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Hello Mustangs,
Check out these important updates for the week! Eighth graders will soon have the chance to take the FCPS Youth Survey and share their opinions about school life. Check your email for more information. We also hope to see you at Family Bingo Night tonight and the upcoming PTSO General Membership meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the main office conference room or via Zoom.
Please remember to complete your online Federal Impact Aid Survey, which is available electronically through ParentVUE on October 19, 2026. Additionally, nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards—take a moment to recognize your favorite teachers and staff members by November 3rd!
Kathy Quigley, Interim Principal
South County Middle School
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, October 22 - Author Visit during School time
Tuesday-Friday, October 27-30 - Science MEWEE Field Trips
Wednesday, October 28 - PTSO General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, October 28 - Lights On After School
Friday, October 30 - TJHSST applications due
Friday, October 30 - End of Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release
Friday, October 30 - South County High School Trunk or Treat, 5 PM - 7 PM
Monday, November 2 - No School, School Planning Day
Tuesday, November 3 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Monday, November 16 - Picture Day (Green Day PE Students)
Thursday, November 19 - 8th Grade Youth Survey
Monday, November 23 - Picture Make-Up Day
Wednesday, November 25-Friday, November 27 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday
Impact Aid - Coming October 19, 2026
The Impact Aid Program is a federal program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program’s mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax exempt, property.
FCPS is pleased to announce that the Federal Impact Aid Survey will once again be available electronically through your ParentVUE account on October 19, 2026. For families that do not have access to ParentVUE or prefer to complete a paper form, a printed form will be provided by the school after October 28, 2026.
Outstanding Employee Award Nominations - NOW OPEN
The nominations for Outstanding Employees are now open. Please take a moment to think about who you would like to nominate for Outstanding New Teacher, Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding School Professional Staff Leader, Outstanding Educational Services Employee, and/or Outstanding Operational Services Employee. The categories have leader, educational services, and operational services employees have changed. Please take a look at the slides with category information on it. Nominations close on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Math Textbooks
Students currently enrolled in Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors, or Geometry Honors received their course textbooks in class this week. The textbooks should stay at home, in a safe and accessible place, for the remainder of the school year. Students are assigned a specific number textbook (indicated on the front inside cover) and are responsible for returning that textbook, in good condition, at the end of the year. The replacement costs for a missing or damaged textbook is $119.00, plus 5% shipping and handling.
Lights on After School
South County Middle School will host Lights On: After-School & VIP Reunion Family Trivia Night on Wednesday, October 28 from 5:45 PM-8:00 PM. This is open to families with students in our feeder elementary and middle schools. The evening will kick-off with a light dinner, hors d’oeuvres and a showcase highlighting our after-school activities, in the lecture hall. At 6:45 PM Trivia, with prizes, will be in the cafeteria. If you have any questions please contact Chris Woodby at cwwoodby@fcps.edu
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology - Applications Open
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application is now available. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
Youth Survey - 8th Graders Only
The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.
The survey will be administered on November 19th at South County Middle School.. A copy of the survey will be available to parents and/or caregivers online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-andwellness/youth-survey
While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form and return it to your child's school counselor or using the Parental Digital Consent Portal no later than November 4, 2026. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal, you do not need to complete the attached form.
PTSO
General Membership meeting
Join us on October 28th at 6pm in person or online or the first General Membership meeting. We will meet in the conference room in the main office, or use this Zoom link.
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 SHOP HERE
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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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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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
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