Student Attendance Reporting Procedures
To ensure accurate attendance records and minimize disruptions, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Important Reminders:
- All absence reports (calls, emails, and notes) must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. Student reports will not be accepted.
- Handwritten notes from parents/guardians are also acceptable.
- Please leave a detailed message if calling; all messages are checked frequently.
Attendance Office Contact Information:
- Email: southcountyhigh.attendance@fcps.edu
- Phone: 703-446-1625
- OPTION 1- ALL DAY ABSENCE
- OPTION 2- LATE ARRIVAL
- OPTION 3- EARLY RELEASE
Important Upcoming Dates
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05/12/25- 5:00pm-9:00pm- SCHS Band Chipotle Fundraiser
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05/20/25- South County Athletic Booster Club's 18th Annual Golf Classic
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05/26/25- Memorial Day (Holiday)
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06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Dear South County Families,
Our school community is mourning the unexpected loss of two of our students this week. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and all who are grieving. In difficult times like these, we are reminded of how important it is to be present for one another—to listen, to care, and to support our children and each other. The information in this newsletter is shared with that spirit in mind, offering continuity and connection as we move forward together.
Student and Staff Belonging
SoCo Meets Japan: A Virtual Voyage
Our Japanese-language students recently completed the Global Classmates program, a grant-funded virtual cultural and language exchange with high school students in Japan, facilitated by Mr. Otani. Through this enriching experience, students engaged in weekly video calls and shared messages, photos, and videos, allowing them to learn firsthand about Japanese daily life while reflecting on their own culture. Despite a small number of participants, the impact was meaningful, and the students truly enjoyed the connections they made. Mr. Otani went above and beyond to ensure a successful experience, and we are grateful for his dedication and leadership. We’re proud to offer programs like this that broaden global perspectives and build cross-cultural understanding within our school community.
Tech-nically Speaking: SoCo Shines at Technosphere!
This past weekend, 50 of our amazing Technology Student Association (TSA) students traveled to Hampton, VA to represent South County at the Virginia TSA conference, Technosphere, competing in 22 events and earning finalist honors in 8! Congratulations to our standout teams:
Robotics: James (Sungu) Malloy and Nathan Park (4th Place)
Animatronics: Alexis (AJ) Amparo, Sophia Alora, and Lilian Dao (6th place)
Fashion Design and Technology (two teams!): Team #1: Abu Kamar, Audrey Braddock, Ostap Charnyi, and Ava Quevedo (9th Place); Team #2: Ashlee Hyun, Sophia Alora, Lillian Dao, Kareena Kaserowski, and Shiloh Hicks (4th Place)
HS Data Science and Analytics: Trey Storer and Ryan O’Donnell (7th Place)
HS Technology Bowl: Maddie Rumberger, Rayan Hih, and Myles Bracey-Hairston (7th Place)
Drone Challenge (UAV): Maddie Rumberger, Oscar Calagua, Cassandra Henriques, and Rayan Hih (9th Place)
STEM Careers: Maddie Rumberger (5th Place)
HS Chapter Team: Rayan Hih, Junaid Abdulhamid, Oscar Calagua, Hamzah Cheema, Faith Mekonen, and Maddie Rumberger (7th Place)
Mr. Velazquez noted that this unforgettable experience wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless support of our incredible chaperones: Matthew Van Gilder, Jay Malloy, James Zavala, Nick Rumberger, Kelly Clarke, and Judith Annancy. A special shout-out to PTSO President Katie O’Donnell for coordinating snack donations—and heartfelt thanks to all who helped make this Herculean task a success!
School Culture
Yamato’s Path to Performance and Personal Pride
One of our very talented students, Yamato, has made an impressive splash this season, competing in three meets—Preliminary in Oakton, Time Trials in Sterling, and the Regional Meet at George Mason University on April 27—to qualify for this year’s Special Olympics, taking place June 6–7 in Richmond, VA. He’s expected to compete in the 25- and/or 50-yard breaststroke. Yamato’s passion for swimming began before he could even talk, and during his time in Japan, he competed with the U.S. Military DoDEA Special Olympics team in the Kanto region, where he carried the torch in the opening ceremony and participated in multiple sports. A huge congratulations goes out to this outstanding Stallion, and our SoCo community wishes him the very best at the June event! Way to go, Yamato!
Ace-ing Senior Night: A Serve to Remember
This week, we had the privilege of celebrating our fantastic Boys and Girls Tennis teams during their respective Senior Nights. These athletes have truly aced their high school tennis careers, showcasing not only impressive skill but also unwavering dedication and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the seniors for serving up countless memories and leaving a lasting mark on the team and our school community. Here’s to a grand finale as you close out your time on the court—your legacy will continue to rally long after the season ends!
Gratitude Galore!
This week, we’re feeling especially thankful for the generous hearts in our community. A huge shoutout to our incredible PTSO for the delicious staff luncheon—it was a thoughtful treat that lifted everyone’s spirits. We also want to recognize our amazing student leadership students, who’ve spent the past two weeks showering staff with appreciation in creative and meaningful ways. From handwritten notes to small surprises, your efforts made a big impact and reminded us why South County is such a special place.
Staff Spotlight
Joe Santora has been teaching for 7 years, with the past 2 years spent at South County High School. Mr. Santora chose teaching as a way to give back to his community. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys watching sports and reading history, indulging in both his passions for learning and competition. His diverse interests and dedication to teaching make him a valuable member of our school community. As a sidenote, on the day I spoke to Mr. Santora, his students were presenting him with this rather personalized American flag!
As we reflect on the experiences we’ve shared, it's clear that our strength comes from the connections we’ve built with one another. Each moment, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the halls, has contributed to the sense of community that makes us who we are. Let’s continue to appreciate and support one another, standing strong together through every challenge and triumph. In unity, we find our greatest power.
Happy Mother's Day!
Kambar
#StandStrong
SCHS Tech Team
With the end of the school year rapidly approaching we wanted to take a moment to remind you all of a few things prior to laptop turn in at the end of the school year. Any of the below items that are not followed may incur a charge on your account.
- Please be sure to remove all stickers from your laptop including any adhesive residue.
- Please clean off any and all writing that may be on your laptop.
- Please have your school issued charger with you it will have HP written on the back it all other chargers will not be accepted.
Presentation Attached
Hello Class of 2025- Victor O’Neill Studios will be present on Graduation day to take photos of our graduates receiving their diploma during the ceremony. Please scan the QR code using your phone to sign up for photo notifications before your event.
You can also visit the link above before your event.
Once photos are online after Graduation Day you will receive a notification to view and order.
If you have any questions about Graduation Day photos, please contact Victor O’Neill customer service directly: graduation@vosphoto.com
Register for event photo notifications: https://my.photoday.com/gallery/SCGRAD25
Access code : SCGRAD25
BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP 2025
Basketball Summer Camp 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Session 1 (June 16, 17, 18 &20)
Session 2 (June 23-27)
Complete this form Here
Register and Pay here
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time (10:00am) on the last day of school (6/11/25). Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school. Please be sure medication orders are clear. All information on the form must be completed. Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. Part II must be signed and dated by your health care provider. Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature. Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either. For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided. More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).
Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time. All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider. Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given. Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely give your student, their medication. If you have any questions, please contact your school health room aide, 703-446-1610, or your school public health nurse, Grace Matthews at gmatthews@fcps.edu. Thank you for your cooperation and have a good summer.
Spring Concession Stand Sign Up
Spring Sports are underway and we NEED your help! In order for us to keep our concession stand up and running we need volunteers to assist us on game nights. The revenue generated through concession serves as the SCHS Athletic Booster Club's primary source of funding. The money earned goes right back to the sports teams to cover the costs of equipment, uniforms, and more! Any family can volunteer! You do not need to have a student participating in Sports to make an impact! Visit the link below or the QR code and consider helping us out one night! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B48ABAB22A5FD0-55500344-2025
SAVE THE DATE!!
The South County Athletic Booster Club's 18th Annual Golf Classic is Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Laurel Hill Golf Club!
Registration and sponsorship options can be found on our website: https://birdease.com/schsgolf
Buy your tickets today!
ANGP Ticket Sales
Your ANGP ticket ensures an evening packed with fun activities, including:
- Volleyball and Pickleball
- Basketball
- Soccer and Football
- Ice Rink
- Photo Booth 📸
- Cash Giveaways 💵
- Casino & DJ 🎶
- Obstacle Course & Bull Riding 🐂
- Video Games 🎮
- Lots of Food 🍕🍔
Plus, it’s the Last Stampede with friends — the perfect way to celebrate and make lasting memories!
We are also looking for sponsors and gift cards. Your generous donations will help us cover costs and provide a memorable event.
ANGP Committee
angp@southcountyptso.org
Buy your tickets here
ANGP 2025: Class of 2025: ANGP Event Day Sign-Up
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.
Tech Adventure Camp
Tech Adventure Camp (Grades K-5) and CTE Summer Academy (Grades 6-11) are open to all students. Code Up Grant funding enables participating Code Up schools to provide tuition-free access to 10 students per school this summer. Remaining spaces will be released on a first come, first served basis. If interested, complete this CTE Summer Program Interest Form as soon as possible. Paid registration continues to be available from the websites linked below.
More information:
AWARENESS
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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As FCPS explores the viability of Girls Flag Football and considers including it in our athletic offerings at the high school level we are pleased to partner with the Washington Commanders to bring a free Girls Flag Football clinic to C.G. Woodson High School, on June 7, 2025. The clinic will provide students with an opportunity to experience the game under the excellent direction of experienced flag coaches. Interested FCPS students can register for the event now! We also invite anyone interested in coaching to attend, observe, and ask questions!!! Please see information on the flyer attached.
South County ATHLETICS
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
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