Election Day
Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.
Important Upcoming Dates
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11/05/24- Election Day- Student Holiday and Teacher Work Day
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11/08/24- 7:20am- Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
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11/11/24- Veterans Day Holiday
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11/18-11/22- American Education Week
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11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
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11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Day
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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
Welcome to November, Stallions!
As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, November offers us a fresh opportunity to come together as a community, support each other, and celebrate our growth. With just a few short weeks until the holidays, let’s keep building momentum, encouraging kindness, and working toward our shared goals. I look forward to making the month of November one to remember!
A Sense of Belonging: Core Values Spotlight
Four years ago, our students worked with the administrative team and identified four core values that they felt all students could embody: honesty, trust, curiosity, and hope. Since then, we spend time each month celebrating students who demonstrate one of those values with their interactions at school. This year, we’ve expanded that recognition to include staff as well. I want to thank our Culture Champions team, led by Ms. Hill, Mr. Kingston, and Mrs. Tolan, for receiving nominations and formally celebrating the following Stallions for their core values demonstrations this past week:
High Quality Instruction
This week’s focus centers on one of our newest additions to our Stallion staff, Mr. Gavin Jackson. I had the joy of observing his Computer Systems Foundations class this week, and I marveled at how smoothly he presented some very abstract concepts. He expertly varied student participation, ensuring everyone had a chance to engage and contribute. By projecting his screen onto the board, Mr. Jackson made complex concepts accessible, enhancing students' understanding through a clear visual approach. Most notably, the positive rapport he shares with his students created an open and supportive classroom environment where students felt encouraged and motivated to learn. Way to go, Mr. Jackson!
School Culture:
Each marking period, I enjoy meeting with parents at our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to share celebrations about SoCo, as well as forecast upcoming events. It’s also a wonderful time to hear directly from parents about questions and concerns that they may have. I’d like to invite all of you to attend our next PAC meeting on November 13 at 6PM in the library. So we can adequately prepare for the event, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHm1UNLf3s6IG1mlGK9HdKecqoHTbJoiOmN9sDHGwqLVSqCg/viewform
Congratulations to our Stallion football team for crushing it on the field and bringing home a Homecoming victory! Their hard work, grit, and teamwork made all the difference. In addition, a huge thank you goes out to all the amazing organizations, dedicated parents, and spirited students who made this Homecoming an event to remember. I worked at the main gate for much of the evening and had a particularly insightful conversation with some of our youngest and most spirited Stallions!
Speaking of Homecoming, I also want to thank Mrs. Peck, the staff, and our parent volunteers who chaperoned our Cloud 9 dance. The Homecoming dance was an unforgettable night filled with energy, excitement, and endless fun! From the music to the memories made, it was a celebration that truly brought our Stallion spirit to life!
Our Super Stallion Boys Volleyball team delivered a stunning performance, beating Alexandria City in the District semi-finals in three straight games! Their teamwork and determination were truly spike-tacular, showcasing the heart and hustle we know and love at SoCo. Perhaps the greatest strength of this team is the support they have of one another, cheering each other on through challenges and celebrating each point. Now, they’re primed and ready for the District Finals this Monday! Let’s keep that Stallion spirit strong and cheer them on to victory. Go SoCo!
I want to also thank our Librarians, Ms. Strong and Ms. Romney. They have helped us in our initiative to create a culture of literacy at SoCo. Most recently, they have created new student and staff “read” posters to help encourage others to join our community literacy leaders. Grab a book and join us in making reading a proud part of our Stallion legacy!
I have one final item for this section of the newsletter. Part of our SoCo culture that is so special is how much we support one another. That is the impetus of the following request. As we enter the month of November, a time of Thanksgiving and gratitude, I’d like us to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of our staff at South County High. This time of year can be particularly challenging for our teachers and support staff, as they have been tirelessly working to provide the best possible experience for our students without a significant break since the school year began.
I invite you to share your appreciation by sending heartfelt messages to our staff throughout this month. Whether it's a note or email of thanks, a kind word, or a simple acknowledgment of their hard work, your words can make a significant difference in lifting their spirits and reminding them how valued they are in our school community.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and for helping us celebrate our amazing staff during this season of gratitude!
Staff Spotlight
Congratulations to Justyne Fischer and Art Smith, two of our Art teachers, who will have their own artwork displayed at the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition. This year’s exhibition theme is Materiality, highlighting the exploration of media/materials in art making and how artists push those boundaries. The reception is scheduled Saturday, November 9th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. in the McGuireWoods Gallery at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. We are excited and proud of our teachers and look forward to the reception.
Club Corner
Animal Allies is a club dedicated to advocating for animal rights and welfare, giving a voice to animals who cannot fight for themselves. The club meets on the last Friday of each month to carry out service projects that support local shelters and raise awareness about legislation that improves animal welfare. Members engage in advocacy efforts, such as writing to senators and representatives to endorse pro-animal legislation.
This year, Animal Allies also plans to reduce human impacts on wildlife by encouraging more thoughtful interactions with the environment. One key project they hope to pursue is the creation and monitoring of a nesting box for an endangered waterfowl, in collaboration with Fairfax County. Additionally, they will continue successful past initiatives like the annual Shelter Food Drive in February. For more information, please contact the club’s sponsor, Ms. Irish, at lirish@fcps.edu.
Spotlight: Days of Joy
I had two memories from this past week that I’m still smiling about.
First, I had a great meeting with the Band Booster parents this week. They were energetic, positive, and proactive in the planning of upcoming events.
I certainly look forward to our next meeting in mid-November.
Second the staff here at SoCo are always professional, so it was nice to see them let their hair down on Halloween. Two staff members in particular, Ms. Palaschak and Ms. Cano, outdid themselves with their costumes. They had me doing double take, or should I say a TRIPLE take!
Save the Date!
It’s official! Our graduation date for the class of 2025 is Wednesday, June 4 at 7PM at Eagle Bank Arena. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion in SoCo fashion!
I hope everyone has a wonderful extended weekend, and we look forward to our students returning to school on Wednesday, November 6.
 Kambar
#StandStrong
Please join us for our Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Door 1 on November 8th at 7:20am.
STALLIONS, ARE THERE VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY?
In honor of Veterans Day, please help us recognize all those in our SoCo family who have served.
Complete the form using the QR code or bit.ly and we will add your veteran to our recognition wall this November.
South Count HS Theatre Presents:
Patrick Barlow’s comedic adaptation of The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film noir thriller bursts onto the stage with fast-paced action and nonstop laughs. The story centers around Richard Hannay, a man in a mid-life lull who is suddenly thrown in the middle of a dangerous spy ring and mistakenly accused of murder. As he rushes to save Britain from a horrible fate and clear his name, we sit on the edge of our seats urging him on and laughing at the absurd situations in which he finds himself.
Get tickets here
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.
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
National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
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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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