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Hello Mustangs,
Happy New Year, Mustangs!
We hope you enjoyed your time during winter break with your family and loved ones. As we continue with the latter part of second quarter (we have three weeks left), please note that academic advising is fast approaching. Curriculum Night, an opportunity for our rising 7th- and 8th-grade families to learn about the courses available for the 2026–2027 school year, is scheduled for January 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, counselors will meet with students in a few weeks to discuss course selections for the upcoming school year. Please speak with your students about their options, as we look forward to supporting them with their future goals. 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
Calendar Reminders
January 15 - SCMS Curriculum Night, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Curriculum Night Information
January 19 - No School, Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
January 28 - End of Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release
January 29-30 - No School, Teacher Workdays
Curriculum Night
January 15 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Students will soon meet with their school counselors to choose classes for the 2026–2027 school year. Families are invited to learn more at Curriculum Night on Thursday, January 15, from 6:00–7:30 PM.
At Curriculum Night, you can:
- Meet core and elective teachers, counselors, and school leaders
- Attend an information session about math and core class options
- Sessions will be held at 6:00 PM and 6:45 PM
Students are encouraged to attend with their families.
New this year, we are excited to offer transportation from the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC). A bus will depart from the LCAC at 5:45 p.m. to bring families to SCMS and will return to the LCAC at 7:30 p.m.
Having a good balance between school and life is important for student success. If you have questions, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Family Life Education (FLE)
Health and Physical Education (HPE) classes will teach Family Life Education (FLE) lessons in March. Families who have questions or want to talk with an HPE teacher are encouraged to attend Curriculum Night on January 15 from 6:00–7:30 PM. HPE teachers will be available in the gym.
If you have more questions, please feel free to email your student’s PE teacher.
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at South County Middle
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Healthy Habits / Tissue Donation
Cold and flu season is here. We are asking each family to send in two boxes of tissues to help our school during this time. We have already used most of the tissues that were brought in at the start of the school year.
Fairfax County is seeing a high number of flu cases. More children are getting sick, and there have been flu outbreaks in our community and schools.
Here are a few tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help stop the spread of germs:
- Please keep your student home if they are not feeling well, have flu symptoms, or have a fever.
- It is not too late to get the flu shot.
- Wash hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
If your student will be absent, please remember to:
- Call the attendance line at 703-690-5555
- Email SouthCountyMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu
- Or report the absence through ParentVUE in SIS
Thank you for helping keep our school healthy.
 The Fastest Way to Hear About School Delays or Closings
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive notifications of school delays or closings. Emails and text messages are sent to parents/caregivers based on the email addresses and cell phone numbers entered in ParentVUE.
If your information is correct but you are not receiving updates from FCPS, contact the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Watch a video to see how FCPS makes weather delays or closing decisions. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service Opportunity
Students and families can volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day through Volunteer Fairfax’s family-friendly volunteer event.
This event is designed to engage families with children (ages 5 to 12) in service learning. Volunteer Fairfax invites families to work alongside local nonprofit partners and neighbors across Northern Virginia. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Volunteering during this holiday is one of the many ways FCPS students continue to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills, such as becoming an ethical and global citizen.
The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
At this Family Café event, parents and caregivers can learn effective strategies to engage their children in discussions regarding internet safety. Sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on:
Register in advance. Child care and interpretation are available.
Follow Our Budget Process
Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. Key decision dates and engagement opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks:
- The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2026 session on Saturday, January 10, at 9 a.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Fairfax County residents can sign up in advance to speak at the hearing online or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151, TTY 711, by Thursday, January 8, at noon.
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Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board.
Visit our budget webpage for more information.
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