Weekly News From South County High School

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20

Important Dates:


  • Feb 24-28- Public Schools Week
  • March 1-7- National School Social Work Week
  • March 2- Read Across America Day
  • March- 7- AIA Drumline and Winterguard 
  • March 8- Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring Forward)
  • March 17-6-8pm Community Basketball Competition
  • March 20- Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr
  • March 27- Quarter End/Early Release
  • Mar 30 to Apr 6- Spring Break / Teacher Workday
  • Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
  • Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena


ATTENDANCE


SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26



Report a Full-Day Absence-The fastest way is to use ParentVUE.


Alternative Methods

Last Name Range Email Phone Line
A-Dh southcountyhs.attendanceA-Dh@fcps.edu 703-446-1890
Di-K southcountyhs.attendanceDi-K@fcps.edu 703-446-1891
L-Raj southcountyhs.attendanceL-Raj@fcps.edu 703-446-1892
Rak-Z southcountyhs.attendanceRak-Z@fcps.edu 703-446-1893

 

Required Details

Provide the student's full name, ID, and date(s) of absence, along with your name, relationship, and contact number, and the specific reason. (Student-reported absences will not be excused.)


Key Reminders

  • Late Arrivals: Must check in at Door 1 (Main Office).

  • Early Pick-Up: No pick-up after 2:15 PM. Check-outs in the last 30 minutes require prearrangement or a call before 12:00 PM.



Message from Dr. Khoshaba


Greetings, Soco family,

As we move through this week at SoCo, I am reminded of just how much we have to be thankful for. From inspirational student performances that light up our stage to powerful stories of students overcoming unbelievable challenges, we are surrounded by courage, creativity, and character every single day. It is a privilege to witness the perseverance and pride our students display, and to be part of a resilient, remarkable community that continues to rise, reflect, and reach higher together.

Do you want a few examples of what I’m referring to? Great! Here are this week’s reflections!

Student and Staff Belonging

A Celebration Woven in Excellence

Our Black History Month assembly was an extraordinary celebration of culture, talent, and unity, thoughtfully coordinated by Mrs. Lipsey, Mrs. Sargeant, Mr. Engdahl, and Mrs. Swift. Students lit up the stage through powerful fashion showcases, soulful singing, and electrifying dance performances that captivated the entire audience. It was the most diverse array of talents I can ever remember seeing at one assembly, reflecting the richness and brilliance within our school community. Each performance felt like a spark, and together they created a powerful flame of pride, heritage, and hope that filled the room.

bhm

The Guardians of the Hallways

This past week, we proudly celebrated our SRO and Security Appreciation Week, recognizing the incredible individuals who help keep SoCo safe and strong. We are deeply grateful for the way they build positive relationships with students while also maintaining a vigilant presence that ensures our campus remains secure and orderly. Their steady support, calm leadership, and daily interactions have made them trusted and loved members of both our student and staff communities. Special recognition goes out to our hallway Superheroes: Officer Corcoran, as well as our security team of Mr. Champ, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Gibson, and Mr. Rodriguez.

SECURITY

Proclamation with Pride

Congratulations to Will Allen, Shreya Soni, and Peyton Tran for proudly representing South County DECA at a recent School Board meeting for the official proclamation of CTE Month. These students exemplified professionalism, poise, and leadership as ambassadors for both our school and our Career and Technical Education programs. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented SoCo and showcased the strength of our DECA program on such an important stage.

DECA

Harmonizing at the Highest Level

Congratulations to our Singing Stallions for an outstanding performance at District Choir this past weekend. They represented SoCo with excellence, their voices coming together like perfectly tuned strings in a symphony, each note strengthening the next. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, discipline, and the way they continue to raise the bar for choral achievement.

choir

Robots, Resilience, and SoCo Spirit

This past Sunday, our Stallions charged back into the VEX Robotics Competition for the first time in over five years, with five SoCo teams (40991A–E) competing in a field of 61 at the Prowl at the Potomac, and what a comeback it was! Team 40991A battled their way to a #21 ranking and powered into the Elimination Rounds as the 12th seed, an impressive feat for a program relaunching on the big stage. While the other teams faced tough competition, they showed incredible grit, gaining invaluable experience troubleshooting under pressure and collaborating with peers across the region, proving that growth is the greatest victory. With more than 40 students already back in the lab and fired up to compete again this Sunday, the future of SoCo STEM is bright and boldly building momentum.

stem

For 20 years, SoCo has stood strong, rooted in resilience, driven by excellence, and united in Stallion pride, … and the best is still ahead.

avatar

Kambar

#StandingStrongFor20Years!


attention parents

Attention Parents!  We are looking for a team of parents to play in our Student-Staff-Parents- So Co Community Basketball Bash on March 17 at 6pm.  Please email Mr. Kingston at swkingston@fcps.edu if you are interested in playing by Tuesday, March 3. 



THEATRE


NEWSPAPER

1 acts flyer

Student Directed One Acts

 

🎭 Purchase Tickets!

📅 One Act Performances:  February 19–21

Mark your calendars! Each evening features different shows, so you won’t want to miss a single night. Come support our talented student directors, actors, and crew as they take the stage!

🎟️ Tickets are $10 and available here: One Act Tickets Link or at our website:  SCHSTheatre.com


💌 Send a Sweet Note!

Want to surprise your favorite cast or crew member? Make their night extra special with a Sweet Note — available at the Concessions Stand the evening of their performance. We will have multiple options available:

✨ Note + snack-sized candy 🌸 Note + a flower

It’s a small gesture that makes a BIG impact backstage!

Thank you for supporting SCHS Theatre — we can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

 

CONCESSIONS

 

Volunteers & Donations

 

Theatre Boosters will be selling Concessions all three nights of the One Act Festival — and we need your help to make it a success!

🎟️ Please note: Ticket sales go to FCPS, not directly to SCHS. 🍫 Concessions are one of the ways we raise funds to directly support our students!

Every candy bar sold and every bottle of water donated helps fund:

  • 👑 The spring production of Cinderella
  • 🎤 SCHS Improv
  • 🎓 Theatre Scholarships
  • 🎉 Our Welcome Back Picnic …and so much more!

💛 How You Can Help

  • Volunteer to work concessions
  • Donate items (Candy, Water, Soda)
  • Contribute small water bottles and healthy snacks for rehearsals

It’s quick, easy, and truly makes a difference!

👉 Check out our SignUp Genius Link to get involved.

Donations can be dropped off at the office with a note labeled “Theatre.”

Thank you for continuing to support our amazing students — we couldn’t do this without you! 🎭✨

   

APPLE

NYC Trip

Final Payment Due Feb 20th

Reminder:  We’ll be heading to the Big Apple March 21–22, and it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

The final payment ($249) for this exciting trip to NYC is due Feb 20th.

The total trip includes:

🎭 Two incredible shows:

  • Death Becomes Her
  • Little Shop of Horrors

🍝 Dinner at Carmine’s—a classic NYC favorite!

Make your payment through MySchoolBucks using the link below: My SchoolBucks Link.

NOTE: There will be a mandatory meeting on March 19th for all students and chaperones going on the trip. This includes those driving themselves.


VHSL

VHSL Regionals

SCHS Heads to Fairfax on 2/21

 

South County's Theatre 3/4 Class will perform Medea at the VHSL Occoquan Regionals at Fairfax High School on February 21st.  Their performance is the 2nd of the day and is scheduled to begin at 9:45 am.

Let’s go, South County! ✨


CINDERELLA

Cinderella

Mandatory Parents Meeting 2/23

 

A huge Thank You to everyone who auditioned for Cinderella! 

Attention all Cinderella Cast, Crew Leads and Run Crew:  There will be a Mandatory Parents Meeting on Monday, February 23rd at 6:30pm in the Black Box Classroom (G-139).

 

 


FOOD

Rehearsal Fuel Needed

 

🎬 Rehearsals for Cinderella are beginning, and our cast and crew will be putting in long hours to bring this show to life!

Help us keep their energy up by donating: 💧 Small (8 oz) water bottles 🧀 Cheese sticks 🥣 Granola bars 🍎 Fruit (apples, oranges, bananas)

A quick grocery add-on can make a big difference during these busy rehearsal days. Donations can be dropped off at the office labeled Theatre — thank you for helping our students stay focused and fueled!  Rehearsal continue until the show opens in April, so this will be a continuing need.    


TEAM

Booster Board

ISO of 2026-27 Board Members

Shout Out to Eric Erwin for stepping up to be our new treasurer!  Note: We have several parents of seniors who are serving on our Booster Board this year.  We are happy for our graduating seniors as they head off on new adventures, but that also leaves us with some position openings for the 2026-27 School Year: 

  • Secretary
  • At Large Board Members
  • Committee Members:
    • Publicity
    • Banquet/Picnic
    • Webmaster
    • Cappies
    • And many more

If you have question or interest in the board, please reach out to: Tricia Waugh


TECH

Tech Saturday Support

👉 We need parent volunteers for Tech Saturdays! No construction experience required — just a willingness to lend a hand. DIY skills are a bonus, but enthusiasm is what really counts. Check the Events Calendar for Tech Saturdays:  Events Calendar Link


STAR

Theatre Booster Meeting

Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30pm

Black Box Theatre Classroom (G-139) And Via Zoom (link)

 

Join us for the next Theatre Boosters Meeting! Connect with fellow theatre parents, get the inside scoop on upcoming events, and learn how you can be part of the magic behind the scenes.

  • Meet and mingle with other Theatre parents
  • Hear the latest information about Cinderella
  • Get details on the Spring Banquet
  • Learn how the Boosters financially support the Theatre Program
  • Plus, updates on other exciting plans for the Theatre Department!

We’d love to see you there—your involvement truly lifts our program!

 

 

CALENDAR

Events Calendar

Check out upcoming events in the SCHS Theatre Department! 

 A few dates to take note of:

  • Feb 10, 11, 13: One Acts Tech
  • Feb 19–21: One Acts Festival
  • Feb 20: NYC Trip Final Payment Due 
  • Feb 21: VHSL Regional Competition
  • Feb 23: Mandatory Cinderella Parent Meeting (Cast & Crew)
  • Mar 4: Theatre Booster Board Meeting
  • Mar 18: Folder Shakespeare Library Festival Field Trip*
  • Mar 19: NYC Trip Student & Chaperone Meeting

SCHS Theatre Calendar Link

* Field trip for Theatres Arts 1 and 2 students.  Families are welcome to observe.


Theatre Banquet

Save the Date: 5/8/26

We are excited to announce that our annual end of year Theatre Banquet will be held May 8th here at SCHS. Details will be forthcoming later this Spring.  

BANQUET

GOLD PATRON

Thank You Patrons!

Support SCHS

Not sure how to support our Theatre Department?  Consider becoming an individual or family Theatre Patron.  Do you own a business or work for one that provides funds to support the local community?  Consider purchasing a Sponsorship!  If you have any questions, please reach out to our Booster President, Tricia Waugh, at schstheatreboostersnewsletter@gmail.com

  • Patrons: No donation is too small! Each level of patron comes with additional benefits.  Just follow this link.  

Sponsors: Follow this link to advertise in our program and website. We reach thousands of patrons per year and want to support our local businesses!



Community Basketball Competition



Don’t miss the first Community Basketball Competition at South County High School! On March 17th from 6–8 PM, our local schools will face off for the win.

Wear green to show your support for our students!

Admission is $5 at the door. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for LCAC.

Community Basketball Competition

Mark your calendars! On March 7th, the SOCO Bands will host an AIA Drumline and Winterguard show featuring 70 performances from schools across the state.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m., with incredible Winterguard performances in the morning, followed by an exciting afternoon of Drumline showcases. This event is open to the public—we hope to see you there!

band


College Partnership Program



College Partnership Program (CPP)

The College Partnership Program focuses on closing the opportunity gap by preparing students for college readiness and success through academic advising, college visits, family engagement and preparation beyond high school. CPP’s goal is to ensure that students capable of completing a college preparatory path will: succeed in rigorous curriculum, actively participate in the school community, enroll in a four-year college or another post-secondary program, and become responsible participants and leaders of society.

 Would you benefit from the following elements?

  • Attending monthly meetings during Stallion Time to learn about colleges, careers, and a variety of pathways to postsecondary success
  • Going on field trips to visit colleges and universities
  • Getting and staying motivated to succeed in school

Do you fit into ONE or more of the following categories?

  • First in your family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
  • Need financial support to attend college
  • Current GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Determined to go to college
  • Willing to take some advanced courses and put in the necessary work
  • Good attendance record

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, then CPP might be for you! 

Additional information about CPP is on the FCPS website, and students with questions are encouraged to speak with their school counselors or one of the South County program advocates: Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Mims, Mrs. Straughn, and Ms. Biehl. 

Students must be logged into their fcpsschools accounts to use this link and access the application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 on February 20th.



Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) - April 9th



The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is for Juniors and Seniors interested in career exploration or with plans to enlist in the military after graduation. The ASVAB will be offered at South County on Thursday, April 9th. This is a GREEN day.

Students must be logged in to their school accounts for access to registration form here - https://forms.gle/CGqEjvYoov8LRLft8

Detailed information on the ASVAB can be found at: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining/asvab-test  

Practice questions are available at: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining/asvab-test-sample-questions

Registration for the ASVAB will close at 11:59 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026.



PARTENERS


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:

  • April 27, 2026


conf

Fairfax County History Conference and Student Opportunities


The Fairfax County History Commission presents: Revolutionary Ideas: Fairfax County’s American Revolution. What defines a revolution? Join them for #Fairfax250, a community conference exploring Fairfax County’s unique legacy in the American Revolution.

  • Discover how our local landscape shaped the fight for independence.
  • Uncover stories of famous figures and everyday heroes.
  • Reflect on the lasting impact of the ideas that changed history.
  • Explore hands-on artifacts and an interactive archeology challenge
  • Participate in the “It’s Revolutionary!” trivia show
  • Use AI and digital tools for history research
  • Find your roots in an interactive genealogy session
  • Learn about the African American cemeteries in Fairfax
  • View the past and present historic sites
  • Engage in interactive research and local history
  • Connect with local history nonprofits
  • Reflect on student research and poster exhibits

Students, are you a history enthusiast? Sign up to showcase a display tied to your school or community, or join the trivia show!

The conference will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.



ATHLETICS CORNER

PRIDE
stalion

For the latest news, scores, and schedules

please visit our website.

Athletics & Activities Website: 

https://stallionnation.org/



BOOSTYER


South County High School Athletic Booster



🎟️ Season Passes Now on Sale! 🎟️ Season passes for home sporting events are now available at adiscounted rate for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year! Thisis a great opportunity to enjoy all the action while saving money. Come out and show your school spirit by supporting our winter sportsteams—your energy in the stands makes a difference! For pass pricing and purchase details, please visithttps://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.stallionnationboosters.org__;!!Pwvz7ORF!J66ZTvp_-iNlXFHsaGmImDX27mtGHWb2F6jLkf68MZXnUFXsX784FdKBc6zIkCjPkDNShScHFy_ZdE3ey63VFWV2f8A$


volunteers


Concession Stand Volunteers



Volunteers Needed — Support Our Sports Programs! Students and families are encouraged to sign up to volunteer at theconcession stands during our home sporting events. This is a greatopportunity for students to earn required volunteer hours whilegaining valuable experience, and for families to directly support ourathletic programs and student-athletes. Concessions play an important role in funding and sustaining oursports teams, and every shift makes a difference. Whether you can helpfor one game or multiple events, your time and support are greatlyappreciated.

👉 Please sign up at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.stallionnationboosters.org__;!!Pwvz7ORF!J66ZTvp_-iNlXFHsaGmImDX27mtGHWb2F6jLkf68MZXnUFXsX784FdKBc6zIkCjPkDNShScHFy_ZdE3ey63VFWV2f8A$ Come be part of the game-day experience and help make our home events a success! 



PTSO


Trademasters Home Services - (20+) Facebook

Trademasters is offering a special promotion: purchase a home services membership for $249 and receive a $200 credit toward a home service repair or maintenance. Additionally, the South County PTSO receives a $20 donation for every membership purchased. Use promo code Extravaganza20 through March 31, 2026.

Check out this fabulous membership https://trademasters.com/how-membership-works



seasonal roots

 

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 $30 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.



AWARENESS



pu

Public Schools Week- Feb 23-27

Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.


black history month

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month


CTE

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!


VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.



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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