Mustang Weekly, March 6, 2026

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principal's message

Hello Mustangs,

Happy Friday, Families!

As we step into a new week, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing partnership and support of our school community; your engagement is what truly makes our students thrive. This month, we are also taking time to honor Women’s History Month, celebrating the trailblazers and visionary leaders who have shaped our world and continue to inspire our students every day.

Looking ahead to the weekend, please don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour as we "spring ahead" for Daylight Saving Time! We want everyone arriving refreshed and on time for Monday’s activities. As always, my door is open—please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback as you look through this week's notifications and reminders.

Jamey Chianetta | Interim Principal | South County Middle School


Calendar Reminders

Sunday, March 8, Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Friday, March 13 - Mustang Mixer, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday, March 20 - No School, Eid al-Fitr

Friday, March 27 - Two Hour Early Release, End of Quarter

Monday, March 30-April 3 - Spring Break

Monday, April 6 - No School, Teacher Workday

Friday, April 10 - No School, School Planning Day


Donate your Magazines & Newspapers

The Art Department is currently in need of magazines and newspapers for upcoming student projects. If you have any to spare, please consider donating them. Donations can be dropped off in the main office at your convenience. Thank you for supporting our students and the Art Department!


Can You Kick It? Help Us Build the "Simmons Sneaker!"

Canstruction is a global non-profit charity that creates structures out of full cans of food which is donated to local foodbanks.  Our goal, in partnership with Science Olympiad,  is to collect 1750+ cans to create a Nike sneaker in honor of our principal, Mr. Simmons.  The exhibition of the Canstruction sneaker will be featured for our POG POL community event on June 4th.  After the event, SCMS will help by donating the cans to LCAC.  Click here for more information on the Canstruction.

  • The Big Event: See the finished structure at the POG POL community event on June 4th.
  • The Impact: After the exhibition, all cans will be donated to LCAC to help end local hunger.
  • How to Help: Drop off cans in the main office or Ms. Reaves’ classroom by Thursday, April 9th. Let’s build something great for a great cause!

Help Us Honor Vietnam Veterans

South County Middle School students are looking for Vietnam veterans who would appreciate a heartfelt, personalized note of gratitude.  We want to ensure no veteran in our community feels forgotten.  Please check out the flyer for how you can help. 


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.


ptso logo

Mustang Mixer

It is time for another chance to hang out with friends, play games, listen to music and win prizes.  This event is for both 7th and 8th grade students. Our second Mustang Mixer of the year will be held on March 13th from 6pm to 8pm in the Gym.  Concessions and pizza will be available for purchase. Purchase tickets ($5) in advance and you will receive a free drink. 


community

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9

FCPS is administering our biennial Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Our families’ feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment.
  • Communication.
  • Student success.
  • Advocacy.
  • Family and school partnerships.
  • Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link by email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on the FCPS website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

STEM Event

On behalf of the College of Engineering and Computing's Office of Outreach, Student Success, and Engagement at George Mason University, I am excited to invite your middle school students and their families to join us for Spring into STEM!

Spring into STEM is a FREE, hands-on event designed specifically for middle school students and their parents. Students will have the opportunity to explore STEM through interactive activities and workshops, meet George Mason University faculty, staff, and students, and discover what a future in science, technology, engineering, and math could look like for them!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 21st, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: The HUB, Fairfax Campus – George Mason University

This event is designed with both students AND parents in mind. While students participate in engaging STEM programming and activities, parents will have access to dedicated workshops including STEM Career Pathways and Engaging the K-12 STEM Mind.

Spots are limited and the deadline for families to register is March 15th! Families can register by using this link

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.