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Important Dates:
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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
Greetings, SoCo family,
As we mark the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, we pause to remember the lives lost and the families and communities forever changed by that day. We also honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary strength and compassion. May this remembrance inspire us to lead with kindness, value our shared humanity, and stand together as one community.
Now, on to this week’s reflections …
Sense of Belonging
Faith in Action: FCA Starts Strong
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes held its first meeting of the year, creating a meaningful space for students to connect through shared faith. Students took the lead as they watched video clips, reflected on their messages, and thoughtfully shared their perspectives with one another. It was wonderful to see our Stallions encouraging one another and demonstrating the power of faith, fellowship, and student leadership.
Making History Through Art
Congratulations to our art teacher, Mrs. Justyne Fischer, on being featured in the September/October edition of Artscope Magazine. The article, “How History is Told,” highlights the powerful ways artists use creativity to preserve stories, explore identity, and deepen our understanding of the past. We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Fischer’s artistic accomplishments and the inspiration she brings to our students each day.
Stallions Charge Home
Congratulations to our Football team for securing a thrilling victory in our first home game last Thursday night. Under the lights, our Stallions played like a well-tuned engine, powering through every challenge with determination, discipline, and teamwork. We are proud of the energy and effort they brought to the field and look forward to seeing this season continue to gain momentum. A special shout-out to my lead student photographer, Alex Higgins, for these outstanding action shots!
School Culture
Back to School Night Was Class Act
Our highly attended Back to School Night was a wonderful celebration of the partnerships that make our school community strong. It was inspiring to see parents, teachers, and students interacting so positively, sharing conversations, building connections, and working together in support of student success. With so much enthusiasm in the air, it was clear that our Stallions are already “raising the bar” for an outstanding school year.
Every Day Counts, Stallions!
Our students are doing an outstanding job attending school, and together, we are working toward our goal of reaching a 95% attendance rate. Every student and every day makes a meaningful difference, so please encourage your child to attend school whenever they are healthy enough to do so. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected, keep learning, and continue moving forward with confidence.
Phones Down, Pride Up!
Our students continue to demonstrate remarkable responsibility, helping us achieve a record-low number of cell phone violations. On two days this week, we recorded just six violations each day, a powerful example of our Stallions’ focus, flexibility, and follow-through. Thank you for keeping phones powered down and put away so learning, leadership, and connection can take center stage.
Coach’s Corner
The first few weeks of school were about building connections, setting routines, and helping students feel at home in their new classrooms. Now that those foundations are set, our teachers have transitioned into full content instruction. As classwork and assignments pick up, this is a great time to check in with your student at home. Your ongoing encouragement at home makes a huge difference as students settle into their academic routines. Thank you for your continued partnership!
A Très Bien Club Spotlight
We extend our sincere thanks to our Partners in Education, State Farm and its local chapter owner and operator, Casey Whitmarsh, for sponsoring our weekly Club Spotlight.
The National French Honor Society and French Club will host their first joint meeting on Monday, September 14, inviting students to explore French culture through delicious food and fun activities. Interested students should report directly after school to C201, Madame Baker’s room, where information about the year ahead will be shared. For questions, please contact Madame Baker.
Staff Spotlight
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Emily Grimes, our newest English teacher and a four-year teaching veteran, to the Stallion family! Inspired by her love of reading and her desire to share that passion with students, Mrs. Grimes made a career change to become an educator, and we are thrilled that her story brought her to South County. When she’s not helping students discover the power of the written word, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and exploring Northern Virginia’s parks with her five-year-old daughter, who has helped transform her into a local parks’ expert.
Values in Action: Staff Who Shine
Congratulations to the outstanding staff members who earned a Core Values recognition for exemplifying the qualities that make South County special. This year, our updated Core Values (Community, Integrity, and Resilience) reflect the commitment and compassion we strive to demonstrate every day. This week’s honorees, Mrs. Saale, Mr. Sypher, Mrs. Gibson, and Mr. McCormally, inspire us through their example and remind us that our values are most powerful when they are put into action.
As we head into the week ahead, let’s continue supporting one another, celebrating our successes, and making each day count. Remember, we’re not just SoCo, we’re SoCool!
 Kambar
#RunTogetherRiseAsOne!
Wednesday, October 7 – PSAT/ SAT School Day
October 7 is a 2-hour early release day for high schools and secondary schools. Students at SCHS will be released at 12:55 PM.
- Grade 12 students who registered in advance will be taking the SAT School Day test. Those seniors received a confirmation email to their @fcpsschools.net account on September 10.
- Grade 10-11 students take the PSAT/NMSQT, with limited exceptions.
- Room assignments and further details will be sent to student testers in the coming weeks.
- Grade 9 students and Grade 12 students choosing not to take the SAT School Dat test do not attend school this day and will be marked as an “unscheduled day” in SIS.
- High school academy courses and all high school shuttles will be canceled on this day.
- More information can be found on the SCHS PSAT and SCHS SAT School Day pages.
Tag Day is Saturday, September 19!!
Tag Day is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the South County Performing Arts Department. It takes thousands of dollars more than the fees that are charged for each group to keep our band, orchestra, choir, and theater programs running at the high levels we are accustomed to. To keep our fees low and keep the performing arts in our schools, we depend on contributions from our incredible community.
Student teams will be coming to your door on Saturday, September 19 asking for tax-deductible contributions to “Support the Arts.” Thank you in advance to everyone who donates to our Performing Arts department! We look forward to seeing you at all of our performing arts productions here at SCHS. Check the SCHS website for upcoming events.
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Parental Digital Consent
Families can now grant permission 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 and parents can opt in or opt out their child from a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, tutoring services, and how student information is managed. One key resource, Digital Resource Consent, is required for students to access some FCPS approved digital tools in the classroom. These tools are regularly embedded into lessons across all courses and grade levels. Please visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system and instructions on how to complete these important consent forms.
If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please submit the Parent Support Request Form to request an activation key then follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
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
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
Celebrate your Seniors
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Cheer, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Flag Football, Golf, Volleyball, and Marching Band with an Individual or Group Ad in the Fall Sports Program!
The Deadline is Sept. 18, 2026
Please order on the SCABC Square site: https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs or contact Elena Jordon at scabcsponsorship@gmail.com for more information.
Do you and your family love to travel? Join Madame Baker, Señora Straughn, and Mrs. Martin as they travel to France & Spain in the summer of 2027! Sign up to attend the informational meeting to learn more about:
- The destinations and activities
- Travel logistics and student safety
- High school or college credit opportunities
- Affordable payment plans
- Enrollment and available space
- Our previous travel experiences with EF Tours
Reserve your spot at the upcoming meeting, September 15 at 7pm in the SCHS Library! https://rsvp.eftours.com/gc97tze
Can’t attend? Please register anyway to receive information about the trip! We hope your family will join us for this incredible adventure!
For questions, please contact Mrs. Martin at makingtravelawesome@gmail.com
*This trip is not sponsored by or associated with FCPS
Debate Team
Interested in joining the South County Debate Team? Come to our interest meeting on Monday, September 14 after school in Room A126 to learn more about the different competitions and events and how you can get involved this year. No prior experience necessary.
If you are unable to attend the initial interest meeting, feel free to contact Mr. Hickman with more information (mbhickman@fcps.edu)
E-Sports Team
The Stallion E-Sports team is getting ready to kick off its fall season. Members of the team compete weekly in either League of Legends, Super Smash Bros or Rocket League throughout the fall and spring and then participate in a bracket style state tournament at the end of each season. No experience necessary!
If interested, there will be a pre-season meeting next Thursday, September 17th in Mr. Saidi's room (C132) immediately after school If interested but unable to attend, please email Mr. Saidi for more information (hssaidi@fcps.edu)
ATHLETICS CORNER
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Gold is the Awareness Color
The Annual SCHS Gold Outs in support of the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation and childhood cancer awareness are scheduled for the following dates:
September 14th - 8th Annual Field Hockey vs Edison 7:30pm
September 15th - 3rd Annual Boys Volleyball vs Fairfax 6:30pm
There will be free admission to all SCHS students wearing a gold shirt for all Gold Out games this year!
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
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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Hello Stallion Nation! The fall season is off to a great start and we appreciate so many fans supporting all of our fall teams. We are need parents and students to help us staff the concession stand and our outdoor and indoor events. This is our primary fundraiser for the Boosters and the Activities department.
Sign up here:
https://www.stallionnationboosters.org/volunteer/concessions-support.php
Sincerely,
South County Athletic Booster Club
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.
AWARENESS
Attendance Awareness Month
Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school — and themselves. See our tips on how to encourage positive school attendance in middle and high school: https://bit.ly/3QwTbn2
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 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. Visit the FCPS Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
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Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 - Blue Star Welcome Week
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and schools are a primary way they get integrated into their new location. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 27 - October 5, 2025, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
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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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