Mustang Weekly, September 3, 2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/03/2026 04:30 PM EDT

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Dear South County Community,

Thank you to all of our families who attended Back to School Night! Your partnership and support help make our school community strong. As we head into our four day weekend, I want to thank you for another great week together.

This week students began a review of the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) during Learning Seminar. Because several updates were made over the summer, I encourage all families to review the SR&R and the Universal Grade Matrices (UGM). These resources provide grade-level guidance that helps administrators respond to student behavior consistently and fairly, with age-appropriate interventions and disciplinary responses based on the severity and impact of each incident.

We are distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services. Students have received their student ID cards, a plastic card sleeve, and a black lanyard through Learning Seminar this week.

ID cards should be worn or attached to your child’s backpack and brought to the bus each day. Please work with your child to have a system where they put their ID away during the school and can easily access it after school for the bus ride home.

Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.

We ask for your patience! Bus drivers are checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.

Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.

Have a great weekend!

Kathy Quigley

Interim Principal

Upcoming Dates

Friday, September 4 - No School, Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 7 - No School Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 14 - After School Activities begin

Monday, September 21 - No School, Religious Holiday

Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources

Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

SEL Screener Notification

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. South County Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. 

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out, please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15 

The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to [AART Name], Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at [AART email] by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.

For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.

Other Advanced Academic Services 

At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Woodside, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at lwoodside@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

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)

Reading in Middle School

Please take a look at the flyer our Librarian, Ms. Wells-Williams put together to help/encourage your student to read.

PTSO

South County Middle 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!

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 the 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 Middle School PTSO! WIN-WIN for everyone!  Be sure to use promotional code SCMSPTSO - https://www.seasonalroots.com/scmsptso.

Please consider becoming a member of the PTSO this year.  Your membership helps us to help the school in ways that FCPS does not.  We have events for the students and also offer Instructional grants for the staff to be able to do some of those extra things for the students that otherwise would not happen.  Also, you don't have to volunteer (unless you want to!)  For more information about the PTSO and what we do check out our website www.mustangptso.org and to become a member PTSO Membership | South County Middle School PTSO

New Online Spirit Wear Shop

Our South County Back-to-School Sale is happening now! Save up to 35% OFF sitewide on brand-new spirit wear, fresh fall styles, and personalized gear for the whole family. Shop today and show your school pride before the sale ends on September 7th! 

SHOP HERE

Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:

  • Personal laptops and tablets.
  • Smartphones and smartwatches.
  • Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [main office number]. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy. 

Your Child’s Presence at School Matters

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits. 

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference

The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.

Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections. 

 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.

Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.