Mustang Weekly, November 22, 2024

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principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, we wish you all a safe and restful time with loved ones. This year, we especially appreciate your trust in us and your ongoing support of our school community. Your dedication to your student(s) and our staff inspires us daily! Enjoy this opportunity to reflect and recharge. We'll pause the Mustang Weekly next week and return on December 6, 2024. 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. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


Save the Date

UPCOMING DATES

November 25-26 - NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

December 13 - PTSO Winterfest

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.

After School Program

There will be no after school program on Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th.  The after school program will resume on Monday, December 2nd.  


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.


Reminder:  Spring Window for Full-time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in seventh grade who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs in eighth grade may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Dana Gorman dwgorman@fcps.edu, no later than December 15, 2024. Please include “Full-time AAP referral” in the subject line of your email.

Forms for Full-Time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by

 emailing Dana Gorman at dwgorman@fcps.edu.

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.


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. 


ptso

PTSO News

Help us provide a treat for the staff before winter break!  

Sign-Up for Teacher Breakfast

 


winterfest

Winterfest will take place on December 13th.  If you have a student that would like to be an entrepreneur at this event please email us at info@mustangptso.org for more information. Tickets are available here!  They include a drink, cupcake decorating and 1 raffle ticket.  Please consider volunteering and or donating to make this event a success again this year!

Winterfest Sign-Up

 

winterfest students

 

Box Tops

Remember to think of South County Middle School when you do your shopping.  All you have to do is scan your receipt in the app and select SCMS as your school of choice.  Every little bit helps!

 

Pizza Tuesdays

order pizza from Papa Johns and you will get a discount!  Order online from the Fairfax Station Papa Johns on Silverbrook and use the promo code SCMS4010.  You get 40% off and they will donate 10%


community

Immunization Clinics for FCPS Students

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS will host immunization clinics for FCPS students on Thursday, November 21, 1-7 p.m., and Friday, November 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administrative Center. All school-required immunizations will be available free of charge.

Parents/guardians must accompany students under the age of 18 and provide consent for their child(ren) to receive immunizations. They should bring an insurance card, if applicable, though insurance is not required to participate. 

Although appointments are not needed, parents are asked to complete the sign-up form on the Immunization Resources webpage to choose a preferred time slot. Language interpreters will be available at the clinics. 

✨ Providing students with access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

 

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS News

  • In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • Preparing for Winter Weather
  • SEL Screener Results
  • Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

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:

  • Preparación para el invierno
  • Resultados de la Encuesta del SEL
  • La lucha libre femenina es el nuevo deporte de invierno

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

 

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Preparativos para el Invierno

El tiempo de invierno llegará pronto. El tiempo de invierno llegará pronto. Mire este video para ver cómo deciden cuándo hay que cerrar las escuelas debido al clima. 

El sitio web de FCPS es generalmente el primer lugar donde publicaremos cuando haya un cierre de emergencia por el clima. Otros canales de comunicación serán usados lo más pronto posible incluyendo correo electrónico, texto, medios sociales, y estaciones de noticias. Aprenda más sobre cómo se comunican los cambios de horario. 

Asegúrese de planificar para la temporada de invierno. Asegúrese de que su información de contacto esté actualizada en SIS ParentVUE, marque el sitio web de FCPS, y planifique para el cuidado de niños si es apropiado.

Mantenga a Su Hijo Bien Abrigado Durante las Actividades al Aire LibreEstaremos atentos a las bajas temperaturas, los avisos y advertencias de viento helado y los avisos meteorológicos que pueden impedir que los niños estén al aire libre. Sin embargo, asegúrese de que su hijo esté vestido apropiadamente con un abrigo y otra ropa de clima frío para que pueda disfrutar cómodamente de su tiempo al aire libre. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ofrece algunos consejos para mantenerse seguro durante el tiempo frío.

Si necesita ayuda para proveer a su hijo de ropa para el clima frío, por favor llame a la Planificación de Servicios Coordinados del Condado de Fairfax al 703-222-0880. El personal multilingüe puede ayudarle con cualquier dificultad que se le presente, como la alimentación, el alojamiento, el empleo, la asistencia financiera, la atención sanitaria y otras necesidades.

겨울 날씨 대비하기

눈 깜짝할 사이에 겨울 날씨가 찾아올 거예요! 이 비디오를 보고 날씨와 관련된 휴교 결정이 어떻게 내려지는지 알아보세요

일반적으로 악천후로 인한 휴교는 FCPS 웹사이트에서 가장 먼저 게시됩니다. 또한 이메일, 문자, 소셜 미디어, 뉴스 방송국 등 다른 커뮤니케이션 채널을 통해 가능한 한 빨리 휴교 결정을 알아보실 수 있습니다. 학교 일정과 관련하여 저희가 어떤 커뮤니케이션 수단을 사용하는지 자세히 알아보세요

겨울철을 대비해 계획을 세우시기를 바랍니다. 학생 정보시스템 SIS ParentVUE에 연락처 정보가 최신 상태인지 확인하시고, FCPS 웹사이트를 즐겨찾기에 추가하시고, 필요한 경우 자녀 돌봄 계획을 세우고. 

야외 활동을 할 경우, 자녀의 보온에 신경을 쓰십시오. 

저희는 저온, 혹한기 주의보 및 경고와 같은 기상 주의보를 통해 자녀가 밖에 나가지 않도록 예방하기 위해 날씨를 모니터링할 것입니다. 그러나 자녀가 야외에서 편안하게 시간을 보낼 수 있도록 따듯한 코트와 기타 방한복을 챙겨 적절하게 입히셔야 합니다. 국립 기상청은 추운 날씨에 안전을 유지하기 위한 몇 가지 팁을 제공합니다.혹 자녀의 겨울철 옷을 구비하시는데 어려움이 있으시다면, 페어팩스 카운티 Coordinated Services Planning 703-222-0880에 연락하여 주시기 바랍니다. 의식주 및 취업, 재정문제, 보험 기타 등 어려움이 있으시다면 다국어 담당자가 도움을 줄 것입니다.