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Hello Mustangs,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year! As a reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 24, 2026. To assist in a smooth start for our students and families, we invite you to our Mustang Roundup (Open House) on Friday, August 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Remember, Mustang Roundup is an opportunity for our families to tour the building and classrooms, complete and submit forms, drop off medication, and bring in supplies, among other activities. We also have a schoolwide supply list; please contact us at 703-690-5500 if you need support with any supplies. Lastly, our Back-to-School Night is Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. As always, thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any questions, feedback, or concerns. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School
Upcoming Dates
Friday, August 21 - Mustang Roundup, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Monday, August 24 - First Day of School
Wednesday, September 2 - Back-to-School Night, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday, September 4 - No School, Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 7 - No School Labor Day Holiday
Be First-Day Ready
The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start.
Also find out what will be new this school year.
New Math Textbooks
Middle school students enrolled in Math 6 through Algebra 2 will be using new textbooks this school year. A committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers reviewed materials and provided input on the selection.
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.
Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families.
New Student Device Requirement
Starting this school year, students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Updated Varsity Football Game Policies
Beginning this season, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will implement security screenings using existing weapons screening systems (Open Gate) and a standardized bag policy at all varsity football games to help ensure a safe and efficient experience for students, families, staff, and community members. We appreciate your cooperation by reviewing the prohibited and approved items below before arriving, and please remember that middle school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with them throughout the event.
Prohibited Items
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverages, including water bottles
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy or determined by event staff to present a safety concern
Approved Bags
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
- Medical and diaper bags (permitted but subject to inspection)
 Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date.
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey.
We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed.
Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey.
We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed.
Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
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