Mustang Weekly, February 28, 2025

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principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

As we wrap up February and look forward to March, I am incredibly grateful for a phenomenal seven months of learning! We have seen incredible growth and progress, and to keep that momentum going, I want to gently remind everyone about our cell phone policy. Student cell phones should be powered off and stored away from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. to ensure a focused learning environment. If a student needs to make a call, a phone is always available in the main office. Additionally, please note that March offers limited school breaks. Regular attendance is crucial for student success, and we appreciate your partnership in ensuring your child is present and engaged every day. Lastly, Ramadan starts this evening and lasts until March 29. If your student is participating and needs a prayer space, please complete this form . 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


Mark Your Calendar

UPCOMING DATES

February 28 - March 29 - Ramadan

March 7 - Staff vs Student Basketball Game

March 21 - Spring Play

March 22 - SOCO Stampede 5K


Ramadan graphic

Ramadan Prayer & Reflection Accommodations

As in previous years, students will need parent/guardian permission to use the prayer room during instructional time. During Ramadan (Feb. 28–March 29), the designated prayer space (B106 – Orchestra Room) will be available at the following times:

  • March 3–7: 12:25–1:45 PM
  • March 10–28: 1:20–1:40 PM

Additionally, families may request that their child spend lunch in the library as an alternative to the cafeteria. Parent/guardian permission is required, and teachers will be informed of participating students.

To sign up, please complete the form linked below. For any questions, contact Jenny Payne, Director of Student Services, at japayne2@fcps.edu.

Meditation and Silent Reflection Sign-up

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.


ptso

Staff vs Student Basketball Game

It is almost time for our annual Staff VS. Student Basketball game.  Join us on March 7th!  More details coming soon about tryouts.  Doors open at 6PM, game starts at 6:30PM.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Tickets purchased in advance will include a free drink.  Tickets can be purchased here

Board Members for 2025/26 School Year

We are currently looking for volunteers to fill three board positions for next year.  If this is something you are interested in, please contact us at info@mustangptso.org

Box Tops For Education

Remember to think of South County Middle School when you do your shopping. Remember 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 Tuesday

Help Support us on Tuesdays by ordering pizza from Papa Johns and you will get a discount too!

Order online from the Fairfax Station Papa Johns on Silverbrook and use promo code SCMS4010


community

Eating Disorder - Parent Information

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders

 

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. 

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

  • Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.

 

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:

  • Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
  • Supporting Academic Growth 
  • Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

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