Important Upcoming Dates
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings SoCo Family,
I hope everyone is doing well as we gear up for this seasonal change. Yes, the weather may be cool outside, but we’re making warm memories inside the walls of Stallion Nation! Let’s get to this week’s reflections.
Student and Staff Belonging
As one of our three focal points for the year, creating a sense of belonging at school is something that we have been intentional about this year. Celebrating the good times is important to help validate when any of us are stepping out of our comfort zone. Nothing speaks to this more than when I witnessed one of our seniors, Andrew, perform a monologue to start our faculty meeting this past Monday. I appreciate him and his talents, and he’s a great reminder about why we’re all here to begin with: our students!
School Culture
Another pillar we are focused on this year is the culture of our school. There are several aspects to school culture, and this week I experienced several of them.
For example, I was pleased to attend the International Night club meeting this past week. Seeing so many students in attendance was fantastic, and even better was watching how this meeting was 100% student led. We have some very gifted student leaders at SoCo, and what they’re planning for the February 15 I-Night events is going to surely impress our community!
We also had an exceptional Band concert this week, but it wasn’t a traditional experience. This show was unique in that we combined forces and joined Hayfield Secondary School. At the combined concert, the support among our band students truly struck a chord. Whether it was cheering for each other’s performances or offering words of encouragement backstage, their harmony as a group was unmistakable. It was clear that together, they made beautiful music—both on and off the stage!
We also had a very successful night of Girls Volleyball this week, as we beat Fairfax High School in a tie-breaking game five! Our team served up an amazing performance and showed that with teamwork and determination, you can set your sights on greatness. Keep spiking those goals!
Strength and Spirit: Securing Our School with a Bold New Look
I'm happy to share some upcoming changes with you to our school's safety and appearance. First, our new vestibule started being built this week. This is a construction project that is happening in all FCPS schools, and these new set of doors will add another layer of safety to our school. More information will be forthcoming after the full installation.
Second, and as a continuation from last June's rebranding process we went through, we have some new murals coming. I’d like to thank Josten’s who is sponsoring these murals for us as we continue enhancing our school spirit.
This one will be at door 15:
This one will be on a wall inside our school:
I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the near future.
Parking Lot Etiquette: A Reminder for All Families
As we move further into the school year, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of respecting our designated student parking spaces. These spots are assigned and paid for by our student drivers, and it’s essential that they have access to their spaces without any inconvenience.
Parents using the parking lot for drop-offs should avoid parking in these reserved spots, even briefly, to ensure our student drivers can park without issue. We encourage everyone to use the designated Kiss and Ride locations for drop-offs to help traffic flow smoothly and ensure the safety and convenience of all.
Thank you for your cooperation in making our parking lot a more organized and stress-free space for everyone!
Staff Spotlight
This week I’m thrilled to highlight a teacher who oversees one of our most popular programs: Culinary Arts! Mr. David Long has been a teacher for 13 years, all of which have been right here in Stallion Country. Since his earliest memories, Mr. Long has always wanted to be a chef, and in combination with his love for teaching, being a Culinary Arts teacher has been a dream occupation for him. When he’s not at work, Mr. Long enjoys boating, traveling, and (of course!) cooking! We appreciate all the gifts and talents that Mr. Long brings to SoCo!
Sole Mission: Stepping Up for Global Change
The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce their shoe drive fundraiser! They are collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for their team. Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Their goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, they can easily surpass our goal. We have a box in the main office for collections. Please join them in making a positive impact on our community and the world!
Here are just a few pics of their progress thus far:
Club Corner
Our Korean Student Association (KSA) is an ethnic club meant for both Korean and non-Korean students alike who are interested in finding community through the celebration of Korean culture, language, and traditions. Through KSA, students all around the school are able to enjoy Korean cuisine, K-pop dance performances, and Korean game nights that allow for others to appreciate and explore Korean culture. Through this club, we hope to spread cultural awareness of South Korea, and promote community through our fun activities. The sponsor is Mr. Mason, who can be reached for questions at jbmason1@fcps.edu
Days of Joy
As we continue with our Days of Joys initiative this year, I struggle with picking just one memory of the past week. There are just so many wonderful things happening at SoCo! As I reflect on the last several days, Ms. Huffman’s Entrepreneurship classes truly stand out. The students truly nailed the pitch with their presentations on improving SoCo merchandise sales! Their creative ideas and engaging delivery showed that they really know how to sell a vision. From eye-catching designs to targeted marketing strategies, they presented solutions that are sure to boost our brand and school spirit. Well done, Stallions!
As we move forward, let’s remember the importance of standing strong and supporting each other. Together, we can create a community that fosters strength and solidarity, ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered. Let’s continue to build a brighter future by standing united in our mission to uplift and inspire one another!
Have a restful weekend.
Kambar
#StandStrong
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025
Victor O’Neill Studios, our school’s official photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at our school:
Final Session: Monday November 4, and Tuesday November 5, 2024
Don’t miss this final opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by them!
In addition to the free yearbook session, they 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 them at: 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
Homecoming is fast approaching. Homecoming Week will be full of fun events and SCHS Leadership is looking for help from our amazing community! Leadership has an amazon wish list (items will be sent to SCHS) to help with some of the decorations for the dance as well as a sign-up genius to help with other Homecoming events. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/5R6D2CV6MINP?ref_=wl_share
Sign-Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA9AA2FA0FD0-52027125-homecoming
Oct 21-25: Spirit Week
Oct 24: Parade @4pm & Power Puff Games (6:30 & 7:30)
Oct 25: Football Game
Oct 26: Homecoming Dance 8-11pm
The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.
Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.
Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!
Thank you for your support!
South County Cross Country Team
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
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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