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Important Dates:
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09/04-09/07- Holiday- Labor Day Break
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09/08 6:00pm- BTSN (Back to School Night)
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09/12- Rosh Hashanah
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09/21- Holiday- Yom Kippur
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10/07- SAT School Day for 12th Graders
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10/12- Student Holiday (No School)- Indigenous Peoples' Day
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10/30- End of First Quarter
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11/02-Student Holiday- Teacher Workday
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11/03- Student Holiday- School Planning Day- Election Day
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11/08- Diwali
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11/25-11/27- Holiday- Thanksgiving Break
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2026-27
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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
The first week of school has already been filled with laughter, connections, and plenty of memorable moments across South County. Like the opening chapter of an exciting story, these first few days offer a preview of friendships, achievements, and celebrations that will shape our year together. With our Stallion spirit shining brightly, we are ready to run together, rise as one, and make this an unforgettable school year. Want proof of how great this week was? Check out this week’s reflections …
School Culture
Sunrise on Senior Year
This past Monday, our seniors gathered on the stadium field at 6:00 a.m. for Senior Sunrise, enjoying the early morning together and creating special memories with their friends. As I shared with them, this is the last first day of school they will ever experience, making it a meaningful gift to be appreciated and enjoyed. We hope our seniors will continue to embrace every moment, celebrate their friendships, and make this final year at South County truly unforgettable.
Striking the Right Chord
A huge thank-you to our band and cheerleaders for welcoming students and staff on the first day of school with music, energy, and Stallion spirit as we entered the building. Your performances helped everyone start the year on a high note and reminded us that South County knows how to make an entrance. You truly set the tone for an amazing year!
A Taste of Stallion Spirit
Thank you to our generous business partner, Yafa Grille, for donating proceeds to the PTSO whenever customers mentioned that they or their children attend SoCo. Please continue supporting both our school and Yafa Grille whenever you’re ready for a delicious and nutritious meal!
Supplies for Success
Thank you to Cranford United Methodist Church for generously donating school supplies to support our students in need. Your kindness helps ensure that every Stallion can begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
Morning Kiss & Ride Addition
To help ease morning traffic, please remember the three Kiss & Ride drop-off locations at South County High School (see attached map):
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Silverbrook Rd. Entrance: Enter past the bus loop gate, follow cones to the first two lanes on the right, and drop students at the green-marked area. Exit via Stallion Dr. onto Laurel Crest Dr.
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Laurel Crest/Stallion Dr. Entrance: Turn toward “The Bubble” near the softball field and tennis courts, drop students at the green-marked area, then U-turn and exit via Stallion Dr. onto Laurel Crest Dr.
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Door 12 Loop: Approach from the back of the school, drop students at the green-marked area, and exit the loop.
For questions or clarification, please contact Safety & Security Specialist Tom Champ.
Sense of Belonging
Senior Wisdom, Stallion Spirit
I met with our senior class officers this week to discuss this year’s privileges and was delighted by their thoughtful reflections on the first week of school. One student shared, “I like that students are talking to each other because kids are off their phones and talking to each other.” That observation captures the power of our phone-free expectations: more face-to-face friendships, meaningful moments, and strong Stallion connections.
Did You Know? Stallions Are Raising the Bar!
While on the topic of cell phones, this week our students demonstrated an impressive 99.5% compliance rate each day with Virginia’s new bell-to-bell cell phone law. That remarkable response is another example of how our Stallions step up, stand out, and raise the bar!
Staff Spotlight
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Angela Watts, our new security assistant and a first-year education professional. Before joining South County, Mrs. Watts worked as a government IT analyst. Currently, she serves as the director of operations for our girls’ basketball program, and has played center field, slow-pitch softball and now umpires fast-pitch softball. She looks forward to learning her new role, building meaningful connections with students, and becoming part of the South County community. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Watts to our school community.
Core Values, Stallion Style
Congratulations to the first cohort of staff members recognized for exemplifying South County’s core values through their dedication, professionalism, and care for others. Their daily actions strengthen our school community and show what it means to personify our school theme, Run Together and Rise As One. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding Stallions and the positive difference they make for students and colleagues each day. Way to go, Mrs. Maley, Mr. Mason, Mrs. Deering, and Mrs. Morrison! To all of you, throughout this year, if you know of a staff member or student who deserves to be recognized for meeting our established expectations, please feel free to nominate them for a SoCo award here.
Coach’s Corner
Welcome back to an incredible new school year! As we kick off this new beginning, our instructional focus centers on strengthening our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework and refining evidence-based grading to ensure every student feels supported, recognized, and clearly understands their path to academic mastery. We look forward to partnering with the community to build strong routines, celebrate growth, and drive meaningful learning for all our Stallions.
As we look ahead to all that this year will bring, let’s continue to celebrate our connections, support one another, and show the world what makes our community so special, because we aren’t just SoCo; we’re So-Cool!
Have a great weekend!
 Kambar
#RunTogetherRiseAsOne!
PBIS School Store!
Help us stock our new PBIS School Store! Students will be able to redeem the points they earn for demonstrating our core values of community, integrity, and resilience for fun prizes and school supplies. We are seeking donations of new items from our Amazon list to help make the store a success. Your support will help us recognize our students!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26BJLLE2I1Z60?ref_=wl_share
Upcoming Senior Post-Secondary Information & Events
Seniors will participate in group meetings with their counselor during Advisory to go over college and career planning topics and important to-dos for this fall.
- Seniors with last names A-Ji will meet on Monday, August 31st.
- Seniors with last names Jo-Z will meet on Wednesday, September 2nd.
Students should check in with their Advisory teacher at the beginning of the period and wait to be dismissed to their designated locations. Counselors will also be following up with seniors throughout the fall to discuss individual plans.
Additionally, Senior Parent Information Night is coming up on Tuesday, September 8th, at 5:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Counselors and our College and Career Specialist will share information related to post-secondary planning and college applications. This event is scheduled to take place right before Back-to-School Night, which starts at 6 p.m.
Parents/Guardians and the Senior Class of 2027
Victor O'Neill Studios, our school's official photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at your school:
Session C: October 1st and 2nd
Don't miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school's yearbook pose are traditional tuxedos and drapes; provided by us! You can also choose to wear your own formal attire; we suggest an all black attire. In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits.
Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:www.vosphoto.com/southcounty
As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.
If you have any questions, please email our Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com.
Please kindly include your senior's First and Last Name and "South County HS Class of 2027" when emailing, for faster assistance.
VOS Senior Portraits Team
vosphoto.com (703) 532 - 0013 seniors@vosphoto.com
Dear South County High School Families! 💚💙
I am very excited to serve as your Family Liaison. My goal is to be a bridge between our families and the school by helping you connect with important information, resources, and support to help our students succeed. 📚✨
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I am here to listen, guide, and support you.
Working together for the success of our students! 🐎💙
Here is my schedule.
Estimadas familias de South County High School! 💚💙
Me alegra mucho poder servirles como Family Liaison. Mi objetivo es ser un puente entre nuestras familias y la escuela, ayudándoles a encontrar información, recursos y el apoyo que necesiten para el éxito de nuestros estudiantes. 📚✨
Por favor, no duden en comunicarse conmigo.
Estoy aquí para escucharlos, orientarlos y apoyarlos.
Trabajando juntos por el éxito de nuestros estudiantes! 🐎💙”
Este es mi horario.
Underclassman Picture Day Information
School Picture Day is Coming!
📅 Date: Monday August 31st & Tuesday September 1st 2026
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416999
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com
SAT School Day for 12th Graders –
October 7
On Wednesday, October 7, South County High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, 12th grade students are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 2. Your student will need to use a @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. A translated version of the form content may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43896). FCPS sites cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the exam.
South County High School: 2026 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form
https://forms.gle/PJD8fRDgwhcYdkyx5
General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/taking-the-test/sat-in-school). Directions on how to access scores and score release dates are published by College Board via the College Board website.
We will share exam day schedules and additional details in the coming weeks. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at South County High School, please contact Chris Bird, SAT School Day Coordinator, at cwbird@fcps.edu or at 703-446-1643.
ATHLETICS CORNER
South County Crew Team
Curious about rowing? Come check out the South County Crew Team! Crew offers a great opportunity to join a dynamic, close-knit team, enjoy the great outdoors, and get in top physical shape by participating in this total body workout. You'll make new friends, get stronger along the way, and expand your horizon!
See for yourself:
We're hosting an Open *Boat* House! Join us at Sandy Run Regional Park on Saturday, September 12, 10am - 2pm. Come see where all the action happens, ask questions, tour our boat house, and even try your hand at rowing! (Be sure to arrive before 1 if you want to get in one of the boats.)
Want to try it before you go all in? Fall on the Water is the South County Crew Team's introduction to rowing with experiences at the boathouse and on the water. It is optional and gives rowers a chance to see what rowing on the water is like in a fun, relaxed environment. Students (9th - 12th grade) are invited to experience rowing three days a week after school at Sandy Run Regional Park beginning on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Check out our website to get registered! https://www.sc-crew.org/page/show/7486071-fall-on-the-water
Dirty car got you down? The South County Crew Team has the cure for that! Come on out to the Sunoco at 8915 Ox Rd in Lorton on Saturday, August 29 from 10am - 2pm and the team will get your car shiny and clean! Wash a car. Support the crew. Build Champions.
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!
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Let's welcome in a new school year and thank all those who participated in making our community what it is. We were able to support classrooms, clubs, large and small school-wide events, staff trainings, and facilities support, to name a few.
One of the ways we can do all this is through your Memberships. Use this link to renew or become a member. We also have Grad Year magnets, White House Ornaments, Walk of Fame Engraved Bricks, and Donation links.
https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/
Our Yard Signs are on a separate link - https://springfield-va.fastsigns.com/fcps/
Thank you to our local Yafa Grille for supporting our PTSO every Tuesday!
Use code #SouthCounty10 in the notes at checkout when ordering online or mention South County High at in-person checkout.
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 PTSO and Class of 2027 and all their events for the year.
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 PTSO, 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 SOCO at https://www.seasonalroots.com/socoangp.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 8th 6 pm-7:30 pm - Back to School Night - Come out to see us at our tables.
Sept. 17th 7 pm-9 pm (Library)- First, the PTSO General Meeting. Second, the Extravaganza 2027 Planning Meeting - Come out to join us for our first PTSO general meeting. We'll discuss the budget, goals, volunteer needs, etc.
AWARENESS
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
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