Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Important Upcoming Dates
-
03/09/25- Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring Forward)
-
March 10 Week- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
-
03/18/25- 6:45pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
03/20/25- Nowruz
-
03/21/25- Spring Program Senior Ads: Deadline
-
03/26/25 7:00pm- College Night
-
03/28/25- Quarter End
-
03/31/25- Holiday | Eid al-Fitr (begins sundown 3/30 – sundown 3/31)
-
04/01/25- Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day for Staff)
-
04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
-
04/14-04/18- Spring Break
-
04/26/25- 9am-3pm- Lorton Spring Fling (Rain Date 05/03)
-
04/30/25 3:15pm- Collegiate Signing Ceremony- Main GYM
-
05/20/25- South County Athletic Booster Club's 18th Annual Golf Classic
-
06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings SoCo family,
Happy March, SoCo! As we “march” our way into a new month, it’s clear that spring is just around the corner—no need to “leaf” it up to chance! With warmer days and blossoming opportunities ahead, we’re excited to see what this season brings. Let’s “bloom” where we’re planted and make this month one to remember!
March Into Reading: Stories That Reflect Us All
March is Reading Month, and we’re excited to celebrate by diving into stories that mirror the rich diversity of our student body! One way we’re engaging readers is through graphic novels, which offer both visual and textual storytelling to captivate students of all reading levels. In our book talks, we use strategies like visual thinking prompts—encouraging students to interpret and discuss the artwork—and theme tracking, helping them connect graphic novel themes to their own experiences.
We’re also committed to diversifying our library collection with powerful books like A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi, which explores a Muslim girl's experience in post-9/11 America. By featuring stories from various cultures, perspectives, and experiences, we hope every student can find a book that resonates with them. Let’s make this month one for the books—literally!
Student and Staff Belonging
Blooming with Success: Celebrating Student Growth!
This week, we took the time to stop and smell the roses by celebrating students who made significant academic improvements or reached important milestones in their attendance. Just like a garden flourishes with care and attention, our students have blossomed through their hard work and determination. This special celebration was a reminder that growth is a journey worth acknowledging, and our students have plenty to be proud of. As they continue to nurture their potential, we’re excited to see how they’ll keep growing and thriving! A special shout-out goes to our Systems and Supports Administrator, Mr. Mims, and our Dean of Students, Mr. Gildea, for their special efforts with designing this celebration.
Brighten a Teacher’s Day!
Since returning from Winter Break, our teachers have been working tirelessly without a sustained break, pouring their energy and passion into helping our students succeed. A few kind words can go a long way in lifting their spirits! We invite you to share a note of encouragement or appreciation with your child's teachers. Your messages would be a wonderful way to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for helping us spread a little extra warmth and positivity! For a quick reference to our teachers’ email addresses, please go to this link: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/staff-directory
School Culture:
Masterpieces in the Making: SoCo Shines at Regionals!
This year our South County High students competed in the Regional 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, run by FCPS. The contest is open to all FCPS students from 7th-12th grades. Our students won 5 silver keys, 2 gold keys, and 3 honorable mentions. Gold key winners will go on to compete at the national level, with winners to be announced on March 26th. The awards list is as follows:
- Seerat Kaur – Gold Key for photography
- Vivian Ngo – Gold Key for painting & Silver Key for drawing & illustration
- Jacob Catalano – Silver Key for photography
- Karina Goulding – Silver Key for photography
- Jae-ee Jung – Silver Key for drawing & illustration
- Jurnee Lamb – Silver Key for printmaking
- Sophie Hesselton – Honorable Mention for sculpture
- Brian Lee – 2 Honorable Mentions, one for drawing and one for painting
Making Notes: Celebrating Music in Our Schools
March is Music in our Schools Month, and schools across the country are celebrating all month long! Here are South County, we are fortunate to have such strong music programs and are PROUD of our music students and all that they bring to the school community. These talented students work hard and amaze us daily with their dedication to our programs. The Tri-M Music Honor Society will be sharing their love for music during all lunch shifts the week of March 17.
This month is State Assessments for Band, Orchestra, and Choir. These multi-talented students are working hard to prepare for the State Performance Assessment this month. Our Stallions are READY and would LOVE to see some supportive faces in the audience during our performances. We hope you can make it to one (or more) of our performances. Here is the schedule:
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
GROUP
Friday, March 7
5:00 PM
West Potomac HS
Concert Band
Friday, March 7
7:40 PM
West Potomac HS
Symphonic Band
Thursday, March 13
11:00 AM
Annandale United Methodist Church
ALL Choirs back to back
Friday, March 14
8:05 PM
Edison HS
Chamber Orchestra
Saturday, March 15
9:50 AM
Edison HS
Symphonic Orchestra
Saturday, March 15
2:05 PM
Edison HS
Philharmonic Orchestra
Break a leg, music students! May your performance be note-worthy and sharp in every way!
Fueling Futures: A Boost to STEM
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Exxon at Fairfax Station for their generous donation of $1,000 to support our STEM program. Your contribution will have a meaningful impact on our ability to provide students with enriching learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are deeply grateful for your support, which helps us continue to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators. Thank you for your commitment to education and for making a difference in the lives of our students!
Doors of Diversity: Honoring Black History
A big thank you to all the students and staff who participated in our Black History Month door decorating contest! Your creativity, passion, and dedication brought vibrant expressions of history, culture, and pride to every door. Each unique design showcased the power of artistic expression in honoring the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. We are incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved, and we appreciate your commitment to making this celebration truly memorable. Thank you for sharing your talents and for making Black History Month at our school so special!
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who played a vital role in making this month of Black History Month truly memorable. While many are pictured below, this celebration was a collective, school-wide effort, and each contribution, big or small, made a meaningful impact. From organizing events and activities to fostering discussions and creating engaging learning opportunities, your dedication helped ensure that we celebrated Black history in an impactful and positive way. We are grateful for your commitment to honoring the past, inspiring the present, and shaping the future of our students. Thank you for making this month a meaningful experience for everyone!
Breaking Barriers: District Champs at Last!
A huge congratulations to our very first-ever Girls Basketball team for winning the District Championship! This historic victory marks a milestone for our school, showcasing not only incredible talent and hard work but also the spirit of perseverance and teamwork. Your dedication on and off the court has paid off, and you’ve set a new standard of excellence for future teams to follow. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you for making history and demonstrating what it means to be champions in every sense of the word. Well done, team!
Track Stars: Racing to the Top!
A huge congratulations to our Girls Indoor Track team for winning the state tournament! You all have truly run the course and shown what it means to be champions. Your hard work, speed, and determination have earned you a spot at the top, and we couldn’t be prouder of your outstanding achievement. From start to finish, you’ve proven that no finish line is too far when you give it your all. You’ve set the bar high and demonstrated that success is always within reach when you track your goals with passion and teamwork. Well done, team!
"Academic All-Stars: Shining on It's Academic"
Congratulations to our brilliant students who showcased their knowledge and talent on the It's Academic program! Their outstanding performance not only highlighted their academic excellence but also their ability to work together as a team under pressure. It’s truly inspiring to see our students compete at such a high level, representing our school with pride and skill. If you missed the action, you can catch the full performance in the video linked below. Check it out to see just how our students aced the competition! Watch the full performance here.
DECA Dominance: Stallions on Top!
What an incredible weekend for our Stallions at the DECA State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach! With 83 students competing, we are beyond proud of the dedication and talent displayed by every participant. Our students not only impressed with their competitive spirit but also brought home some well-deserved accolades, including the prestigious Chapter Wide Blue Chip Annual Report Award! Individual recognitions are as follows:
- 1 2025-2026 State Officer - Amelia Marlowe – Vice President of Marketing
- 1 Scholarship Winner - Tiffany Ling
- 10 Individual Achievement Awards in test or roleplay
- Yanet Tesfaye, Eric Eggar, Makayla Animley, Yasmine Zarrouri Idrissi, Mateen Zekrya, Avery Bartee, Sydney Tanner, Peyton Baines Trapp, Aiden Lowe, & Inai Smoots
- 20 National Competition Qualifiers
- Jessica Moon & Lily Nguyen – Independent Business Plan – 2nd Place
- Abbigail Neilsen, Isabelle Springer, & Samantha Petre – International Business Plan – 3rd Place
- Yanet Tesfaye – Business Services Marketing - Finalist
- Melisa Grigorescu & Ghazi Hanania – Independent Business Plan – Finalist
- Lucas LaRoche, Aniya Roy, & Hamza Zeshan – Integrated Marketing Campaign for Services – Finalist
- Sadie Castleman – Professional Selling & Consulting – Finalist
- Cali Sullivan & Talia Twitchell – Start-Up Business Plan - Finalist
The hard work and success of our DECA competitors truly exemplify the spirit of excellence that defines our Stallions!
Club Corner:
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization focused on STEM, offering opportunities for competition, leadership, and community service. South County High School’s TSA chapter was revitalized when Mr. Velazquez joined as the Technology & Engineering teacher in 2021. Last year, our chapter earned recognition across Virginia, including a first-place victory in the VEX robotics competition. This year, three members were elected to the regional TSA council, and we are preparing for the state competition, Technosphere, in May. Our robotics team aims to defend their title, and many students will compete in a variety of events. For more information, you can reach Mr. Velazquez at [email protected].
As we continue to navigate the ups and downs of this year, let’s remember to stand strong, especially in the face of adversity. Challenges may come our way, but it's in these moments that we grow, learn, and rise to the occasion. Together, we are capable of overcoming any obstacle, supporting one another, and moving forward with resilience and determination. Let’s keep pushing forward, confident that our strength lies in our unity and perseverance.
Kambar
#StandStrong
SCHS Leadership is looking to show appreciation to our staff with the help of our community. Each week during the month of march, SCHS staff will be engaging in multiple fun and competitive scavenger hunts. Leadership is looking for donations for our prizes. All prizes will be sent to the school and used in March for the scavenger hunts or in May with our raffle baskets for staff appreciation week.
Gifts will have a tag identifying the SC Family that donated the item(s). AMAZON WISHLIST: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3GBYGGGRFQ6LS?ref_=wl_share
99 Pledges is LIVE!
The Stallion Bands annual virtual fundraiser 99 Pledges just kicked off and will be open until April 2nd. Click Here to get to the main page. You can search for a band student or click “donate to main fundraiser page”. Parents / Guardians also received a personalized student link in your email. Please help us spread the word by sharing this with friends and family!
We are so grateful for everyone who can help us spread the word, and support our students' amazing musical talents. (Fun note: Mr. Engdahl will be rewarding the class with the highest percentage of participation!)
Five Guys Night on 3/18
Please join us on Tuesday March 18th between 4-8PM for a delicious meal at Five Guys Lorton at 8971 Ox Road Suite 240! Five Guys will donate 20% of the purchases to the SCHS Theatre Boosters. Thanks for your support!
South County Chorus and South Choral Boosters congratulate the following students who will represent South County Choir at Virginia All-State Choir.
Soprano I
Lea Ahrens- Ranking 3- SATB
Soprano 2
Alternate #2- Kyra Ellwood
Alto 1
Alternate #2- Leila Slye
Alto 2
Aannali De Franco- Ranking 2- SSAA
Amana Haque- Ranking 3- SATB
Bass 2
Vincent Snow- Ranking 2- SATB
Alternate #1- Gavin Flynn
Congratulations again!
Spring Concession Stand Sign Up
Spring Sports are underway and we NEED your help! In order for us to keep our concession stand up and running we need volunteers to assist us on game nights. The revenue generated through concession serves as the SCHS Athletic Booster Club's primary source of funding. The money earned goes right back to the sports teams to cover the costs of equipment, uniforms, and more! Any family can volunteer! You do not need to have a student participating in Sports to make an impact! Visit the link below or the QR code and consider helping us out one night! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B48ABAB22A5FD0-55500344-2025
Save the Date – College Night – March 26th at 7:00 PM
South County is partnering with Lake Braddock to host a virtual panel of College Admission Representatives. This program is best suited for sophomores, juniors, and their families, and it will be recorded for those that are unable to attend live. Participation link will be sent out closer to event date.
The topics to be covered include:
- Junior Year and the College Search
- Community College Options
- How Do Colleges Make Admission Decisions?
- Financial Aid/Scholarships & Private Schools
- Managing the Process and Student Decisions
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
Hello families,
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 9-12 during the week of March 10th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Samantha Tolan at [email protected] .
Eating Disorder Parent Information
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders.
Celebrate your Seniors participating in Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, and Crew with a Group or Individual Senior Ad in the Spring Sports Program!
Deadline is March 21, 2025!
Please order on the SCABC Square site: https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Please contact Elena Jordon at [email protected] for more information.
SAVE THE DATE!!
The South County Athletic Booster Club's 18th Annual Golf Classic is Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Laurel Hill Golf Club!
Registration and sponsorship options can be found on our website: https://birdease.com/schsgolf
Buy your tickets today!
ANGP Ticket Sales
Your ANGP ticket ensures an evening packed with fun activities, including:
- Volleyball and Pickleball
- Basketball
- Soccer and Football
- Ice Rink
- Photo Booth 📸
- Cash Giveaways 💵
- Casino & DJ 🎶
- Obstacle Course & Bull Riding 🐂
- Video Games 🎮
- Lots of Food 🍕🍔
Plus, it’s the Last Stampede with friends — the perfect way to celebrate and make lasting memories!
We are also looking for sponsors and gift cards. Your generous donations will help us cover costs and provide a memorable event.
ANGP Committee
[email protected]
Buy your tickets here
PTSO
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 All Night Grad Party for our seniors!
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 ANGP - new customers can join Seasonal Roots for 50% off the membership fee (a $25 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 SOCOANGP at https://www.seasonalroots.com/socoangp.
AWARENESS
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:
- Problem solving
- Creativity
Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.
March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) is a celebration of theatre in our schools and schools in our theatres. Sponsored by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the goals of TIOS are to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs in and out of school for all students. While TIOS presentations and advocacy may happen anytime in schools, theatres, and other public spaces, AATE and EdTA will recognize and promote March as the official Theatre In Our Schools month.
Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday
Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.
All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
We are excited to announce that parents are now able to enter ONLY full day absences through ParentVue.
Please be sure to specify in the notes the reason for the absence. If you have to report a late arrival, early release or an absence longer than 2 days, please call or email the attendance office at 703-446-1625 or [email protected]. Thank you!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 703-446-1625
OPTION 1- ALL DAY ABSENCE
OPTION 2- LATE ARRIVAL
OPTION 3- EARLY RELEASE
(CALL OR EMAIL FIRST THING IN THE MORNING TO REPORT EARLY RELEASE)
- Handwritten notes are acceptable*
- Call/email/note must come from parent/guardian, NOT the student*
- Please always leave a message, they are checked constantly*
South County A
THLETICS
For the latest news, scores, and schedules
please visit our website.
Athletics & Activities Website:
https://stallionnation.org/
Important SoCo and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
South County High School
Quick Links
8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter
