and supportive environment for our students!
- Let’s rally together and give a strong Stallion welcome to our Boys’ Volleyball team as they take the court for their first-ever home game! We know they’ll stand tall and strong as they spike their way to success. Let's show them that Stallion pride runs deep—both on and off the court!
- Our Sources of Strength organization is meeting this Thursday, September 19 for their first meeting of the year. These student leaders are focused on preventing adverse outcomes by increasing wellbeing, help-seeking, resiliency, healthy coping, and belonging.
Summing It Up!
As I continue to learn about Artificial Intelligence, I’m having fun. Here’s my newest avatar generated by Dall-e! I hope all of you are also starting to explore the opportunities that are being developed with AI. Take a chance on learning something new. You may just discover a new passion or talent within yourself!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kambar
#StandStrong
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
Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS)
Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.
We guide you through a presentation that opens your eyes to what is right in front of you. This program begins with a “show and tell” of “red flags” that can indicate risky behavior in teens. An educational portion follows that includes a PowerPoint presentation that touches on drug and alcohol use, vaping, mental health and behavioral concerns, risky sexual behaviors, trending "challenges," and more.
We include up-to-date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behaviors and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life.
Finally, we discuss how to open the door to communicating with your teens about risky behaviors and how to address issues that arise.
Registration is required, and seats are limited for this free event.
You must be 18 or older to attend. No children are allowed at this presentation.
Please email MPO Meg Hawkins (FCPDHIPS@fairfaxcounty.gov) if you have any questions or if you want to set up a presentation for your organization, club, or group.
Date- 09/30/2024 (Mon.)
World Languages Credit by Exam
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. If that language is one of the languages listed below, consider registering your student for the World Languages Credit by Exam!
The 2024 World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at Soputh County High School between November 6 and 22.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
More information, including the list of languages offered on the exam, and how to register is available online.
You’ve been Tagged!
Saturday was Tag Day … the biggest fundraiser for the year for the South County High School Performing Arts Department. It takes thousands of dollars more than the fees that are charged for each group to run a complete band, orchestra, choir, or theater program. To keep our fees low and keep the performing arts in our schools, we depend on contributions from our incredible community.
Student teams came to your door this Saturday asking for tax-deductible contributions to “Support the Arts.” Thank you to everyone who donated to our Performing Arts department! But … if you weren’t home, you were tagged, or a “door hanger” was left on your door. If you would still like the opportunity to donate to our Performing Arts programs, please include a donation in an envelope and either drop it off at the school or mail it to us. If you prefer credit card or PayPal, visit www.schsbands.org, and click DONATE in the left menu (please include a note that the donation is for Tag Day). Either way, don’t forget to keep the tag as the receipt for your tax deductible donation.
Thank you again for your support of our Performing Arts Department! We look forward to seeing you at our music and theater productions here at SCHS.
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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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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.
ALL ANGP LINKS
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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