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Dear South County Middle School Families,
As we pause to remember September 11, 2001, we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage shown by first responders and citizens. May this day always remind us of the importance of kindness, unity, and caring for one another.
With that same commitment to supporting a safe, connected school community, we want to clarify expectations for student computer use. In accordance with our Student Rights & Responsibilities guidelines, starting on Monday, September 14, students will no longer use computers in the cafeteria during lunch. Computers remain an important learning tool and should be used in classrooms when directed by teachers for instructional purposes. Lunchtime is an opportunity for students to eat, connect with peers, and recharge.
As always, we appreciate your partnership and support.
Have a great weekend!
Kathy Quigley, Interim Principal
Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 14 - After School Program begins
Monday, September 21 - No School, Religious Holiday
Monday, October 12 - No School, School Planning Day
Tuesday-Friday, October 13-16 - Finance Park Field Trips
Friday, October 16 - Picture Day (Blue Day PE students)
Tuesday-Friday, October 27-30 - Science MEWEE Field Trips
Friday, October 30 - End of Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release
Tuesday, November 10 - Picture Day (Green Day PE students)
Monday, November 23 - Picture Make-Up Day
Military & Family Life Counseling
The Military and Family Life Counseling Program helps military families and children navigate challenges with free face-to-face support. MFLCs provide counseling services to students and families in groups and individually. Support is provided at no cost and is confidential with the exception to meet legal obligations to include requirements of the law or duty to warn situations.
Issues addressed :
- Feelings Identification
- Bullying
- Communication
- Separation from parents
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Deployment and reunification
- Social skills/peer interactions
- Grief and loss
- Sibling and parent relationships
- Transition (parental divorce, relocation)
Please contact Lesley in student services at 703-690-5600 or laakofiohite@fcps.edu if you would like to receive a consent form so your student can access her services.
Transportation ID Badge Program: Important Reminders
As schools continue implementing the student ID badge program, please remember:
- Students may attach their badge to a backpack or other bag, provided the badge is accessible and can reach the scanner when boarding or exiting the bus.
- Students should not be denied transportation because they forgot or do not have their badge. Transportation staff and bus drivers have been reminded of this expectation.
- Students with sensory, medical, or other documented concerns should not be forced to wear the badge. A driver or assisting adult may scan the badge for the student.
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
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.
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.
Membership
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
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
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