Important Upcoming Dates
- 11/11/24- Veterans Day Holiday-is a holiday and schools will be closed for students.
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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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11/22/24- Deadline to submit Outstanding Employee Recognition
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11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Day
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12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
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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
As the crisp, cool air drifts onto our campus, our Stallion spirit continues to sizzle! With fall festivities in full swing and the temperatures tumbling, there’s an exciting energy running through our hallways. We’re grateful for every parent, student, and staff member who keeps our community thriving through this season of vibrant changes. Let’s keep up the momentum and make these brisk days bright and full of South County pride!
High Quality Instruction
This past week, I had the great fortune of observing teachers in a different light, as we had several engaging presentations for our Staff Development Day. I had the privilege of being in the audience for presentations led by three outstanding educators: Patti Mosko, Saidi Haris, and Jackie Palaschak. Ms. Mosko and Dr. Saidi captivated us with their session on *Building Thinking Classrooms*, offering insightful strategies that transformed traditional lessons into dynamic, student-driven experiences, leaving us eager to implement their ideas. Ms. Palaschak delivered a compelling presentation on incorporating student voice and choice into instructional practices, encouraging collaboration and showcasing her deep commitment to making learning exciting and impactful for every student. Collectively, their dedication and passion for engaging students reminded us of the power we hold to ignite a love for learning.
School Culture:
Get Involved with PAC!
As a reminder, 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
Senior Spotlight: A Night to Shine Together!
Senior Night was a powerful celebration of the incredible gifts and talents that make our student body truly extraordinary. From the graceful, expressive performances of our Dance team, to the electrifying energy and impeccable stunts of our Cheerleaders, to the unwavering grit and athleticism displayed by our Football team, our seniors shined under the lights, leaving the crowd inspired and proud. These students not only showcased their remarkable skills but also demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and school spirit that make our South County community so special. Congratulations to the Seniors on all of these teams!
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During one of our recent football games, I had the chance to speak with students who are active members of our Homeless Outreach club. These students have remarkable stories about what motivated them to serve those in our community in need of assistance. From stories about their parents paving the way to others who just saw a need and wanted to help, I left that conversation feeling so fortunate to serving this community with students who are as selfless as these. They raised money through selling baked goods, and I have to admit that the Cake Pops in particular were most delicious!
Spike and Strive: A Hard-Fought Match!
Our Boys Volleyball team made it to the first-ever District Finals match against West Springfield. While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, we are incredibly proud of each and every player for their determination and effort on the court. They know that every match is an opportunity to learn and grow, and their resilience inspires us all. Next stop: Regionals! Best of luck, Stallions!
Purse-uing Creativity!
A huge Stallion shout-out to Ms. Kimble and her talented Ceramics 2 and 3 students for their amazing purse projects! You’ve truly “clay-ed” the foundation for creativity and craftsmanship! Your hard work and dedication shine through in each piece, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to mold your artistic talents. Keep up the fantastic work!
Staff Spotlight:
As we celebrate National French Week in November, I’d like to spotlight our one of our two OUTSTANDING French teachers, Ms. Baker. She is a dedicated French educator focused on advancing her expertise and growing the French program at SoCo, where she currently teaches French 1 through AP French and sponsors both the thriving French Club and National French Honor Society. With a rich academic background, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in International Marketing, and significant training in French language and teaching methodology, including immersive experiences in France and Canada. Ms. Baker’s teaching career spans over 15 years across multiple institutions, including Valley Vista High School in Arizona and the University of South Florida, showcasing her ability to teach various French levels and develop AP courses. Her efforts at SCHS have led to the establishment of new courses and a significant expansion of French class enrollments, demonstrating her passion for inspiring students in French language and culture. Tu es la meilleure, Ms. Baker!
Club Corner:
The South County High School French Club is organized and run by members of our National French Honor Society. Whereas our NFHS is composed of honor students who study French at Soco, the French Club is open to all students.
The French Club meets each quarter to experience the culture and civilization of La Francophonie (the French speaking countries around the world) and to provide an opportunity for socialization to students with similar interests. Past events have included such themes as Winter in Quebec, Saint Valentin, Mardi Gras, and planning meetings for fundraisers and activities. We are currently painting a mural of a French Bakery to add to our Paris Cafe scene. We plan to hold a grand opening for the bakery on November 14, 2024, during National French Week. We hope to conduct bake sales of French breads and pastries in the future. For any comments or questions, feel free to email the sponsor, Ms. Baker, at sdbaker@fcps.edu.
Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Veterans!
School is closed on Monday, November 11 in honor of our military veterans. This is a time when we take a moment to honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and ensured our safety. We recognize the courage, resilience, and commitment they have shown in defending our country, and we are inspired by their selflessness. To all our veterans and their families, thank you for your service!
Here is just one of several ways we honor our military veterans at SoCo: Our Appreciation Wall. Thank you to Mrs. Burnside, Mrs. Ohlmeyer, and their committee, for helping us celebrate these most deserving men and women with dignity and class.
As we wrap up this week’s newsletter, let’s carry forward the spirit of “Standing Strong” together. Each day, we witness the remarkable strength and resilience within our community, from our dedicated students and staff to our supportive families. Your commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can succeed is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to uplift one another as we embrace the challenges and triumphs ahead. Wishing you all a fantastic week filled with pride and purpose!
Kambar
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.
Fairfax County Youth Survey
The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.
South County High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on the following dates:
12th Grade: November 12th & 13th during English classes
10th Grade: November 14th & 15th during World History classes
While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our Survey Coordinator, Ms. Turner, at rturner@fcps.edu.
We were hoping that you could nominate a deserving member of the stallion family who is worthy of praise and recognition through FCPS’s annual Outstanding Employees Recognition Program. We have so many deserving candidates, and I hope you will let us know your thoughts.
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a South County High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the google forms that are linked to the descriptions. You may nominate multiple employees, but only one per category.
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.
Please submit your nominations by 11/22/2024
Outstanding Principal (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as the building principal
Outstanding Teacher (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); Department Chairs and librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has three or less years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding Leader (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
Outstanding Professional Employee (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers, SOSAs and MTSS coordinators that serve in an administrative role in a school.
Outstanding Operational Employee (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 22, 2024
If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Hazard at bthazard@fcps.edu
Happy Nominating!
Thank you!
The Outstanding Employee Awards committee
Congratulations to the Marching Stallions on a very successful 2024 competition season!
The band took first place at both the Herndon and Oakton Invitationals earlier this fall. And, this past weekend, the band competed at the VMBC State Championships where they took second place in their size class and 13th place overall in the state!
As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event. If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned. All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County. It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!
If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at SouthCountyBandBoosters@gmail.com.
All donations need to be received by November 29. We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:
SCHS Band Boosters
8501 Silverbrook Rd
Lorton, VA 22079
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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