|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Important Dates:
-
08/20- 1:00-3:00pm- Stallion Stampede
-
08/24- First Day of School
-
09/04-09/07- Holiday- Labor Day Break
-
09/08 6:00pm- BTSN (Back to School Night)
-
09/12- Rosh Hashanah
-
09/21- Holiday- Yom Kippur
-
10/12- Student Holiday (No School)- Indigenous Peoples' Day
-
10/30- End of First Quarter
-
11/02-Student Holiday- Teacher Workday
-
11/03- Student Holiday- School Planning Day- Election Day
-
11/08- Diwali
-
11/25-11/27- Holiday- Thanksgiving Break
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2026-27
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 families,
There’s something truly special about this time of year. I find myself feeling much the same way I do just before the winter holidays—eager, excited, and filled with anticipation for all that lies ahead. A new school year brings fresh opportunities, new connections, and countless moments of discovery, growth, and joy. I am so excited to welcome our students and families back and to begin what I know will be a memorable year of learning together. With that excitement in the air, here’s a look at what’s happening around our campus and across the county.
School Culture
Clean Sweep: Celebrating Our Custodians
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible custodial team for the tremendous amount of hard work they have put into preparing our building for the return of staff and students! One of my favorite things to share with them is that the comment I hear most often from visitors is just how clean and well cared for our school is—a reflection of the pride, dedication, and professionalism they bring to their work each and every day. To show our appreciation for all they do to make our school shine, we were delighted to host a special luncheon in their honor!
Devices Down, Learning Up!
FCPS has adopted a new Personal Electronic Communication and Device Policy to help keep the instructional day focused on learning. Under the policy approved by the Fairfax County School Board on July 16, 2026, students may not use personal electronic or computing devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and personal laptops, during the instructional day and should use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities. Exceptions are available when a personal device is required as part of a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan, or when I approve a limited exception for a specialized course requiring technology or software unavailable on an FCPS-issued device. Thank you for partnering with us to create an environment where our students can stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn!
Stay in the Know!
For our parents of seniors, all dates and reminders for the class of 2027 are available on our website. Simply go here to see what we have updated so far, and as more information becomes available, we’ll make additional updates.
Mark Your Calendars, Stallions!
We’re excited to welcome our new Stallion to school! Students new to SoCo are invited to our Stallion Stampede on Thursday, August 20, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium, followed by a Q&A session from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for families who would like to learn more about our new Evidence-Based Grading policy. Then, be sure to join us for Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 8, from 6:00–7:30 p.m., when parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet their student’s teachers and get a glimpse of the exciting learning experiences ahead this year. We look forward to seeing you at SoCo and kicking off another fantastic year together!
As we begin this exciting new school year, thank you for your continued partnership, enthusiasm, and support of our students and staff. Together, we’re building a school community filled with pride, purpose, and possibility. Here’s to an incredible year ahead—because we’re not just SoCo, we’re SoCool!
 S. Kambar Khoshaba, Ed.D.
Proud Principal
South County High School
Parking Passes 2026–2027 School Year
Effective Monday, Aug 3rd, 2026 at 9:00am, the online student parking permit portal for 2026-2027 will be active for students with a valid driver’s license who wish to apply to park on school grounds. The first 129 spaces have been designated as the "senior lot" and are reserved ONLY for seniors on a first come basis. A current school year parking placard is required to park on school grounds. Please note that parking fees are non-refundable and students with outstanding school fines or fees, including library fines, may NOT receive a parking pass until such obligation(s) have been cleared with the finance office.
The student parking application for the 2026-2027 school year remains a two-step process wherein step 1 you will register the vehicle(s) (*PLEASE USE A PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESS ONLY) and in step 2 you will make a payment. You must complete the entire sequence to properly register and pay for the permit. Please follow the steps below, which are the following:
- STEP 1 - Students complete an online Rydin parking application (PLEASE USE A PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESS ONLY) and retain the assigned sales order number as it is required to make payment in the next step.
- STEP 2 - Please make sure your payment is for Student Parking.
- STEP 3 - Passes distribution schedule:
-
Rising Seniors ONLY will be allowed to pick up a parking pass on Aug. 17th and 18th after registring. The 123 Senior Lot spaces are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, so we cannot guarantee a spot in the Senior Lot even if you purchase on one of these two dates.
-
Rising Juniors will be allowed to pick up their parking pass beginning on Aug. 20th and through the rest of that week after registring.
- Parking passes will remain available for purchase throughout the school year as students obtain their driver’s licenses. Passes may be purchased during lunches at the Security Office near Door 1.
Parking fees are as follows: $200 dollars for the year, $150 for the 2nd quarter, $100 for the 3rd quarter, and $50 for the 4th quarter.
Students with a free or reduced waiver have a different approval process and should ONLY complete Step 1 and come to the Security Office to present supporting documentation and make payment (cash/check) starting August 17th.
Keep In Mind:
- You will not be allowed to purchase a parking pass if you owe money for fines or fees from the previous school year.
- Students eligible for a reduced parking fee through FRM should bring documentation of eligibility at the time of purchase. Documentation will be reviewed confidentially.
- Students enrolled in the TSRC program are required to purchase a parking pass if they wish to park on school property.
If you have any questions, please contact Tom Champ (Safety & Security) at twchamp1@fcps.edu.
Free and Reduced Price Meals!
Apply Today for Free and Reduced Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact Mrs. Gibson if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Required Immunizations for Rising 12th Graders
Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades.
- All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations before the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria, the Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age seven or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- Parents/guardians may choose for their child to not receive the HPV vaccination. Documentation is not required to opt out of the HPV vaccination.
- All students entering 12th grade are required to receive one dose of the MenACWY vaccine before the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come first served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
- Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Secondary Grading Updates
There will be new secondary grading policies in 2026-27. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about high school grading policy updates. This link goes to last year, so see if you can find one for the 2026-27 year.
Student Rights and Responsibilities - Signature
Every year, FCPS requires parents/guardians to review, sign, and return the SR&R parent/guardian signature page acknowledging awareness of online access to and/or the opportunity to receive a printed copy of the FCPS SR&R Guide for Families.
When available, you can complete this requirement through your ParentVUE account in the Online Verification Account packet (see above). Upon login to your ParentVUE account, you will be prompted immediately to complete the SR&R signature page. Note that your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/guardian’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted. The prompt will repeat in ParentVue until the signature page has been completed.
Students will review this year’s SR&R through their Advisory class (4th period) within the first two weeks of school.
We will make families aware of when these forms become available for your review and acknowledgement.
Please take a moment to review the FCPS Student Right and Responsibilities and log into ParentVUE to access and complete the SR&R Parent Signature Page.
If you would rather print out and sign the SR&R signature page, you can access it here. You can either return it to the main office or scan it and email to ccgibson@fcps.edu.
Additional information about the SR&R can be found on the FCPS website.
Bus Schedules
All parents/guardians should receive an eNotify email message directly from Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Transportation during the week of August 10, 2026. That email will provide details on the transportation intent process for families and how to access transportation assignments for students. Transportation assignments will become available that week, and changes may be made up to August 14, 2026.
All parents should access their SIS ParentVue account to ensure the Transportation Intent for each student is accurate. Through your SIS ParentVue account, you can see your child’s transportation assignments and intent on the “Student Info” tab. If adjustments are needed, click on “Edit Information” to make changes to your Transportation Intent. All students eligible for transportation services will be provided transportation unless the parent has stated ‘NO’ to the Transportation Intent.
Please contact the transportation office if you have any questions about accessing your student bus information.
Late buses will run on Wednesday afternoons and will start on Wednesday, September 2nd and the last day they run will be Wednesday, June 2.
The late bus schedule will be posted outside of the Security Office and on the South County School page on Schoology. Students can also find their bus number on StudentVUE.
Arrival and Dismissal Information and Traffic Patterns
Student Arrival and Dismissal
The building will be accessible to students starting at 7:30 am.
Dismissal is at 2:55 pm. Students are asked to leave the building at the end of the day unless they are being supervised by an adult. Any student who wishes to stay after school must be in the supervision of a staff member.
Traffic Patterns at Arrival and Dismissal
All drivers on campus are expected to follow all traffic/roadway laws and driving patterns established. This ensures the safety of all and maximizes the efficiency of our traffic pattern. Please follow all posted signs and directions of staff.
The first week of school, traffic is traditionally heavier than normal. In addition, because of our new Weapons Detection Screening (see below for details), students should anticipate a slightly longer period of time to enter the building. Therefore, please allow additional time if you are driving your student to school and/or your student is driving themselves to school.
South County High School strives to maintain positive relationships with our surrounding neighbors. To that end, we ask that everyone respects private property while walking to and from school. In addition, no neighborhoods or surrounding streets should be used as kiss-and-ride drop off or pick-up locations. This practice severely impacts our neighbors and their daily schedules.
Kiss and Ride Pickup
When dropping off or picking up students, please follow the designated traffic pattern outlined below. Do not park in any on-campus spots during arrival or dismissal if you are dropping off or picking up. We have two designated Kiss and Ride locations: one at Door 12 and another at the Bubble in the student parking lot. Both can be accessed from Laurel Crest Drive. To ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow, we ask that all student drop-offs occur only at these two locations. Stopping elsewhere in the lot has caused significant delays in the past.
Weapons Detection Screener
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will continue to use a weapons detection system at all secondary schools this fall.
Please watch this video of the Superintendent’s conversation with students about the weapons screening system. The most important thing is to be sure that students have the right items removed from their bag before getting in line.
Items to be removed include:
- Three-ring binders
- Laptops
- Collapsible umbrellas
- Metal lunch boxes
- Metal pencil cases
- Metal glass cases
These items can remain in a student’s bags:
- Non-metal lunch boxes
- Books
- Planners
- Spiral notebooks and folders
- Cell phones
- Keys
- Non-metal pencil cases
Once the items are removed, students should walk to the shortest line and proceed. If the light turns red, they will be directed to a secondary screening to determine what may have alerted the system. Experience shows that the process becomes easier and more efficient every day. You can learn more about the system by watching this video and reading the Frequently Asked Questions on FCPS’ website. If you have additional questions, you can submit them online to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
To ensure a safe and orderly entrance, we will open Door 1 beginning at 7:30am, and door 12 will open at 7:45am. No other doors are permitted to be entrances into our school.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support in our shared commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for us all.
Chromebook Devices
South County High School provides students with equitable access to meaningful learning experiences and technology to support their learning. Each Stallion student will receive an FCPS-issued Chromebook to access dynamic resources and participate in learning tailored to the student’s individual needs. Loaner Chromebooks will only be available for students whose Chromebooks need repair.
Chromebooks will be distributed through students’ English classes beginning the 1st day of school.
For more about this initiative, please go to the FCPS website.
Please note that teachers reserve the right to require the Chromebook device to be used for certain assignments or assessments. Additionally, these devices are a requirement for standardized testing, including SOL exams and AP tests.
Emergency Care Form and the Clinic
The goal of the clinic is to ensure that your child will enjoy a healthy and safe school year. To proactively plan, we ask that parents update the Emergency Care Form through SIS ParentVUE; there is a section for “Current Health Conditions” and “Current Medical Care Details” that will update the health information for the student.
If you need to drop off medication for your student, please fill out a new medication authorization form. This is required to be filled out annually.
Medication can be dropped off at school Tuesday, August 11, Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14 from 8am-3 pm. You can also drop off medication during the Stallion Stampede from 1:00-3:00 pm on Thursday, August 14. Once school begins, medication can be dropped off any school day from 8am-3pm. Please read below for the updated medication guidelines that specify the amount and method of medication that can be dropped off.
If medication is needed at school or for any after FCPS sponsored activity (field trips, sports, band, drama, chorus, etc.), specific guidelines in accordance with the FCPS Medication Administration Regulation 2102 must be followed. A Medication Authorization form MUST be on file in the Health Room for any medication administered at school OR carried by student. Forms (for epinephrine, inhalers and medications) are available in the School Health Room or online.
Medication Guidelines
To help ensure the safety of our medication administration management in Fairfax County Public Schools we will adhere to these guidelines:
- Any time you drop off or pick up a medication in the health room, a Medication Delivery/Pick Up Form will be completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the School Health Aide or FCPS staff member. This form will document that all required authorizations are complete, and the number of pills or amount of medication accepted/returned. A copy of the form will be given to the parent/guardian and school administrator.
- Medications received will be verified to ensure the description of the medication on the container/packaging matches the medication in the container.
-
All medications must be in the original pharmacy container. Over the counter (OTC) medications must be in an unopened original container. It will no longer be acceptable for parents/guardians to bring in refills from home and place them into the container currently in the health room.
- Only a 30-day supply of medications should be brought to school. No more than 25 tablets or pills of OTC medication should be brought to school.
- All requirements outlined in FCPS Regulation 2102, First Aid, Emergency Treatment and Administration of Medication for Students, continue to apply.
All Health Room forms can be found in the Online Verification Update Packet referenced under required forms. They are also below for your reference.
-
Authorization for Anaphylaxis Action Plan (SE64) - Required for the administration of epinephrine injection(s) as directed by the licensed prescriber.
-
FCPS Authorization for Virginia Asthma Action Plan (SE65) - Required for the administration of an inhaler as directed by the licensed prescriber.
-
Medication Authorization (SE 63) - Required for the administration of over-the-counter and prescription medication, with the exception of epinephrine and inhaled medication, as directed by the licensed prescriber/parent/guardian.
-
Physician’s Referral for Participation in Physical Education (SE200) - Complete if a modified physical education program is needed
-
Specific Health Care Procedures Authorization (SE 180) - Complete for physical condition(s) for which the specific procedure is to be performed.
One additional form that is not available through the OVU packet is the Diabetes Medical Management Plan. That form can be found below.
- Diabetes Medical Management Plan Form
Breakfast and Lunch
Meal prices will remain the same as last year (as outlined above). The SoCo cafeteria will sell breakfast and lunch daily. If your student plans on purchasing food through the cafeteria, please be sure to load money on their meal account or bring cash. More information on FCPS Food Services (including payment options for meal accounts, daily menus, free and reduced meal programs, etc.) can be reviewed on the FCPS website.
Information on applying for Free and Reduced Lunch can also be found above under the forms section. Eligible families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the first day of the 2026-27 school year. More information is on the FCPS website, including forms to apply for Free or Reduced Lunch and Consent to Share Information.
Dietary Accommodations for Students
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) wants to emphasize that it has implemented a standardized process for dietary accommodations. This ensures that FCPS students receive safe and healthy food. The Dietary Accommodations information provides step-by-step guidance for families to follow to ensure safe and appropriate food is provided to their student(s). This guidance includes needing a Medical Dietary Accommodation Form to be signed by a Licensed Health Care Provider and forwarded to FNS. For students who need a milk substitute, the Milk Substitution Form signed by a Parent/Guardian must also be on file with FNS.
Forms are to be emailed to dietary.forms.fns@fcps.edu by parents/guardians. FNS Registered Dietitians on staff will then contact the family to begin planning safe meals for their student and place an alert on the student’s file at the register.
ATHLETICS CORNER
Don’t Trash Your Old Trainers — Share Your Soles!
Old running shoes and sneakers gathering dust in your closet? Don’t let them sit in a landfill—donate them to South County Cross Country. We've partnered with Sneakers4Good and every pair of gently worn, used, or new sneakers collected helps raise funds while supporting micro-entrepreneurs and sustainable reuse worldwide.
What We Accept: Adult athletic sneakers and running shoes only (all sizes & styles but must be dry and free of holes).
Quick Prep Tip: Please tie the laces together or wrap a rubber band around each pair so they stay together!
|
Let's welcome a new school year! We will be attending the Stallion Stampede (August 20th), where new and renewing members can apply for membership. Please see the link/QR code below for early action. We also have the new White House Ornament and direct donation links on the opening page.
https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/
Thank you to our local Yafa Grille for supporting our PTSO! Use code #SouthCounty10 in the notes at checkout when ordering online. Also, Yafa Grille is offering 10% off for all FCPS employees (show badge) when ordering in-store!
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
First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school. See the complete school year calendar.FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. Follow FCPS and your school on social media to see photos and videos throughout the school year!
|
New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Cellphone Policy
Updated Cellphone Policy: No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students
Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Quick Links
|
