Important Upcoming Dates
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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 Teacher Workday
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11/04 & 11/05- FINAL Senior Portraits Session
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12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza
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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)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, Stallion family!
As the crisp air and colorful leaves signal the change of seasons, we’re excited to celebrate all the fall fun and fabulous feats happening at South County High! From football to festivals, and everything in between, our Stallions are showing their spirit and striving for success. We kept the momentum going this week, as we had lots to celebrate during Homecoming! As I write this newsletter, we have not had our football game nor dance, so I’ll report on those in next week’s edition. Now, onto this past week’s events and memories!
Student and Staff Belonging
Let's give a big cash shoutout to our students who truly made “cents” at last week’s DECA competition! Their hard work and dedication to mastering money management has certainly paid off, with several students placing at the event and representing South County with pride.
Job Interview: Anthony Avis (3rd), Danica Santos (4th)
Principles of Marketing: Test-Jerren Schexnider (3rd), Role Play–Peyton Baines Trapp (1st)
Personal Financial Literacy: Test - Rohan Shah (1st), Role Play – Rohan Shah (2nd)
Way to go, DECA Stallions—your futures are looking rich with potential!
High Quality Instruction
This week, I completed multiple classroom observations. For brevity, I will focus on one observation to share insights.
Introducing Ms. Watkins—a dynamic new addition to South County whose engaging and innovative teaching style has already made a remarkable impact! Her lesson was about the Gupta Empire’s golden age, using visually rich slides to bring history to life. The lesson incorporated students moving throughout the room, working alone or in groups (student choice), and Ms. Watkins giving detailed feedback throughout the observation. Just like the Gupta Empire, Ms. Watkins is in her own Golden Age, as her teaching practices are uniquely effective, valuable, and leave a lasting impact on her students. Way to go, Ms. Watkins!
School Culture
For this being Homecoming Week, you must know that SoCo is going to bring a lot of fun events to the calendar. There were so many wonderful themed days this week, so I’d like to thank Mrs. Peck and her leadership students for leading the way. Of course, there are NUMEROUS other staff, students, and parents who assisted in making this a very special week. Here’s just a sample of the beautiful decorations we had in the main lobby area to kick-off Cloud 9 week:
I was thrilled to attend another Boys Volleyball game, and this time to celebrate Senior Night! Our Stallion Seniors have shown how dedication and hard work, both on and off the court, can translate to exceptional support for one another.
Not to be outdone, our Girls Volleyball team served up a high level of sportsmanship and athleticism on the court as they celebrated their Senior Night this week as well! We’re incredibly proud of their growth as students and good citizens!
Thursday night we hosted our first Powder Puff football game in quite some time, and it was an electrifying event! In a thrilling showdown, the freshmen outplayed the sophomores 18-6, while the seniors triumphed over the juniors 14-0 in two fiercely competitive matches. The freshmen and seniors really "puffed" up their game, demonstrating impressive teamwork and determination. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students cheered on their classmates, showcasing spirited support and a sense of school pride. We look forward to more exciting events like this that bring our community together!
Congratulations to our Orchestra Director, Ms. Swift, and her sensational students for their masterful Masquerade concert! Their musical brilliance was marked by precision, passion, and pure performance prowess, captivating the audience from start to finish. Bravo to Ms. Swift and her talented team for a truly unforgettable evening!
We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our stunning new door and wall murals, brought to life by the incredible support of Josten’s! These vibrant works of art don’t just showcase our strong Stallion spirit—they radiate it, transforming our halls and front entrance ways into an inspiring tribute to the heart and pride of our school community. Thank you again to all of you who worked on our branding committee last year to help bring these ideas to fruition!
Club Corner
The Asian Student Association celebrates asian culture and recognizes such events as the Lunar New Year (China), Japanese Holidays, Korean Thanks Giving, and Diwali (Festival of Lights) India. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to either sponsor, Mr. Otani (kotani@fcps.edu) or Mr. Madoo (lbmadoo@fcps.edu).
Reminder for Next Week
This is a reminder that school will be closed next Friday, November 1, in observance of Diwali and All Saints Day. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy this cultural observance and time to reflect, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones.
Attendance Matters!
We’re pleased to report that we’re making steady progress with student attendance, as our current Chronic Absenteeism (CA) rate stands at 10%. To continue this positive trend, we ask for your support in encouraging your student to attend school regularly when they’re feeling well. Our goal is to meet Virginia State expectations by achieving a CA rate below 15% by year’s end. To keep you informed, you will receive your student’s individual Absentee Report Card at the end of the current marking period on October 31, 2024, as we did last year. We hope these updates can help start meaningful conversations about the importance of consistent attendance for your student’s success.
Have a restful weekend, and whatever you choose to do, make it the very best experience possible!
 Kambar
#StandStrong
FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS
Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.
For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing
daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of
worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a
holiday meal.
We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50
grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For
Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.
Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals
Impact Aid Survey
Attention FCPS Families!
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online.
The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:
- Military families.
- Federally connected families.
- Families living on a military base.
Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form.
For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.
Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter.
Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.
Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.
If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.
Health Information and Emergency Care Forms
The Health Information Form (HIF) (SS/SE-71) and the Emergency Care Information form (SS/SE-3) provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.
These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet.
For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page.
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
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: 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
Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity
It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram!
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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