Mustang Weekly, September 12, 2025

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


national hispanic heritage month

 

Hello Mustangs,

We have wrapped up our fourth week of school, and it is exciting to see how the year is progressing. All of our students participated in Students Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) lessons and assessments and also received information about our After-School Program. Speaking of which, the After-School Program will begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Additionally, next week marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). As always, thank you for all that you do for our school community, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, feedback, or concerns. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

 Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School


UPCOMING DATES

September 23 - Religious Holiday, No School


Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned to our front office by Tuesday, September 30.


Applications Open Monday, October 20, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

TJHSST Information Admission Flyer for SCMS


SEL Screener

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. South County Middle School students will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall on Oct 9th and Spring on March 4th during Learning Seminar. After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. Opt out information was sent home to all families as part of the annual opt out packet.  For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out, please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

SEL Opt-Out Form


after school program

The SCMS After School Program will begin on Monday September 15th. The list of activities and Clubs will be posted to the SCMS website after 4pm  Thursday September 11th .  Please take some time to review the list of Clubs with your student. Late buses are provided four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. We have limited activities available on Fridays. Friday is parent pick – up only. Please visit Parent Vue to locate your child’s late bus. You will look for SNLR #. There are only six late buses, so your child’s stop is probably different from their normal stop.

In order for students to participate in our after school program, parents must give permission using our Parental Digital Consent System. This is located on our website under after school program. I am providing a link with directions on how to fill the form out. After-School Consent in PDC- Parent

Fall MS Sports

We are currently registering for our upcoming SCMS Cross Country season. Each student must have a valid 25 – 26 physical to participate. Physicals may be emailed to Mr. Woodby at cwwoodby@fcps.edu or turned into the main office. There will be a parent info meeting for cross country on Tuesday September 16th at 6:30pm at SCMS. Please use door 1. At that meeting I will share our XC practice schedule as well as meet schedule. The first meet is scheduled for October 18th. Students must complete four practices before being allowed to compete in meets.


ptso logo

PTSO

PTSO Membership

Welcome Back!  The PTSO is looking forward to another great year!  Become a member and help us provide grants for teachers and students and support all of our great events for the year!  Keep up with all we have going on this year at MustangPTSO.org or follow us on Facebook at South County Middle School PTSO. 

Mark your Calendar!  

Bingo After School is happening on Thursday, Oct. 9 • 2:30–4:30 PM in the Cafeteria!

 $5 per player when you buy online by 10 PM on 10/08 (click this link below!) → includes bingo cards, markers, and a FREE drink with your pre-paid ticket! BOOK NOW TO SAVE !

 $7 at the door (drink not included)

 Fun prizes

 Snacks & beverages for sale (cash or Venmo accepted)

Ride options: Late bus at 4:45 PM OR arrange pickup at 4:30 PM.

Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now and lock in that free drink! 

BINGO Tickets

We are also sponsoring a NO FUSS FUNDRAISER.  Please feel free to use this link to donate.  

Upcoming events

10/09 - After School Bingo - more info to come 10/22 - General Membership Meeting, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

PTSO Bingo
information

Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch a video to see how to use the tool

ld be signed and returned to your school’s front office by Tuesday, September 30.


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities for the school division. You may also share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6 to 8 p.m.:

  • Monday, September 29
  • Friday, October 3
  • Friday, December 5
  • Tuesday, December 9
  • Thursday, December 11

Click on the date to register. Additional locations and registration links will be shared soon. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.


Back-to-School Edition of Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The Back-to-School issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. The newsletter is sent by FCPS’ Department of Special Services, which provides a network of support to staff, students, and families to break down barriers to learning and help students succeed as individuals.

Topics in this issue include:

  • Building a Culture of Belonging - Inclusive Education at FCPS
  • Updated and Translated: Special Education and Section 504 Resources
  • ESY Updates
  • Be a Special Education Teacher
  • Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities
  • Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies
  • Secondary Advisory Period to Support Executive Functions
  • Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
  • Adapted PE: Inclusive Health and Wellness Education
  • Adapted Curriculum: Partnering for Progress
  • Career and Transition Services: Back-to-School Update
  • Assistive Technology Services
  • Behavior Intervention Services: Welcome Back!
  • SEL Team

Celebrate Sun Day on September 21

Celebrate the launch of FCPS’ solar initiative and the arrival of 17 new electric school buses at Louise Archer Elementary School on Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. Come learn more about the great work FCPS is doing to reduce its carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals. 

Bring the family for live music, solar story time, student-led sustainability demos, and other activities. Register for Sun Day today.