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Spring Break🌷
Schools and school offices will be closed March 30 to April 3 for spring break. Monday, April 6, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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Important Dates:
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Mar 30 to Apr 6- Spring Break / Teacher Workday
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Apr 1- Passover
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Apr 1- Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
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Apr 3- Good Friday
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Apr 4- School Librarian Day
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Apr 6- Easter
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Apr 6-10- National Assistant Principals Week
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Apr 10- Orthodox Good Friday/School Planning Day
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Apr 12- Orthodox Easter
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Apr 15- Purple Up! Month of the Military Child
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Apr 16- Theravada New Year
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Apr 19-25- National Library Week
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Apr 21- Statewide Election
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Apr 22- Earth Day
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Apr 22- Administrative Professionals Day
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Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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Apr 28- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26
Recently, we have seen an increase in students leaving campus without following proper check-out procedures. This has resulted in inaccurate records regarding student location and safety. To ensure our staff can account for every student and to retrieve students in the least disruptive way to classroom instruction, the following procedures are required, effective immediately:
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2-Hour Advance Notice Required: All early dismissal requests must be submitted at least two hours in advance. We will no longer process last-minute phone calls or messages for immediate pickup. Please plan appointments accordingly, as requests failing to meet this lead time will not be honored.
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Illness & Clinic Protocol: If a student feels ill, they MUST report to the School Clinic. Students will only be dismissed for medical reasons after being evaluated by the clinic staff and checked out from that location.
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Official Office Check-Out: All students leaving early must physically check out through the Main Office. Any student who leaves campus without following this procedure will be marked with an unexcused absence.
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Attendance Corrections: If a student is marked UNV for a specific period due to lateness or a clerical error, the student must speak with that teacher directly. The teacher will then update the attendance or notify the attendance team. The Attendance Offices will not alter period-specific attendance without teacher verification.
These procedures are in place to ensure student safety and a focused learning environment. We thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain an accurate and secure campus.
Report a Full-Day Absence-The fastest way is to use ParentVUE.
Alternative Methods
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo family,
Before sharing this week’s updates, I want to briefly highlight one moment that captures the spirit of our school.
This week, I received a thoughtful email from one of our students who took the initiative to share a suggestion about a small closet area in need of repair. What stood out was not the issue itself, but the mindset behind it: he noticed something that could be better and spoke up, not for his own benefit, but because he cares about the overall appearance and pride of our school. That simple act reflects something much bigger: our students are paying attention, taking ownership, and stepping up to make a difference. Our Stallions are truly “all-in” when it comes to contributing to a school community they believe in and want to improve. Moments like these remind me why I am so proud to serve this community.
Now, on to this week’s reflections …
High Quality Instruction
I had the pleasure of observing Mr. Cullen’s Algebra 2 Honors class this week. He is an outstanding teacher who created engaging lessons that challenged students to think deeply and apply what they had learned in meaningful ways. In this class, students worked together to turn complex math concepts into short, persuasive presentations, helping them build both understanding and confidence. His classroom was highly organized and welcoming, with clear expectations that allowed students to stay focused, collaborate effectively, and take ownership of their learning. Through regular feedback and multiple opportunities to demonstrate progress, Mr. Cullen ensured every student was supported and growing academically. I couldn’t be any prouder of Mr. Cullen and his students!
School Culture
Sip, Sip, Hooray for Student Leadership!
This week, our Student Leadership students truly lifted spirits by organizing “Sip Sip Hooray” treats for our staff. Their thoughtful gesture brought smiles and a much-needed boost of energy as we push toward Spring Break. It’s a great example of students recognizing the hard work of others and taking action to show appreciation. We are grateful for their leadership and the positive impact they continue to have on our school community.
Beyond Our Walls: Representing Stallion Pride
As partners in supporting our students, we want to share a reminder about being respectful members of our surrounding community. Recently, we have received concerns from residents in the nearby Spring Hill neighborhood regarding students entering their gated community after school and engaging in behavior that is not aligned with our school expectations. For safety purposes, the community does monitor and record activity and may share information with local authorities.
More importantly, we want our students to always be positive representatives of our school. We value the strong relationships we have with our neighbors and ask for your support in reinforcing the importance of respectful, responsible behavior on the way to and from school. If you have a student who walks home from school, please reinforce this expectation to ensure we’re all supporting one another.
Staff Spotlight
A huge congratulations to Gavin Jackson, our phenomenal New Teacher of the Year, who has just been named Region 4 New Teacher of the Year! Gavin’s energy, talent, and dedication thunder through the classroom like a stallion charging toward the horizon, inspiring every student in his path. Next, he charges forward to contend for Fairfax County’s New Teacher of the Year, a challenge we know he will tackle with brilliance and heart. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Gavin, whose unstoppable spirit is leading the way for a brighter future at SoCo!
Coach's Corner with Dr. O
This week, we are fostering an attitude of gratitude within our school community. You can reinforce this at home by encouraging your child to express appreciation to teachers, staff, and classmates who have supported them throughout the year. Discussing things you are grateful for as a family helps cultivate a positive outlook and strengthens the bonds within our community, extending from school to home.
Club Corner
The South County High School French Club provides students with a relaxed, social environment to explore the French language and Francophone cultures beyond the classroom while building a strong sense of community. Complementing this, our National French Honor Society, affiliated with the American Association of Teachers of French, recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in their French studies and meet high academic standards. Together, these groups promote a love of the French language and culture to the entire school community while offering meaningful leadership and service opportunities. Students participate in engaging cultural activities such as L’Hiver au Québec, Mardi Gras celebrations, and National French Week. In recent years, members have also transformed the hallway outside their classroom into a vibrant Parisian café and street scene, showcasing their creativity and passion for French culture.
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Stay in the loop with all things SoCo at https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/; we’ve been weathering storms and celebrating wins for 20 years, proving we’re not just SoCo, we’re SoCool!
Kambar
#StandingStrongFor20Years!
👕 Help the Class of 2026 Wear Their Memories!
The Class of 2026 is gearing up for the ultimate finale: the Senior Trip! We’re looking for a hero (or a few!) to sponsor our official trip t-shirts and help us roll out in style.
Why Sponsor Us?
- High Visibility: Your logo will be traveling with us everywhere we go!
- Community Spirit: Support a group of hard-working students as they celebrate years of dedication.
- Lasting Impact: These shirts won't just be worn on the trip; they’ll be keepsakes for a lifetime.
We’re almost across the finish line. Let’s make these final milestones look as bright as our futures!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out to Jacquie Palaschak at jkpalaschak@fcps.edu to help us make this trip unforgettable. 🎓✨
Important Graduation Information | Victor O'Neill Studios
Congratulations on the upcoming Class of 2026 Graduation! This is such a significant milestone for your student and your family. Victor O’Neill Studios is honored to help capture these lifelong memories.
To view and order professional portraits, Victor O’Neill Studios has created a dedicated QR code for your event. Simply scan the code below to be taken directly to the graduation gallery.
We are excited to celebrate the South County High School Class of 2026
Rehearsal Fuel Needed
🎬 Rehearsals for Cinderella are going well, and our cast and crew will be putting in long hours to bring this show to life!
Help keep their energy up by signing up for a slot (Snacks SignUp Genius Link) and donating: 💧 Small (8 oz) water bottles 🧀 Cheese sticks 🥣 Granola bars, or 🍎 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! Rehearsals continue until the show opens in April, so this will be a continuing need.
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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
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Chipotle Fundraiser
April 8th - 5 to 9 p.m.
Please help us advertise our upcoming Restaurant Night Fundraiser at Chipotle! Also please consider stopping by and picking up dinner or a snack there on April 8th between 5pm and 9pm. Please show this flyer to the cashier if in person (9447 Lorton Market St) or use the code TGPP4BH if ordering online.
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Theatre Booster Meeting
Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30pm
At Chipotle! (9447 Lorton Market St)
For April we are combining our Booster Board Meeting and Restaurant Night Fundraiser by holding our meeting at Chipotle (9447 Lorton Market St, Lorton)! Please join us and 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
- Plus, updates on other exciting plans for the Theatre Department!
We’d love to see you there—your involvement truly lifts our program!
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Tech Week Meals
Feed Starving Artists!
Tech rehearsals bring our cast and crew together—and they make for some long days! To keep everyone fueled and focused, our boosters coordinate meals during these rehearsals. We’re looking for volunteers to help cook or order meals for April 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 25th (between shows).
Don’t worry—you won’t be responsible for feeding the whole team on your own. These meals are a group effort, and we provide recipes, instructions, and support to make it easy. We set a budget for each meal and expenses can be reimbursed. If interested in supporting, please contact Tricia Waugh at schstheatreboostersnewsletter@gmail.com.
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Volunteers & Donations
Theatre Boosters will be selling Concessions at all performances of Cinderella — and we need your help to make it a success!
Every candy bar sold and every bottle of water donated helps fund:
- 🎓 Theatre Scholarships
- 👑 Upcoming SCHS Theatre Productions
- 🎤 SCHS Improv
- 🎉 Our Welcome Back Picnic
- …and so much more!
💛 How You Can Help
- Volunteer to work concessions
- Donate items (Candy Bars, Multi-pack bags of chips, Individually Wrapped Cookies, Water, Soda)
It’s quick, easy, and truly makes a difference!
👉 Coming soon - Cinderella Signup Genius Link.
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! 🎭✨
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Princess Party Crew
The clock is ticking, but the magic is just beginning! Join us for a Royal Intermission between our April 25th matinee and evening performance of Cinderella. We’re throwing a high-energy Princess Party, and we want you to be part of the fairy tale!
👑 The Royal Rundown It’s not just a break—it’s a full-blown celebration where kids can:
- Mingle with Royalty: Snap the perfect photo with Cinderella and her princess pals.
- Belt it Out: Take the stage for Princess Karaoke!
- Get Crafty: Design custom wands and get fancy with professional face painting.
- Sweet Treats: Sip on tea or lemonade and enjoy some delicious cookies.
✨See Your Stars in Action Your students will be volunteering and bringing the magic to life! It’s a fantastic chance to see their hard work and school spirit firsthand.
🎉But We Need Your Magic Touch! Every kingdom needs a great crew of Royal Helpers. We’re looking for parent volunteers to help us keep the magic moving. We need help with:
- Setting the Scene (Set-up)
- Royal Admissions (Ticket Sales)
- Activity Pilots (Supervising the fun)
- The "Poof" Crew (Quick clean-up)
👉 Bibbidi-Bobbidi Princess Tea Sign Up Link
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Booster Board
ISO of 2026-27 Board Members
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
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Events Calendar
Check out upcoming events in the SCHS Theatre Department!
A few dates to take note of:
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Mar 28: Tech Saturday
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Apr 8: Chipotle Fundraiser
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Apr 8: Theatre Booster Board Meeting @ Chipotle
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Apr 11: Tech Saturday
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Apr 23-25: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
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Apr 25: Princess Tea
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Apr 26: Strike
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May 8: End of Year Banquet
SCHS Theatre Calendar Link
* Field trip for Theatres Arts 1 and 2 students. Families are welcome to observe.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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:
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is offering Student Scholarships for college and trade school students. Please use your personal email address (not your FCPS email) to apply and use the link:
Student Scholarship: https://forms.gle/QrV2v89EFMQVLqEB7
ATHLETICS CORNER
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$
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!
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
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
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
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National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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School Library Month
In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.
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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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Passover
Chag Sameach to all in our community celebrating Passover! For Jewish communities, this holiday celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Many Jewish families eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods.
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Good Friday
the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Read more at Britannica.com.
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Easter
A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who Christians believe suffered and died on the cross for the salvation of the world and the forgiveness of sins. Through his own resurrection on Easter, Christians believe Jesus offers the hope of eternal life with God after death.
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Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Quick Links
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