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 Hello Mustangs,
It has been a fantastic week, and I was genuinely excited to return to the building. As you might have seen, we have earned the distinction of being a Distinguished school! This would not have been possible without our dedicated, supportive, and talented staff and students. Additionally, it would not have been possible without your trust and commitment to making South County Middle School one of the best middle schools in Fairfax County. Please note that we have the Mustang Mixer tonight at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by our wonderful PTSO, and Spirit Week next week to bring in the winter break. As always, thank you for all 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
Spirit Week
Monday, December 15 - Pajama Day
Tuesday, December 16 - Toasty Tuesday (festive hats & headgear)
Wednesday, December 17 - Winter White Out (dress in winter whites & silvers)
Thursday, December 18 - Candy Cane Lane (dress in red & white or candy cane apparel)
Friday, December 19 - Ugly Holiday Sweater
Winter Break - December 22 - January 2
January 8 - SCHS Curriculum Night (Rising 9th Graders)
January 15 - SCMS Curriculum Night, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
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Impact Aid Forms
If you haven’t returned your Impact Aid Forms please make sure to return them by Monday, December 15th. If you need another form please reach out to Mr. Waters, rmwaters@fcps.edu and he can send a new form home with your student.
Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students.
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
PTSO
We would like to provide our teachers with a holiday breakfast snack and cookies before the winter break on December 19th. Please sign up to donate on following Signup Genius if you are able.
Pampered Chef Fundraiser Still need some fun gifts for the holidays? Maybe you just want some things for yourself! Now you can do it and help out the SCMS PTSO! Shop until December 31st!
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 Reporting Student Absences
By reporting absences, families are partnering with school staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address. School personnel will call parents or guardians if students are absent and the school has not been notified in advance.
Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in ParentVUE.
Note: Attendance codes in ParentVUE are assigned by school staff so that they can better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows schools to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Are you planning on spending more time with your teen over winter break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends? Now may be a good time to talk to them about fentanyl and overdose.
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging, no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving the car, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient, and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Learn how to start an unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
Plan Ahead: Future School Year Calendars Are Available
Visit the calendar webpage for printable calendars of the current school year through 2027-28, lists of key dates, or to subscribe to calendars.
Support Our Schools: 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge
Join Educate Fairfax’s 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge and help ensure every FCPS student has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. Every gift, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, helps students learn while supporting the teachers and staff who make a lasting difference.
Educate Fairfax is the nonprofit education foundation that supports FCPS by providing resources, recognizing outstanding educators, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. Educate Fairfax invests directly in classrooms and programs. Last year, they contributed $1.27 million back into our schools.
The foundation supplied more than 5,000 school supply kits to more than 61 schools, centers, shelters, and Welcome Centers. Its Food for All Campaign packed more than 1,000 snack packs and helped feed more than 350 families over Thanksgiving. Read the Educate Fairfax Annual Report to learn more about their impact.
Together, we can support and encourage all learners and educators and strengthen the future of our schools. Donate to Educate Fairfax today.
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