Important Upcoming Dates
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09/30/24- 6:30-8:30pm Hidden In Plain Sight (Silver Box)
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10/02/24- Senior Portrait
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10/09/24- 12th Graders SAT School Day
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06/04/24- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Dear Stallion Families,
What an incredible week it’s been here at South County! Our school spirit is shining bright, and I’m thrilled to share a ton of exciting updates with you. From our sports teams giving it their all, to upcoming events that you won’t want to miss, there’s a lot happening around SoCo! This week’s newsletter is packed with important reminders, celebrations, and opportunities for your students to get involved. Let’s dive into what’s in store as we continue making this school year one for the books!
Stay proud, stay spirited, and go Stallions!
Student and Staff Belonging
The Boys volleyball team served up an incredible performance in their first home game of the season, and now they’ve spiked their way to 4th in the state of Virginia! Keep it up, Stallions — you’re on a roll!
I had a wonderful time meeting Ambar, who proudly shared her family heritage from the Dominican Republic. We had a meaningful bonding moment when I mentioned that I go by my middle name, Kambar, which is quite similar to hers! Moments like these remind us how personal connections can help us all feel a greater sense of belonging at school.
We had a stallion-strong night of sports as our Field Hockey team charged ahead, securing victories against Hayfield in both the JV and Varsity games! It’s moments like these that show the true spirit of teamwork and belonging here at South County. Go Stallions!
School Culture:
Hispanic Heritage Month
At South County, we take great pride in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month because it’s a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of our vibrant Hispanic and Latino community. This month gives us the chance to recognize the incredible diversity within our school and beyond, as well as the unique histories, languages, and customs that make each person’s heritage special. It’s a time for us to come together as Stallions, learn from one another, and celebrate the beauty of unity through diversity. By embracing and appreciating Hispanic heritage, we strengthen our own sense of belonging, pride, and community. Go Stallions!
Stallion Star!
I’d like to congratulate William Terry, who was recognized as a great representative of South County High School’s core value of Hope! His nomination reads, “Not a single day goes by where William doesn’t give up on himself, academically or ethically. He’s always been a bright, optimistic, and compassionate fellow. It never takes him much effort to make someone’s day awesome. Even though school has been tough for him lately, William Terry always looks forward and finds the positive out of everything.” Wow! William is a great role model for all of us to follow!
Merit Masters!
It is with great pride and excitement that we recognize and celebrate the incredible achievements of several of our outstanding students. Congratulations to Manahil Amjad, Melisa Grigorescu, Sage Hofmann, Tristan Mihocko, April Nguyen, Junhee Sim, and Abraham Welle for earning "Commended" status in the National Merit Scholarship Program!
This prestigious recognition is awarded to approximately 34,000 students nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic promise. These students have shown remarkable dedication and academic excellence, standing out among their peers for their potential and hard work.
As a South County educational family, we should all be incredibly proud of these Stallions. Their achievements reflect not only their own commitment but also the supportive community we have built together. This honor will undoubtedly help broaden their educational opportunities and inspire them to continue reaching new heights in their academic pursuits.
Please join me in congratulating Manahil, Melisa, Sage, Tristan, April, Junhee, and Abraham on this well-deserved recognition!
Be Part of the PAC!
The Parent Advisory Council met bright and early this past week. We’re incredibly grateful to the those who attended and shared their valuable feedback. Their insights and suggestions are helping us shape the future of our school, ensuring that we continue to grow and improve. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected school community!
Our next meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2024, at 6PM in the Library.
Stallions for a Cause
We are fortunate to be in such a generous and loving school community. Thanks to Elena Jordan for spearheading this year’s Emma Jordan Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation. Here are some Childhood Cancer facts and why it is imperative that we fundraise for Childhood Cancer Research.
Childhood Cancer is the #1 killer of American children by disease under the age of 19- more than all other childhood diseases combined.
- Every day 47 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer- over 17,000 per year.
- 1 in every 285 U.S. children will develop cancer before their 20th birthday; 1 in every 5 of these children will die at the average age of 8 years old.
- Childhood cancer rates have increased by 24% over the past 40 years.
- There are more than 12 major types of childhood cancer and over 100 subtypes.
- Only 4% of all Federal government cancer research funding goes to study all pediatric cancers- childhood cancer non-profit organizations are critical.
- In the last 20 years, only 6 cancer treatments have been specifically developed and approved for children.
- Childhood treatments require very different drugs than adult protocols, yet most use a variation of adult drugs due to a lack of research and trials.
- Because of the treatments they had as children, more than 99% of childhood cancer survivors will have a chronic health problem and 96% will have severe or life-threatening conditions.
The SoCo Gold Out Events raised $4900.00! We greatly appreciate the childhood cancer awareness and the money raised for research due to the Gold Out Events at Girls Volleyball, Field Hockey, Football, and Boys Volleyball! We have an awesome Stallion Nation!
Seeing Double
A few weeks ago, my Assistant Principals told me they’d spotted my twin. Naturally, I was curious—who could this be? Well, last week at the football game, I finally found him. Turns out, Mr. Edwards and I do share a certain resemblance. But are we really twins? Only if twins can be separated by 10 years... and let’s just say, I’m definitely the older brother!
Staff Spotlight:
Kathleen Winston is in her sixth year at South County High as an Administrative Assistant (in Sub School 1 / 2) and her third year coaching our swim team. With an impressive 24 years of coaching experience, Mrs. Winston brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the program. As a former accomplished swimmer herself, she excelled in both the backstroke and butterfly events. Outside of her professional commitments, Mrs. Winston enjoys unwinding by playing games on her iPad. We are fortunate to have her dedication and expertise guiding our student-athletes.
Club Corner:
The Caribbean Student Union is all about sharing and learning about Caribbean culture! We participate in activities such as food tasting, flag quizzes and fundraisers. CSU is all about acceptance of culture. The contact for the CSU is the sponsor, Mr. Mason, who can be reached at jbmason1@fcps.edu
Spotlight: Days of Joy
I experienced so many sources of joy this week, and one of my favorite was the Sources of Strength training that nearly 70 students participated in. This program focuses on promoting mental health, building resilience, and preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. It empowers students to recognize and tap into their personal strengths and social networks for support. The program is peer-led and emphasizes positive relationships, encouraging participants to connect with trusted adults and peers while fostering a community of hope, help, and strength. The ultimate goal is to create a culture where students support one another and spread messages of wellness and strength throughout the school community.
Our students shared their sources of strength already in their lives that help them relax (in creative and fun ways!).
One of my favorite moments was listening to students discuss how they’ve seen the program and themselves grow by being part of this Strength-based community. Testimonies were all positive and certainly varied, but one in particular stood out to me. When one student reported, “I feel that I’m better able to identify my own mental health status and needs, as well as seeing needs in my classmates.” Wow! How reflective and inspirational!
Five Things You Need to Know about Next Week:
- We have 18 parents/guardians signed up for our Hidden in Plain Sight Presentation on Monday, September 30th. We have 50 slots available. (pics)
- Breakfast Breakdown for our Student Advisory Council is Sept. 24 at 7:30am in the main office.
- At South County High School, we may be in the South, but when it comes to education, we’re the North Star—guiding the way with excellence. Our "Super Stallion" award program is a perfect example of this, celebrating the meaningful relationships that fuel our community and drive student success. Through recognition and connection, we lead by example, showing that our direction is always toward progress and achievement. Include a copy of the Super Stallion nomination form.
4. September 30 is the underclassmen picture make-up day.
5. Hidden in Plain Sight training is scheduled for September 30 at 6:30PM. Please sign up via the QR code below:
As we close out this week, let’s continue to Stand Strong, Stallions! Whether in the classroom, on the field, or supporting one another, we’re building a school community that thrives together. Keep standing tall and proud—because when we Stand Strong, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. Have an amazing weekend!
Go Stallions!
Kambar
#StandStrong
Dear Parents/Guardians and the Senior Class of 2025:
We at Victor O’Neill Studios, your school’s official photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at your school:
Session C: Wednesday October 2nd
Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by us!
In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits.
Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time: www.vosphoto.com/southcounty
As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.
If you have any questions, please email our Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com
Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “South County Class of 2025” when emailing, for faster assistance.
Thank you!
Your Senior Portraits Team
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.
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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Blue Star Welcome Week
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
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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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