Weekly News From South County High School

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Attendance


Student Attendance Reporting Procedures

To ensure accurate attendance records and minimize disruptions, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Full-Day Absences:

    • Report all full-day absences through ParentVue.
    • Please provide a detailed reason for the absence in the notes section.
  • Late Arrivals, Absences Exceeding Two (2) Days:

    • Contact the attendance office directly via phone or email.
  • Early Release:

    • Contact the attendance office via phone or email.
    • A minimum of two (2) hours' notice is required for early release requests.
    • Failure to provide adequate notice may result in delays.

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


MEMORIAL

Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.



Important Upcoming Dates

  • 05/26/25- Memorial Day (Holiday)
  • 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank) Early Release
  • 06/06/25- Eid al-Adha (Evening-only O Day)
  • 06/11/25- Last Day of School (early dismissal)
  • 06/12,13,16,17- Staff Development, School Planning, and Teacher Work Days.
  • 06/19/25- Juneteenth (Holiday)


2025 SCHS End of Year Exam Schedule and Close Out Activities



Check our End of Year Schedule here

End of year schedule


Message from Dr. Khoshaba



Greetings, SoCo family,

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I want to take a moment to honor and reflect on the true meaning of this important holiday. Memorial Day is a time to remember and express our deepest gratitude to the brave military service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all veterans and active-duty personnel in our community for their service and dedication. As you enjoy the long weekend, I hope you find time to rest, connect with loved ones, and spend time doing whatever is on your heart—whether it's remembrance, reflection, or simply recharging for the days ahead.

Special note: If you prefer to listen to a condensed version of this edition, click here for the audio version.

Student and Staff Belonging

Student Voices, Rising Leaders

South County is thrilled to announce the results of our recent student elections, and we couldn’t be prouder of the enthusiasm and leadership displayed throughout the process. Congratulations to our newly elected Class Officers, SAC Representatives, and Hype Squad Leaders—your commitment to serving your peers and building a spirited school community is truly commendable. From passionate speeches to respectful campaigning, this election season showcased the very best of what Stallion leadership looks like. We look forward to seeing the energy, ideas, and unity you’ll bring to the year ahead!

Class of 2028 Officers: Kwabena Minta | Libbie Peck | Danaya Makedonska | Arianna Cunningham | Victoria Hobson | Carys Behan

Class of 2027 Officers: Rachel Graham | Jeremiah Harris | Duniya Arya | Shreya Soni | Peyton Tran

Class of 2026 Officers: Abby Nielsen | Avery Bartee | Kayla Aparicio | Ava Dosky | Michaella Adjei

SAC Representatives: Aliza Ali | Amelia Marlowe | Arianna Piggee | Julia Qu | Sai Abulkheas

Hype Squad Leaders: Landon Peck (12th) | Arianna Piggee (12th) | Isabelle Springer (12th) | Maame Pokuah-Dankha (12th) | Morgan Haynes (12th) | Kayhan Kandahari (11th) | Samantha Erickson (11th)

We congratulate all the candidates for their efforts and commend our student body for their participation. Here’s to a year of meaningful leadership and unforgettable Stallion spirit!

Goal-Oriented Greatness!

Congratulations to our incredible Girls Soccer team for becoming District Champions with a commanding 2-0 victory over Robinson High School! With mental toughness, teamwork, and unstoppable determination, our Stallions dominated the field and brought home the title. They truly kicked it up a notch when it mattered most, showing what it means to play with heart and hustle. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievement—on and off the pitch, they continue to make South County shine!

soccer

On Track for Victory: Celebrating SoCo’s Championship Run

Hats off to both the boys and girls track teams for sprinting their way to the championships this year! We’re proud of every athlete’s grit and perseverance, but especially thrilled to celebrate the girls team for winning the district title — a well-earned triumph that highlights their unstoppable spirit. Their success reminds us that every stride counts, and together they crossed the finish line stronger than ever. Like a perfectly timed race, their teamwork and dedication kept the momentum alive, carrying South County toward greatness.

track

Strength in Unity

A huge thank you to all the students who participated in the Sources of Strength program this year—it was a powerful reminder of the impact of connection, resilience, and peer support. This program empowers students to lean into their strengths and build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Our end-of-year meeting this week was a celebration of the positivity and leadership you brought to our school throughout the year. Special thanks to our amazing sponsors—Ms. Hill, Mr. Kingston, and Mrs. Tolan—for guiding this work with compassion and purpose!

Sources of strenght

“K-Day: The Sequel Nobody Saw Coming

When the seniors chose “Dress Like Dr. K” as a spirit day, I was genuinely touched—and wildly impressed by their flair for imitation. From sharp suits to walkie-talkie props, their creativity (and that of the staff!) turned the halls into a runway of respect and playful homage. It was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious—like watching 100 mini-me’s storm the building with caffeine, confidence, and questionable fashion choices.

Dr. K

High Quality Instruction

Mrs. Lipsey’s class wrapped up their unit on The Great Gatsby with flair, creativity, and a celebration worthy of West Egg itself. Their reflections and projects showed that while Gatsby may have chased a green light, these students clearly found gold in their learning.

more students

Meanwhile, Mr. Velazquez’s Advanced Engineering students impressed with their end-of-year presentations, showcasing the depth of knowledge and innovation they’ve built throughout the year. Like architects of understanding, they laid a solid foundation and constructed a year full of discovery and design.

Velazaquez

School Culture

Marching Toward Something New

This week, I had the privilege of meeting with an inspiring group of students eager to start a new club centered around supporting military-connected students and celebrating interest in our nation’s armed forces. In a fitting twist of timing, this meaningful conversation happened just days before Memorial Day—a powerful reminder of the values of service, sacrifice, and unity that these students hope to honor. I continue to be amazed by the leadership, heart, and initiative that lives in the students of South County. I am incredibly proud of those who take a chance on themselves, their ideas, and their dreams—you are the reason our future looks so bright.

Partnership, Pride, and Possibilities

Students in our College Partnership Program gathered this week to celebrate a year filled with growth, grit, and great accomplishments. With the support of their dedicated sponsors—Mrs. Biehl, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Straughn, and Mr. Mims—these scholars have taken bold steps toward their college and career goals. We applaud their hard work and the powerful partnerships that continue to pave the path to success!

Lewis

 

Leading the Way, the I-Night Way

Our incredible International Night student leaders wrapped up the year with a well-deserved celebration of their hard work in bringing cultures together through one of South County’s most beloved traditions. The event also marked a warm welcome to the newly elected officers who are ready to carry the torch into next year’s showcase of unity and pride. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Gostel for her unwavering support and guidance that keeps the spirit of I-Night shining bright!

Students

A Tune Worth a Thousand Frames

Our Spring Orchestra Concert hit all the right notes with a beautiful selection of theme songs from favorite movies and TV shows. The students’ performances created a soundtrack that transported the audience scene by scene, blending emotion and artistry flawlessly. It was a picture-perfect evening where music and storytelling came together in harmony!

Orchestra

 

Strings That Rock the Stage

Our Guitar Concert showcased the impressive talent and hard work of our students, delivering a diverse set of songs that captivated the audience from start to finish. One standout moment was a fantastic rendition of the iconic 1980s hit Sweet Child ‘o Mine, featuring soloists Grant Keith and Brayden Borie, with Director Mr. Engdahl adding dynamic rhythm on the slap drum. Their skillful strings and spirited performance truly struck a chord and brought the music to life. For those who want to experience this memorable performance again, here’s the link: Sweet Child ‘o Mine – Guitar Concert.

Strings

Carrying the Torch of Compassion

Thank you, Nicole Cousins, for proudly carrying forward your family’s legacy of generosity by raising funds to support seniors facing financial challenges. Your dedication lights the way for others, like a beacon of hope guiding students toward a brighter future. We deeply appreciate how you’ve turned compassion into action, making a meaningful difference in our school community.

Nicole

 

Staff Spotlight

Mike Gibson brings two decades of IT expertise and a passion for education to our school community as an Instructional Assistant and JV Assistant Coach to our Boys Basketball program.  Even at a young age Mr. Gibson wanted to be in education and coaching choosing to go to college pursuing a PE major on a full basketball scholarship.  After his IT career he followed his heart back into education and found his true calling in helping students with various needs. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his three children and wife, much of which is spent at baseball fields as his son is an accomplished player at a rival high school. Mr. Gibson also enjoys immersing himself in the Star Wars universe, where he navigates epic adventures like a true Jedi master. Mr. Gibson’s commitment to students and staff shines as a guiding light throughout our school.

Coach G

 

As we continue this school year, let’s remember to Stand Strong—in our values, in our community, and in the face of every challenge. Together, we build resilience, courage, and unity that make our school a place where everyone can thrive. Stay bold, stay brave, and above all, Stand Strong.

 

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.

  1. Please be sure to remove all stickers from your laptop including any adhesive residue.
  2. Please clean off any and all writing that may be on your laptop.
  3. Please have your school issued charger with you it will have HP written on the back it all other chargers will not be accepted.


Library



All library books are due no later than May 28th, 2025. Students will have bills added to their library account on May 29th, 2025 for any books that haven’t been returned.

Library lost book fees need to be paid in the library. The bill will be deleted if the book is returned. Seniors need to clear library books and library fees in order to receive their cap and gown.



The Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Adventure Program will run June 11th-August 17th this year!

Please see their website for all the details about registering and winning prizes! Happy Reading!



Senior Announcement


 

  • Seniors may not go on the senior trip or attend prom until all debts are cleared, and they will not receive their cap and gown until their senior dues are paid. 
  • The senior trip to Kings Dominion is June 2nd.  Tickets are on sale on MSB until May 9th, and they will be on sale during lunch for $60 cash May 5-9 in the cafeteria.
  • Kings Dominion forms (Emergency Care Form and Field Trip Permission Form) are due May 21st!  These forms can be picked up outside of B146 or in the cafeteria this week during lunch.  They can be turned in this week during lunch, in the cafeteria. 

  • The senior meeting covered all information pertaining to upcoming senior requirements and events.  There is a PDF attached of the slides, and they are also available in the Class of 2025 Schoology page.

Presentation Attached



Technology Collection for Seniors:

Tech return for seniors begins May 27th. All seniors must return their school-issued laptops and chargers in order to receive their cap & gown at graduation rehearsal. The laptop & charger must be clean and undamaged, with stickers, dirt, and other markings removed. If necessary, please pay any fees for lost or damaged items in the main office.

Fees associated with missing or damaged technology:

  • Replacement charger- $25
  • Replacement laptop- $444
  • Defaced top cover - $30
  • Defaced palmrest/keyboard - $52

Senior tech return dates/times:

  • Tuesday 5/27- LIBRARY
    • During Period 1 English 12 classes
    • After senior early release (11:20-11:50 am)
  • Wednesday 5/28- LIBRARY
    • During Period 2 English 12 classes
    • During Period 4 Advisory classes
  • Thursday 5/29- LIBRARY
    • As needed
    • NOTE: There is no school for seniors on 5/29. If your student still needs to return a laptop, they can come in to the library, return their laptop, and then leave the building

If your student has questions prior to tech collection, they should visit the tech office hours in the library during 5th or 6th period.



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

victor oneil


yearbook


Kiss A Senior Goodbye



Want to send a final thank you or well wishes to a SENIOR, Underclassman or Staff Member? 

For $4 you can send a treat bag to “kiss” a senior goodbye or help an underclassman or staff member “kiss” the school year goodbye. 

Senior goodbyes will be waiting for seniors on their seats at graduation rehearsal and all other goodbyes will be delivered to students & staff during advisory.  Purchase on MSB (https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZQWBKS04NJ8_ZZ6710Y44IQPVL0)

A kiss


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

BASKETBALL


healthroom


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.



Upcoming Inova Cares Back to School Events



See attached Flyer for upcoming Inova Cares Back to School events

Flyer

Flyer 2



qr code


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 

qr code


tickets  now

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

ANGP


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



 

aaip

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.


mental health

jewish american month

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.



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



 

Logo

For the latest news, scores, and schedules

please visit our website.

Athletics & Activities Website: 

https://stallionnation.org/



Important SoCo and FCPS Resources



How to Stay In Touch


Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:



soco

South County High School



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