Mustang Weekly, December 13, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

It has been a fun-filled week with our Secret Staff Spirit Week, Holiday Music Assembly, everything else happening in and outside our classrooms, and the upcoming PTSO event, Winterfest. We are close to the winter break and want to remind you that our NJHS is sponsoring a Food Drive (mentioned last week). Additionally, NJHS is hosting a spirit week from 12/16-20. The days are as follows: Monday is Pajama Day, Tuesday is Twin Day, Wednesday is Team Color Day, Thursday is Jersey Day, and Friday is Ugly Sweater Day. 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

December 16 - 20 - NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

December 16 - 20 - NJHS Spirit Week

December 19 - PTSO Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse

December 23 - January 5 - Winter Break


spirit week
  • 12/16 (Monday): Pajama Day
  • 12/17 (Tuesday): Twin Day
  • 12/18 (Wednesday): Team Color Day
  • 12/19 (Thursday): Jersey Day
  • 12/20 (Friday): Ugly Sweater Day

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. 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
texas roadhouse

community

Attend a Boundary Review Community Meeting

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

Recursos para estudiantes y familias

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax han compilado una lista de recursos para estudiantes y familias en caso de que necesiten ayuda mientras las escuelas están cerradas por las vacaciones de invierno. Por favor visite nuestra página web de recursos de invierno para enlaces a apoyo académico; apoyo a la salud mental; y alimentos, ropa, vivienda y otros recursos del condado.

Cuando las Escuelas están Cerradas, el Aprendizaje Puede Continuar

FCPS anima a los estudiantes a aprovechar las oportunidades de aprendizaje divertido durante las vacaciones de invierno y días de nieve. Considere estas actividades de invierno para que sus estudiantes combinen la educación y la diversión durante las vacaciones de invierno o en caso en que se cierren las escuelas debido al mal tiempo.  


Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students).
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

La selección de cursos comienzan en enero 

A partir de enero de 2025, los estudiantes se reunirán con sus consejeros para discutir la selección de cursos para el próximo año. Se anima a las familias a participar activamente en este importante proceso.  A medida que los estudiantes eligen cursos, es importante recordarles que consideren lo siguiente:

  • Fortalezas y hábitos académicos actuales.
  • Requisitos de graduación (estudiantes de secundaria).
  • Intereses y objetivos profesionales y postsecundarios.
  • Bienestar personal.
  • Actividades extraescolares y otros compromisos que puedan afectar al tiempo y la energía de los estudiantes.

El balance entre la vida escolar y personal es una consideración importante en el esfuerzo de los estudiantes por alcanzar el éxito académico y personal. Las familias pueden ponerse en contacto con el orientador escolar del alumno si tienen alguna pregunta.


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

  • FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
  • Join Our Teacher Team!
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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

  • Spanish: En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
  • Selección de cursos para estudiantes de las Escuelas Intermedias y Secundarias
  • Únase a nuestro equipo de maestros
  • Reuniones de revisión de límites

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