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Important Dates:
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Aug 25 & 26 - Underclass Picture Day (Auditorium)-See below for more information.
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Aug 29 & Sept. 1-Schools & offices are closed for the Labor Day holiday.
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Sept 3 – Back-to-School Night: 6:00-7:30 pm
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Sept 3- 5:00 pm (Auditorium)- Senior Parent Information Night
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Sept 6- 10am-2pm- SCHS Crew Team- Fall Open House
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Sept 9- Special Election (No School)
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Sept 11- Commemoration/Patriot Day
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Sept 15- Oct 15- National Hispanic Heritage Month
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Sept 17- Constitution Day
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Sept 22-23- Rosh Hashanah
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Sept 23- Rosh Hashanah - Holiday (No School)
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Sept 27- Oct 5 - Blue Star Welcome Week
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Oct 8- SAT School Day for 12th Graders
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Oct 15- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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Jan 7- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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Feb12- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
- Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26
How to Report an Absence
The fastest and most preferred way to report a FULL DAY absence is by using ParentVUE. This method is the most efficient and will ensure your student's attendance is updated quickly.
You can also use one of the alternative options below, but please note that the response time may be slower than using ParentVUE.
Email:
Students with last names A-Dh: southcountyhs.attendanceA-Dh@fcps.edu
Students with last names Di-K: southcountyhs.attendanceDi-K@fcps.edu
Students with last names L-Raj: southcountyhs.attendanceL-Raj@fcps.edu
Students with last names Rak-Z: southcountyhs.attendanceRak-Z@fcps.edu
Attendance Line:
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Students with last names A-Dh: 703-446-1890
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Students with last names Di-K: 703-446-1891
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Students with last names L-Raj: 703-446-1892
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Students with last names Rak-Z: 703-446-1893
When reporting an absence, please provide:
- Student's full name and ID number
- Your name, relationship to the student, and a contact phone number
- The specific reason for the absence (e.g., illness, doctor's appointment, family emergency)
- The date(s) of the absence
Please remember: Absences reported by students will not be excused. If a phone message or email is received from a number or address not listed in SIS, we will contact you to verify the absence.
Note:
Students leaving in the last 30 minutes: ONLY students with prearranged absences or calls received prior to 12noon may check out in the last 30 minutes of the day. (Through the main office)
No Student Pick- Up after 2:15 PM.
ALL LATE ARRIVALS must check through Door 1 in the Main Office
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo family,
What an incredible first week of school! As we wrap up these first few days together, our halls are already filled with so many positive memories—students reconnecting with friends, teachers welcoming classes with energy and care, and our community embracing the excitement of a new year. The joy, enthusiasm, and teamwork we’ve seen set a wonderful tone for what’s ahead, and we’re so grateful to each of you for the role you’ve played in making this opening week such a success. As we look ahead, we invite you to dive into the rest of this newsletter for important updates, highlights, and ways to stay connected throughout the year.
Student and Staff Belonging
Senior Sunrise: A Bright Beginning to the End
There’s no better way to mark the start of senior year than with a rising sun and the company of friends. At 5:45 a.m. on the first day of school, more than 200 members of the Class of 2026 gathered on campus to celebrate their final “first day” of high school. Sleepy eyes quickly turned to smiles as the sky lit up with color, symbolizing not just a new school year, but the exciting journey toward graduation. It was a beautiful reminder of the bonds this class shares and the memories still waiting to be made in their senior year.
In addition to the pics below, here’s a link to an FCPS-created video of various schools on day, with several of our SoCo students featured.
First Day Pep Rally: Kicking Off with Spirit
The energy was electric as the entire school came together for our first day pep rally! Students filled the gym with cheers, laughter, and school pride, setting the tone for a year full of connection and celebration. From the spirited performances to the roar of the crowd, it was clear that our Stallion community is stronger than ever. This rally wasn’t just about starting the year with excitement—it was about reminding us all that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
Come Meet Our New Director of Student Activities!
Come join the South County Athletics and Activities Department next Monday evening (8/25) at 6:00pm in the high school auditorium to hear from our Athletic Trainers, Athletic Boosters and new DSA, Bryan Harris, about the fall sports season. This is a great opportunity to learn about the available resources and how you can support the athletics program. Note that there will not be individual team sessions or meetings about individual players, rather a chance to hear about the program as a whole and what is sure to be an exciting fall! If you are unable to make it or have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Harris at bcharris@fcps.edu.
Club Corner
Tri-M Music Honor Society is an internationally recognized organization with chapters in over 4,000 schools worldwide. This organization’s goal is to raise a new generation of students to be leaders and advocates for music education. This club allows musicians from all different disciplines to come together and share our love for music and service. Members get opportunities to perform throughout the year and showcase their skills and spread music throughout our community!
Coach’s Corner
This is a new section of the newsletter this year, which was created to inform parents of the academic expectations and conversation starters they can have with their students about their classes. Our Instructional Coach, Dr. Omohundro, facilitates many of the discussions with our teachers about these important strategies. Here’s a word from our Doc!
Our staff is focusing on three powerful, research-backed strategies to help every student learn and grow, and we invite you to partner with us. First, we are providing "Feedback for Growth," where teachers give students specific information on their progress and next steps for improvement. You can support this at home by asking about the learning process rather than focusing only on grades. Our second strategy is "Explicit Teaching," where teachers clearly explain and model new concepts, which you can reinforce by having your child walk you through their assignments. Finally, we are "Sharing Lesson Objectives" so students understand the "why" behind their work. Asking your child about their daily learning goals is a great way to connect to this strategy.
Three Things You Need to Know about Next Week
- Get ready, Stallions! Our first home football game kicks off next Thursday, August 28, as we take on Colonial Forge. Let’s pack the stands, wear our colors with pride, and show everyone what Stallion Nation is all about!
- Labor Day weekend is next week, so school is out on both Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1.
- Lunch menu: https://linqconnect.com/public/menu/ESSF44?buildingId=265c7114-daf5-ee11-b466-bf94728a55a0
As we celebrate the start of this school year, we’re also reminded of a milestone—South County has been standing strong for 20 years. Two decades of learning, growth, tradition, and community have built the foundation we continue to stand on today. Together, let’s honor that history while making this year one of our best yet.
 Kambar
@StandingStrongFor20Years!
Upcoming Senior Post-Secondary Information & Events
Senior Parent Information Night is coming up on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 5:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Counselors and our College and Career Specialist will share information related to post-secondary planning and college applications. This event is scheduled to take place right before Back-to-School Night, which starts at 6 p.m.
Seniors will participate in group meetings with their counselor during Advisory to go over college and career planning topics and important to-do's for this fall.
- Seniors with last names A-K will meet on Tuesday, September 2nd.
- Seniors with last names L-Z will meet on Thursday, September 4th.
Students should check in with their Advisory teacher at the beginning of the period and wait to be dismissed to their designated locations. Counselors will also be following up with seniors throughout the fall to discuss individual plans.
SAT School Day for 12th Graders –
October 8
On Wednesday, October 8, South County High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 3.
South County High School: 2025 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form https://forms.gle/dLMVnYHncmchLeji7
Your student will need to use a @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. A translated version of the form content may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43896). FCPS sites cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the exam.
General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/taking-the-test/sat-in-school). Directions on how to access scores and score release dates are published by College Board via the College Board website.
We will share exam day schedules and additional details in the coming weeks. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at South County High School, please contact Chris Bird, SAT School Day Coordinator, at cwbird@fcps.edu .
All Current 10th grade HPE students are required to attend one of the 4 scheduled PSTD (Partners for Safe Teen Driving) sessions held here at South County. This is part of the completion of the classroom portion of the Drivers Education curriculum in 10th grade HPE.
Students and a parent/guardian are required to attend one of the 90 minute session on one of the 4 evenings.
Sessions begin promptly at 7:00 pm in the auditorium- doors will close at that time with no late admittance.
PSTD Dates:
- October 15, 2025
- January 7, 2026
- February 12, 2026
- April 27, 2026
School Picture Day is Coming!
📅 Date: Monday August 25th & Tuesday August 26th 2025
Grade 9 & 10: Auditorium (During- PE Classes)
Grade 11: Auditorium (During- Social Studies Classes)
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001268847
📸 Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com
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 Cell Phone Policy Reminder
Please remind your child that high school students can no longer use their cell phones and other personal devices during passing periods. Cell phones and personal devices must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell) with the exception of lunch time in designated lunch spaces.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy.
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🏈 Touchdown! Girls Flag Football Takes the Field This Fall
Starting this fall, we’re piloting Girls Flag Football along with every high school in FCPS, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Commanders. With college scholarships already available and Olympic inclusion coming in 2028, there’s never been a better time to join. Interested students should stop by the Activities Office to find out more. Watch this hype video to learn more about this empowering team sport. Read more about flag football in FCPS.
Volunteer FCPS
New Volunteer Management System – Volunteer FCPS
FCPS has launched a new system to help ensure student and staff safety. Effective immediately:
- If you plan to volunteer more than twice this school year, or chaperone a field trip, you must register in Volunteer FCPS.
- The process involves multiple steps and cannot be completed last minute, so we encourage you to start early.
Volunteer Levels
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Level 1 – Infrequent volunteers (monthly or less frequent) who are always supervised do not need a criminal background check. However, they do need a sex offender registry check, which is performed by signing in at the school's visitor kiosk.
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Level 2 – Frequent, ongoing, or regular volunteers (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) who are also always supervised are subject to the same requirements as Level 1—no criminal background check, but a sex offender registry check via the kiosk is mandatory.
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Level 3- Volunteers with direct, unsupervised interaction with students must complete a criminal background check, including fingerprints and child abuse and neglect checks. This applies to roles like mentors, tutors, or field trip chaperones who are alone with students (not accompanied by an FCPS staff member) at any time during the activity.
How to Register as a Volunteer:
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Review FCPS Volunteer Guidelines – All volunteers must read the FCPS Volunteer Protocols before getting started.
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Register in the FCPS Volunteer Portal
- Select “Schools”
- Search for South County High School or click here
- Sign up for available opportunities (You can register as a general volunteer to start).
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Choose Your Volunteer Level (NEW) – If you might volunteer at a higher level later, we recommend registering as Level 3 now.
All volunteers (new or returning) must:
- Register in Volunteer FCPS
- Complete volunteer orientation
- Sign in through the visitor kiosk at each visit
- Complete a background check if required
For full details, visit the Volunteer FCPS website
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Cheer, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Marching Band, and Volleyball with an Individual or Group Senior Ad in the Fall Sports Program!
The Deadline is Sept. 5, 2025
Please order on the SCABC Square site: https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs or contact Elena Jordon at scabcsponsorship@gmail.com for more information.
ATHLETICS CORNER
South County’s Crew Team is hosting a fall open house on Saturday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for interested athletes and their parents to come down to our boathouse (at Sandy Run Boathouse) and tour our facilities! Our crew team is the highest-performing athletic team at South County, with more state titles and national championship Top 6 appearances than any other sport.
The team consistently ranks highly in academic performance as well, showcasing excellence in these athletes both in the classroom and on the water. Crew is a spring-season varsity-level co-ed sport at South County with separate racing categories defined by gender and experience.
South County’s Crew Team does not have tryouts and accepts all student-athletes interested in joining the team and will place them at a level that matches their athletic ability, technique, and skill level–which can always change throughout the season.
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, please visit sc-crew.org for more information and fill out our interest form to get updates on what's happening with the team and information on how to join.
More information on Fall on the Water, our fall learn-to-row program, and other information about the team can be found at sc-crew.org and on Instagram and Facebook at @rowsocorow.
South County High School Athletic Booster
We’re excited to announce the official launch of the new South County High School Athletic Booster Club website:
👉Booster Club Website
This new platform is your central hub for all things from memberships to volunteering, spirit wear to event info — everything you need is just a click away.
🎟️ Annual Athletic Passes Are Now on Sale! Visit the Membership section of the website to purchase your Annual Passes for the upcoming school year.
These passes provide admission to all regular-season home games and are a great way to support our student-athletes while saving money!
We encourage every Stallion family to visit the site and get involved.
Your support helps ensure our athletes have the resources they need to succeed on and off the field.
Thank you for being part of the Stallion Nation! Go Stallions!
South County Athletic Booster Club
📧southcountyhsathleticboosters@gmail.com
🌐 Booster Club Website
Concession Stand Volunteers
We are excited for the Fall sports season 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 concessions 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 and consider helping us out one night! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Sign Up Here for Outdoor Concessions
Sign Up Here for Indoor Concessions
AWARENESS
Labor Day Friday, August 29, and Monday, September 1,
are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
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📅 Calendar Adjustment: September Special Election
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set Tuesday, September 9, as the date for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Because more than half of our schools serve as polling locations, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked us to consider closing for the day. Therefore, all FCPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.
September 11 National Day of Service
With the upcoming 24th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
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Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Quick Links
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