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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10/02/24- National Custodian Appreciation Day
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10/03/24- Rosh Hashanah (Holiday) No School
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10/04/24- Teacher Workday (No School for students)
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10/05/24- SOCO Marching Band Invitational
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10/06/24- National Coaches Day
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10/09/24- 12th Graders SAT School Day
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10/09/24- Walk and Roll to School Day
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10/10-10/11- Hearing and Vision Screening for 10th Graders
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10/11/24- Yom Kippur
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10/12/24- Ombuds Day
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10/14-10/18- National School Lunch Week
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10/14-10/18- Digital Citizenship Week
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10/14/24- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)
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10/17/24- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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10/21-10/25- National School Bus Safety Week
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10/31/24- Quarter End- Early Dismissal
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11/01/24- Diwali/ Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day (Holiday)
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11/03-11/04- School Planning and Teach Workday
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01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings SoCo family,
I hope this message finds you well and full of that incredible Stallion pride! Every day, I am reminded of how special our South County community is—from the determination of our students to the unwavering support of our parents. Together, we are building a culture where every student thrives, feels connected, and embodies the spirit of excellence that makes our school stand out.
As we charge forward into another exciting week, let’s continue to champion kindness, patience, and perseverance. Whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or simply walking through our halls, I’m inspired by the strength and unity of our Stallion family.
Student and Staff Belonging
Welcome to our new Assistant Principal, Bryan Hazard. Coming to us from Robinson Secondary School, Mr. Hazard brings 28 years of experience with him, having worked in various roles. He spent many years as a Health and Physical Education teacher and the Head Wrestling Coach at Robinson, where his teams achieved numerous accolades, including seven VHSL State Championships. Mr. Hazard is eager to make a positive impact at SoCo. In his free time, Mr. Hazard enjoys traveling and cooking with his family, listening to live music, and serving as a public address announcer and TV broadcaster for various sports. Welcome to the SoCo family, Mr. Hazard!
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The Breakfast Breakdown, which is an Advisory group of students that provide input and feedback about our school culture, was a fantastic event this week. Typically, I have about 10 students who attend, but this week’s version saw more than 100 students in attendance. It was so popular in fact that we had to relocate from the main office to the Chorus room! We discussed great topics, including A.I. and our new cell phone policy. These students continue to fill my heart with joy as they share their real feelings and perspectives about these important matters.
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We also had the chance to meet with our Senior Stallions this week. If your student was anything like my daughter when she was in high school, I rarely received information in a timely manner. “Dad, I need money for Homecoming tickets. Today is the last day to buy them!” was the type of communication I stumbled through during her high school years. The good news? We have dates and prices for nearly every aspect of the senior year. You should be able to find much of that in the general section of this newsletter.
During our assembly, I also shared with students that the difference between people who are successful and those who are not is that successful people consistently do the “small things” right every day. Getting to school on time, completing your work, and not leaving school without permission are easy things to do; at the same time, they are also easy things not to do. I think most students received the message well.
We then had a chance to take our Senior Class picture. The students were absolutely PERFECT in the way that they filed into the gym and sat for their picture. Here’s a picture of a portion of my administrative team with 570 students behind us!
Have you ever had a day where the best part was not even on your calendar? That’s what I experienced that day as I was invited to sit and play Down by the Bank with a group of our Stallions. In my 28 years in education, I have never felt so included and respected as I do by our Stallions. They regularly fill my surprise me with how engaged they are with each other and the adults at school! One of our students, Katherine, ended up winning, and her friends all wanted to be part of her special celebratory picture!
Saddle Up with Stallion Spirit:
At SoCo, we believe that a strong school culture is the foundation for student success. It’s not just about academic achievement, but about fostering an environment where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered. When students are proud of their school and feel a sense of belonging, they are more engaged, motivated, and ready to rise to any challenge. Together, we’re building a culture of respect, resilience, and community—values that will serve our students well beyond their time here.
Our Stallion football team gave it their all last week, showing incredible determination and heart on the field. While the outcome wasn’t in our favor, their effort and teamwork were undeniable. We’re proud of the hard work they put in and know they’ll continue to push forward with the same spirit and grit in the games ahead!
Of course, we had a lot of activities and performances that night and the week before. For the past two weeks, our Stallion Dance Team delivered a dynamic and dazzling display during halftime! Their precision, passion, and powerful performance wowed the crowd, showcasing the hard work and heart they bring to every routine. We’re so proud of the dedication and determination they embody—truly a stellar showcase of Stallion spirit!
Our Color Guard and Band hit all the right notes and added a splash of color to the halftime show with a performance that was truly in tune with Stallion pride! Their harmony, hard work, and creativity shined through, making the show a real hit. A standing ovation to these talented students for marching to the beat of excellence!
A huge shout-out to our spirited Stallion cheerleaders for not only bringing energy and enthusiasm to the sidelines but also for welcoming our future cheerleaders into their performance! Their kindness and leadership shined as they mentored and cheered alongside the next generation of Stallion spirit. It was a heartwarming display of teamwork and tradition, and we are so proud of the way they continue to inspire our community!
Finally, our Hype Squad truly knows how to gallop into action, bringing unmatched energy and excitement to every game! Their positive vibes and school spirit keep the crowd and players on track and charging forward. We’re so grateful for their contagious enthusiasm and for the way they rally behind our teams, making every game feel like a victory in Stallion pride!
Driving with Patience: Supporting Our Student Drivers. As more of our students begin driving to school, it’s important that we all demonstrate patience and understanding. Our student drivers are learning and may take a bit more time when parking or navigating busy areas. We ask that parents refrain from honking, making disparaging remarks, or using gestures that could discourage or upset our young drivers. Let’s model the respect and kindness that we expect from our students – after all, it’s the Stallion way. Together, we can maintain a supportive environment for all members of our community.
For those of you who are new to SoCo, did you know we have two Kiss and Ride locations? One is outside of Door 12, and the other is located in the student parking lot nearest the Bubble. I’ve circled the two locations on the map below, as well as directional arrows for how to get there.
Championing Faith: The Heart of Our FCA
We had a wonderful start to school Wednesday morning. Lead by students, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted a morning event, filled with songs, prayer, and fellowship. With more than 100 Stallions in attendance, the positive vibe was flowing among all in attendance. Here's how one student leader felt about the event: “Being part of this family affords me the opportunity to have meaningful relationships with fellow students and strengthen my faith in a way like no other. This morning's ‘See You At the Pole’ event was a beautiful time where everyone put aside their differences, and came together for the greater good of the school and the world at large. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to speak and to listen to my fellow students share about our faith, concerns, and everyday life.”
Honoring Heritage:
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and contributions that Hispanic and Latinx communities bring to our Stallion family. Recognizing and appreciating our diverse backgrounds is an essential part of our Stallion DNA, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among all students. This month provides us with the opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate the vibrant history and achievements of Hispanic individuals, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and respect. Together, let's embrace our differences and unite in the spirit of celebration!
Staff Spotlight:
Mr. Zachery Zehner has been working professionally as an English teacher for four and a half years, spending four of those years teaching right here at South County. When not in the classroom, Mr. Zehner can be found at the movie theater, checking out the latest films. He has visited the movie theater thirty times so far in 2024! He is also our yearbook advisor, overseeing a highly motivated student staff that captures the essence of our school year. He is proud to help these students create a lasting keepsake that people can look back on for years to come. If anyone is interested in signing up for one of Zach’s “can’t miss” 2025 yearbooks, please go to this link: https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/MrKrSeuF8CCJ3pUQQFK9GyY1
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I want to also highlight one of our outstanding Spanish teachers, Mrs. Storer, for a once in a lifetime accomplishment. Yes, she’s an incredibly talented classroom teacher. And yes, she is a wonderful staff member with whom to collaborate for creative ideas. But did you know she’s now a Hall of Fame (HOF) recipient? Yes, that’s right! Last weekend, Mrs. Storer was inducted into her high school HOF at Albert Einstein High School, where she played a guard on the basketball court. Congratulations on such a noteworthy accomplishment, Mrs. Storer! Your dedication to the game and inspiring leadership have truly been a slam dunk for our school community. We’re so proud to have you as part of the Stallion family!
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Club Corner: This week’s focus turns to one of our newest clubs, Mind Matters: Work2BeWell. This club exists to create a supportive environment where students can speak up and learn about the impact of mental health in their daily 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. The club sponsor is Mr. Mason, who can be reached at the following email if you have any questions: jbmason1@fcps.edu.
Spotlight: Days of Joy
This section of the newsletter always makes my heart smile. I include experiences from the week that leave me feeling inspired to continue doing the “heart” work that I was called to do.
The Walk and Talk activity was one of my favorite memories this week. Two of our Stallions, Natalie and Sage, participated in this activity with me and Mr. Mims (one of our administrators). After sharing what’s going well (cell phone policy here vs. prior schools) and what can be improved (perhaps having a 5% reduction to a grade instead of 10% for late submissions), we had the chance to discuss their teachers. Each student felt so well-connected to their teachers, but each quickly identified one as their trusted adult. One student selected Mr. Chiprut for embodying the core value of Trust, while the other picked Mr. Santora, who also demonstrated Trust but with different examples. The students were given the chance to thank each teacher, tell them why they were selected, and gave them a Core Values shirt in appreciation. Easily, this is one of the most special celebrations I have ever experienced.
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Another joyful moment I had came in parts. In two separate instances, I had the chance to meet with BRILLIANT student leaders: the International Night (I-Night) and Asian Night executive boards. Both groups are passionate and proud of their respective cultures, and they are eager to make this year’s respective celebrations the best ever! Mark your calendars, as we are planning for two fantastic shows of cultural celebrations for I-Night on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 12:00noon and 5:00pm. The date for Asian Night will be coming soon.
Things You Need to Know about Next Week:
Parent, student, and staff surveys are coming during the time frame of Sept. 30 through Oct. 11, asking for feedback about the new FCPS cell phone policy. Students will complete it during Advisory class on October 7, and parents will receive a link at the email address of the primary caregiver.
Also, this Thursday, October 3, 2024, is a religious observance day. I wish all of our Stallion families who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a joyful and sweet new year! May this special time bring you peace, reflection, and renewal as you gather with loved ones. Shana Tova!
Attendance Matters!
Chronic absenteeism (CA) is a struggle that schools across our nation are facing. It’s defined as students missing greater than or equal to 10% or more of the total days in membership. This means that any student who missed 10% of the days they are enrolled in school is considered CA. Currently, we’re doing a great job of students attending school, as our school rate is only at 7.5%. With each passing day, the more students attend, the more this rate goes down.
Did you know?
- By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
- Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.
We greatly appreciate your continued support in encouraging your students to come to school each day. Our goal is to provide a rich and engaging educational experience, and having your child present is essential to making that happen.
As always, please continue to check our website for the latest news at: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/.
As we look to the future, the outlook for our Stallion community is bright! Together, we will continue to Stand Strong in our commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Let’s embrace the exciting opportunities ahead and make this year truly memorable. Thank you for your continued support!
 Kambar
#StandStrong
VDOE required hearing/vision screenings for all 10th graders
Parents/Guardians of 10th grade students who wear glasses and/or contacts – Please have your students bring their glasses with them (or ensure they have their contacts in) to school October 10 and 11, 2024. We will be conducting the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) required hearing and vision screening for all 10th grade students.
Parents of Current 10th graders,
South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year. If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian. The session dates are as follows: Oct 17, 2024, Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.
Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.
Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- mgsaale@fcps.edu
The 2024 SOCO Marching Band Invitational is approaching on October 5th. Gates open at 1:30p.m. We will be hosting 14 bands from across the region for an awesome day of music.
Check out the schedule of events here: https://schedules.competitionsuite.com/435b17ca-1fda-4e74-b42d-519741ea3123_logistical.htm
Please help us stock the concessions stand! (click here). If you choose something from the Amazon wish list it can be shipped directly to us.
SOCO Music Families: We need all hands on deck to make this happen. (You do not need to have a student in marching band to help out.)Are you able to volunteer? Check out the opportunities here: : 2024 SOCO Marching Band Invitational Sign-Up Genius We appreciate any help you can give.
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
Dear Students,
Last chance to join DECA! This is the FINAL week to join and be part of one of the biggest clubs at SOCO!
DECA is more than just a club; it’s an opportunity to set yourself up for future success. As an international organization, DECA prepares high school students for careers in business through hands-on learning experiences.
By joining DECA, you’ll have the chance to:
- Develop critical business and leadership skills
- Network with industry professionals and peers
- Earn scholarships and community service hours to support your education
- Gain real-world experience that looks great on college applications
- Build lasting friendships and be part of a motivated, ambitious community
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future! Join DECA today and unlock your potential.
DECA MEMBERSHIP FORM https://forms.gle/AGgzJgUQsFfFJ6P86
Membership dues ($40) can be paid via cash, check, or myschoolbucks. Cash/checks can be brought to Ms. Huffman in RM A212.
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
Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
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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
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