THANKSGIVING BREAK ATTENDANCE
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Due to our high volume of absences during the holiday season, we would like to encourage our families to submit any absence, early dismissal, and/or late arrival no later than Thursday Nov 21, 2024 by 2:00pm.
Requests submitted after Friday Nov 22, 2024 may delay early dismissal.
We highly encourage our families to submit these requests as soon as possible.
You may report attendance by:
- Emailing: SouthCountyHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu
- Full Day Absence through ParentVue
- Calling our attendance line: 703-446-1625
-
- Option 1- All Day Absence
- Option 2- Late Arrival
- Option 3- Early Release
Note: Messages are checked constantly throughout the day. If you report your students absence ON that Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving, please know that our phone lines/emails will be extremely backed up and you may get the automatic robo call since we will not be able to get everything put in before 9am when that call goes out. However, be assured, we will get them put in the system as fast as we possibly can. Please DO NOT call/email again if you know you have already done so.
Important Upcoming Dates
-
11/18-11/22- American Education Week
-
11/20/24-6:00pm-8:00pm Bonfire & Game Night
-
11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
-
11/22/24- Deadline to submit Outstanding Employee Recognition
-
11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Break
-
12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
-
12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza
-
01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Dear Stallion Families,
As the crisp air of November settles in, there's no better time to celebrate the spirit of our Stallion community. This month is packed with opportunities for our students to shine, whether they're excelling in academics, showcasing their talents in the arts, or charging forward on the athletic fields. November reminds us of the power of perseverance and positivity, and we are committed to making every moment matter for our Stallions. Together, let’s continue fostering a culture where our students feel supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.
Now, on to this past week’s reflections …
Building Bonds
Taking Center Stage
Congratulations to our incredible theater students for their outstanding performance of The 39 Steps! I had the pleasure of attending Friday night’s show, and our Stallions’ hard work, creativity, and dedication brought this thrilling and comedic production to life. From the seamless scene changes to the brilliant character portrayals, it was clear that countless hours of preparation went into every detail. We are so proud of the way you showcased your talent and teamwork on stage. Thank you for reminding us of the magic of theater and for making South County High shine!
 |
I had the pleasure of another inspiring Walk and Talk session, this time with students Kaden and Kaleb. As we strolled through the halls, we were delighted to be joined by Nicholas, who eagerly added his voice to our conversation about what makes South County High such a special place. It was heartening to hear how much our teachers impact our students’ experiences. Kaleb expressed his appreciation for Ms. Cano, recognizing her for always being there when he needed support, while Kaden highlighted Mr. Weaver as a trusted mentor who offers invaluable advice. Moments like these truly reflect the strong sense of connection and community that make SoCo shine!
High Quality Instruction
In education, differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners—providing the right supports, challenges, and opportunities so every student can succeed.
Michelle Morrison, our Adaptive PE teacher, takes differentiation to a whole new level—or should we say, she raises the bar! With unparalleled individual attention, she designs activities that celebrate each student’s abilities, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and successful. Her creativity, patience, and passion transform her PE class into an inclusive space where students shine, proving that no hurdle is too high when you’re committed to making a difference.
Let’s give Ms. Morrison a big cheer for leading the way in Adaptive PE!
School Culture:
Ignite the Night: Fun, Friends, and a Fantastic Cause!
Get ready for a night of warmth, fun, and giving back! The South County DECA team invites you to our Bonfire & Game Night on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6–8 PM in the staff parking lot.
Enjoy the cozy glow of the bonfire, sip on warm drinks, and challenge your friends to games like Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and more! 100% of the profits will go to the Emma Jordan Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation, supporting an incredible cause. Bring cash for concessions and come prepared to make unforgettable memories. Let’s light up the night for a great cause—we’ll see you there!
Partners in Progress: The Parent Advisory Roundtable
Thank you to all the parents who attended our recent Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting. I truly appreciated the thoughtful discussions about the new policies for FCPS and SCHS this year, as well as the valuable insights you shared. One of the main reasons I facilitate these meetings is to hear directly from stakeholders about how our students and staff are experiencing the spirit of being a Stallion. Your perspectives are incredibly meaningful and help shape our school community. Thank you again to everyone who joined us that evening!
Student Spotlight: Leading the Charge!
Speaking of Advisory Councils, please mark your calendars for December 4 from 10:15 to 11:15am and invite your student to attend the Principal’s STUDENT Advisory Council meeting. We plan to follow-up on discussions that I had with the parents on the topics of our new cell phone and grading policies. Students need to sign up ahead of time so we know how large of a group to accommodate. Priority is given to the first 50 students who sign up. The graphics below are posted in the green boxes throughout our school, as well as in the Main Office.
Staff Spotlight:
Meet Jeanette Dellavedova, a dedicated Special Education teacher who brings both passion and patience to the classroom every day. Jeanette earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from VA Tech and her graduate degree in Teaching Language Arts from Christopher Newport University. Outside of school, Jeanette enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking up delicious meals with her family, and traveling on new adventures. Jeanette’s love for teaching stems from her desire to help students realize their full potential, particularly those who have struggled and are on the brink of discovering their own strength. It’s in these moments of triumph that she truly feels the power of her work. As a Special Education teacher, Jeanette’s commitment to student success is unwavering—her dedication is as strong as her enthusiasm for helping each child find their way. She’s truly a champion for change in the lives of her students! We appreciate having such a gifted educator at SoCo!
 |
Club Corner:
Our Key Club is an international service organization that focuses on giving back to the community. Core values of the organization include “caring, character building, inclusivity, and leadership.” It is a student led organization that meets once a month (usually the third Wednesday) after school in the cafeteria. Every month we host donation drives for various organizations such as LCAC, Bethany House, and UNICEF and complete a service project at our meeting. Service projects include river clean-ups, making dog toys for animal shelters, building Thanksgiving baskets for LCAC, and making sandwiches for the homeless. We appreciate their sponsor, Mrs. Sally Perry, for always being such an involved leader of this organization. If you have any questions, you can reach her at sjperry@fcps.edu.
Spotlight: Days of Joy
The work we do is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I’d like to take a moment to publicly acknowledge a group of individuals who often don’t receive the recognition they deserve—my outstanding admin team! Special thanks to Connie Gibson, Lisa Beskenis, Bryan Hazard, Jeremiah Caven, Sam Tolan, Marvin Wooten, Marci Garrison, Allison Omohundro, Hassan Mims, and Ben Gildea for consistently bringing positive energy, fresh ideas, and a collaborative spirit as we work together to create the best possible school environment for both our students and staff. This past week, we had productive discussions about the new Accreditation system (that will soon be implemented across all Virginia schools), a new tool to help guide students in selecting future classes, and valuable feedback from our recent PAC meeting. Your contributions make all the difference, and for that, I’m truly grateful!
5 Things You Need to Know about Next Week:
I referenced a discussion with my admin team about the new VA accountability system. Here's a Virginia Department of Education released explanation for parents so you can be educated about the way all VA schools will be graded by state standards this school year: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/state-board-data-funding/accreditation-accountability/school-performance-and-support-framework/supporting-virginia-learners/family-supports.
Boundary Review Community Meetings
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which you can register for by clicking on the date below. Language interpretation will be available.
Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria.
If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
As we continue moving forward, let’s remember that we stand strong together, especially during challenging times. By learning from and listening to one another, we can grow stronger as a community. Our collective efforts will ensure that we remain the best school environment for our students, where every individual is supported and empowered to succeed. Let’s keep building, growing, and thriving—together.
Kambar
#StandStrong
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
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
