Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Important Upcoming Dates
-
12/08/24- Bodhi Day
-
12/10/24- Senior Ad Order deadline
-
12/23-01/03- Winter Break (No School)
-
12/25/24- Christmas
-
12/25/24- Chanukah
-
01/01/25- New Year's Day
-
01/06/25- Three Kings Day/Epiphany
-
01/07/25- Orthodox Christmas
-
01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
-
01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
-
01/28/25- Quarter End
-
01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
-
02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
-
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,
Welcome to December! As we move through this exciting midpoint of the school year, there’s so much to celebrate and look forward to in the coming weeks. From holiday performances and athletic achievements to the continued success of our students in the classroom, the energy and enthusiasm in our Stallion community are inspiring. Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership—it’s what makes South County High a place where every student can belong and thrive. Let’s finish this calendar year strong and carry the momentum into 2024!
Student and Staff Belonging
I had a fantastic conversation with students in a second Hispanic Heritage speaking class about how accepted and valued they feel at school. They shared their appreciation for the efforts we’ve made to celebrate their culture and offered some wonderful new ideas to enhance our celebrations. It’s clear that when we give students the mic, they’re true leaders in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant school community!
High Quality Instruction
The Student Advisory Council engaged in a spirited discussion about our new FCPS grading policy. The conversation was so lively and productive that we ran out of time to tackle our second topic—cell phone policy feedback. Students helped clarify areas of confusion and offered thoughtful suggestions for improvement. Their academic maturity and insightful contributions went far beyond what might typically be expected. Bravo to these stellar Stallions for demonstrating true SoCo spirit—you’ve leaped to the forefront as leaders, and your feedback is deeply valued and appreciated!
School Culture:
Patty Klunder and her daughter, Aurelia, have painted us another masterpiece! Their latest mural radiates Stallion pride, proving that true school spirit isn’t something you can buy—it’s etched into the heart and soul of our community. Their creativity adds color not just to our walls, but to the fabric of what makes South County so special.
Students got crafty with turkey hands, creating heartfelt artwork to show what they’re most thankful for in their lives. This colorful collection of gratitude is just another feather in the cap of our amazing school spirit!
Let’s keep our neighborly spirit galloping strong! If your student is a walker, please remind them to respect the Springhill Community’s “No Trespassing” signs. Recently, students have been climbing the gate, leaving trash, and using inappropriate language in the area, which is private property. It takes a “village” to help our students understand the importance of being respectful neighbors, especially to those in the Springhill Community.
For questions or more information, you can reach out to Jimmy Adesso, their Safety Awareness Committee Chairman, at 607-857-8788. Let’s clean up our act and keep our community connections shining!
Club Corner:
The Arab Students Association (ASA) club was started in 2019 by sponsor and teacher, Ms. Safia Elhassan. The club membership is open to everyone who is interested to know about the middle east and north African culture, language, food, and more. The ASA participates in food drives, International Night, and Homecoming parade. The composition of the club is diverse, and students enjoy meeting know friends. The students are proud to represent the Middle Eastern Heritage. For questions, please email Ms. Elhassan at saelhassan@fcps.edu.
Spotlight: Days of Joy.
This past Sunday, we proudly celebrated Samson Boyd’s incredible achievement as he officially earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout during his ceremony. Samson’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community. His Eagle Scout project, focused on Diabetes awareness and intervention, highlighted his passion for health advocacy and service. He created Diabetes kits for students at both the middle and high school levels and even developed promotional videos accessible via QR codes to educate others about this important health issue.
Samson’s efforts not only provided critical resources but also raised awareness within our schools and beyond. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is no small feat—only 4% of Americans attain this level of recognition and service. What’s even more rare is the fact that he and his brother, Eli, earned this distinction! Samson’s accomplishment is a shining example of the Stallion spirit in action, and we couldn’t be prouder of his perseverance and impact. Congratulations, Samson, on this well-deserved honor and for leaving an inspiring legacy at South County High!
As we move forward together, let’s remember the strength of our Stallion community lies in our unity. Whether we’re celebrating successes or navigating challenges, our commitment to supporting one another makes us stronger. By standing strong, embracing kindness, and fostering a culture of respect and belonging, we can continue to create a school where everyone thrives.
Have a Super-heroic weekend!
Kambar
#StandStrong
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Student Directed One Act Interest Meeting and Auditions:
The One Act Interest Meeting is this Friday @ 3PM in the Auditorium
Auditons are the 9th and 10th after school - check in @ the Black Box Theatre at 3PM
Performances are February 6th, 7th or 8th - each show performs for one night.
Purchase an Ad in the
2024/25 Winter Sports Program
for Seniors participating in Winter Sports
¼ page - $100
½ page - $200
Spotlight your Senior or celebrate a group of Senior Athletes
Proceeds benefit the South County High School Athletic Boosters Club
2024/25 Winter Sports Program -
Senior Ad Order must be received by
December 10, 2024
Receive one free Program per purchased ad!
Please place your order on the SCABC Square site:
https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Email pictures, Senior ad text, and questions to: Elena Jordon – scabcsponsorship@gmail.com
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 Special Education Day
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
|
|
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day, Sunday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
|
|
 |
Christmas🎄
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.
|
Chanukah
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.
|
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
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
|
