Mustang Weekly, November 15, 2024

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principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

Thank you so much to all who participated in the PTSO's schoolwide fundraiser. As we enter the midpoint of November, we would like to acknowledge National Native American Heritage Month, and this week has been National School Psychology Week (NSPW). Please note that Academic Advising is quickly approaching, and our school counselors will be working with students in the coming months to select courses for the next school year. Lastly, our PTSO is hosting Bingo Night tonight at 6:30 p.m., so please join us for some fun. As always, thank you for all you do, and please contact us to share any feedback, questions, or concerns. Enjoy your weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


Calendar

UPCOMING DATES

November 15 - Bingo Night - Join us tonight from 6:30-8pm in the cafeteria. We will have food, fun and games. Tickets are available at the link below and include bingo cards, a marker and a drink or $7. 

South County Middle School PTSO

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. See the complete school year calendar.

Missing School During the Holidays

Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom. Visit our website for attendance resources.


impact aid

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

All families should complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey as soon as possible. The form is available in ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). 

Please complete the form for each school-aged child in your household. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds support all Fairfax County public schools and centers. Visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page to learn more.

As of today we have 24% of our families that have filled out the Impact Aid Form online.

If you have not filled out the form online, your student received a hard copy of the form yesterday, November 14th, to bring home for you.  Please fill out the form and return as soon as possible.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions to Mrs. Carlstrom, mcarlstrom@fcps.edu or Mr. Waters, rmwaters@fcps.edu.


Gift Card Drive

As the weather cools and we head into this season of gratitude, we are reaching out to ask for your help. We are currently collecting gift cards to assist South County MS families in need. Gift cards to Food Lion, Giant, Walmart, and Target will go directly to families of students facing food insecurity and/or requiring assistance with necessities and seasonal support.  Even small donations can make a big impact. 

Gift cards are being collected now with a first due date of December 13th. Gift cards can be donated at any time and will be used to support our families throughout the year. They can be dropped off in a box in the front office or sent with your child in an envelope attention: School Social Worker. We are thankful to have such a generous and caring community and truly appreciate your support!

Questions? Please contact our School Social Worker, Director of Student Services, or Systems of Support Advisor (SOSA) at the following e-mail address: SCMSassistance@fcps.edu. 


School Pictures are Ready!

School pictures taken at SOUTH COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL on 11/07/2024 are now available for parents to view and order online. Please help spread the word by copying and pasting this info onto your school’s website, social media, emails from teachers or administrators to parents, your school’s newsletter, etc.

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

  • SOUTH COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • Event Code: FE122124
  • Images are secured using the email address(es) provided to us by the school.

academic advising

ptso

Thank you to everyone that donated to the Mustang Makeover Fundraiser!  While we did not meet our goal we can still fund some of the amazing things that have been planned for the school.  We appreciate each of you for your help!

HANGRY BURGER FUNDRAISER

Join us at Hangry Burger on November 19th from 4pm-8pm for another dine out fundraiser!  They will be providing 15% of total sales!  Check out their menu at hangry-burger.com.  


community
Boundary graphic for newsletters

Boundary Review Community Meeting

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 will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Reunión Comunitaria de Revisión de Límites

Las reuniones comunitarias sobre la Revisión de Límites de FCPS se llevarán a cabo en cada una de las seis regiones de la división. Le animamos a asistir a la reunión en nuestra región, que tendrá lugar el Martes, 3 de diciembre, 6:30-8 p.m., en la cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria Lake Braddock. 

Por favor, inscríbase con antelación haciendo clic en la fecha. Habrá servicio de interpretación. 

Si no puede asistir en esta fecha, consulte la lista completa de reuniones en el sitio web de la Revisión integral de límites escolares. 


Lexia Parent Night: Helping Children Learn to Read

Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.

Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia and discover strategies to support your child’s literacy. Events will be held on Tuesday, November 19, and Thursday, December 5.

✨ Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on grade level by the end of third grade. 

Visit the Family Academy Catalog for more classes, workshops, and webinars.

💡 Partnering to Help Students Spark Discovery

As parents and educators, we share the goal of helping children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This includes exploring new ideas, celebrating their strengths, and encouraging them to persevere when things get tough. Working together, we can support students’ sense of learning and discovery.


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

If you prefer to have an abbreviated way to share district news, consider sharing the language below in your newsletter. Please edit the list of topics to best fit the needs of your community.

  • FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • Veterans Day Recognitions
  • Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
  • Teacher Hiring Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

  • En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
  • Reconocimientos del Día de los Veteranos
  • Eventos Comunitarios sobre el Programa de Educación Individual (IEPs), Ayuda Financiera, Alfabetización, Liderazgo Comunitario 
  • Evento de Empleo para Maestros

Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo