Mustang Weekly, October 28, 2024

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principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

This is the last week of the quarter, and we know students are busy ensuring their work is submitted. Nevertheless, this weekend, we had some of our students participate in the FCPS Cross Country Championship, and two of our students placed in the top 15 out of 250 students. It was a fantastic experience, and we look forward to more with the track and field season approaching in the spring. Additionally, we have 12 days left in the schoolwide fundraiser through the PTSO. If they have not registered, then you can click here. Lastly, we have a 2-hour early release on October 31, 2024 (students are allowed to wear appropriate Halloween costumes to school), and a Holiday on November 1, 2024. We are grateful for all you do, and as always, please contact us to share any feedback, questions, or concerns. Enjoy the week, and we will be in touch again on November 8, 2024.

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


Save the Date

UPCOMING DATES

November 1 - School Holiday

November 4 - Student Holiday

November 5 - Student Holiday


Impact Aid Survey

The Impact Aid Survey is a federal grant program that provides funds to eligible school districts based on the number and type of federally connected students.   On Monday, October 21 you should have received an email regarding filling out the impact aid form online through ParentVue.  Everyone is encouraged to fill out the form online.  You will receive an additional email on October 28 and November 4 reminding you to fill out the electronic version of the impact aid form.  The email will go to the enrolling parent and they will be the only one who can fill out the form.  For more information please visit the impact aid page.  https://www.fcps.edu/impact 

As of today we have only had 101 families or 10.70% of families fill out the forms.  It would be great to see that number reach 100%.

Mobile Device Directions


Veteran’s Day

As Veterans Day approaches, we would like to honor those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces.  If you would like to recognize someone in your family, please email Jenny Payne, Director of Student Services, with the Veteran’s Name, Branch of Service, and Student’s Name along with a photo of the person you would like to honor. Please email Ms. Payne by Nov. 8th to be included in the Learning Seminar slideshow on Nov. 7th at japayne2@fcps.edu.


Mustang Makeover Fundraiser

There are only two weeks left for the Mustang Makeover Fundraiser! We are working toward our first goal of a Donut Party for the entire school but still have a way to go.  Students can set up their own fundraising link by using the link below. 

This fundraiser will help with school rebranding, school beautification, after school programming and Special Projects for Enrichment Programming coming in 2nd quarter.

For more information or questions please contact the PTSO at info@mustangptso.org.

Mustang Makeover Donation!!!


Upcoming Student Experience Survey at South County Middle School 

Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot program for FCPS’ Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

A limited number of classes in grades 6-12 will be selected to participate. However, all students in participating grades, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email. We will administer the survey in selected classes during the school day between Monday, December 2, and Friday, December 13. Any student may take the survey at home, if preferred. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.


Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Spanish:📝 El lunes 21 de octubre se abren las solicitudes para la Escuela Secundaria de Thomas Jefferson para la Ciencia y la Tecnología

Se anima a los estudiantes de secundaria que tienen una aptitud y pasión por STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas) a solicitar la admisión en la Clase de 2029 en Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

La solicitud estará disponible en la página web de la Oficina de Admisiones de TJHSST a partir del lunes, 21 de octubre, a las 4 p.m. Las solicitudes deberán estar iniciadas antes de las 4 p.m. del miércoles, 13 de noviembre, y la fecha límite para presentar la solicitud será el viernes, 15 de noviembre, a las 4 p.m. Visite la página de inscripción de TJHSST para obtener más información.


Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future:  Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.  Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop.  Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success.  Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment.  All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating.  Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event.  Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.  


PTSO Logo

PTSO News

We need you! Please consider becoming a member! We need you to help us make this a great year for the teachers and students!

Become a Member

Bingo Night

Bingo Night will be here soon on November 15th from 6:30-8pm. Come join us for food, fun and games. Tickets are available at the link below and include bingo cards, a marker and a drink or $7. 

Bingo Night Tickets

ALL ACCESS PASS

Introducing an ALL ACCESS PASS to all PTSO events (except 8th grade dance)!

It will include entry to:

Bingo (15 Nov, $7)

Winterfest (13 Dec, $5)

Basketball Game (7 Mar, $5)

Volleyball Game (25 Apr, $5)

TGIT (15 May, $10)

…and our first ever Teen Night ($5) which is planned for late Jan/early Feb!

*BONUS* for 8th graders! VIP entry to 8th grade dance! This pass will grant entry to a special VIP door to avoid the line! 

Purchase the pass for $30! Only 50 passes available!

All Access Pass

Pizza Anyone???

If you are thinking of pizza on Tuesdays, we have a deal for you!  Order online from the Papa Johns on Silverbrook road with the code SCMS4010 and you will get 40% off your order and the PTSO will get 10%!

Box Tops for Education

Don't forget to scan your receipts for Box Tops. If you haven't already, download the app and select South County Middle School as your school of choice! Every little bit helps the PTSO help the School!