FCPS

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Important Upcoming Dates

• 01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
• 01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
• 01/21/25-6:45pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 01/23/25- 5-9pm- Theatre Boosters Fundraiser Jersey Mike's
• 01/28/25- Quarter End
• 01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
• 02/01/25- 10am-1pm- Edison Academy Open House
• 02/05/25- 7:00pm- NHS Induction Ceremony 
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day HolidaySchools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Dear SoCo families,

I bring you warm greetings on these cold January days. This has been our first full week back since the Winter Break, and seeing all of the students and faculty return with bright smiles and cheer has been wonderful. As we gear up to finish the second nine week period (which ends January 30, 2025), I look forward to sharing more SoCo news and information with you, so let’s get to it!

Student and Staff Belonging

Living Our Core:

Congratulations to Joanna, Molly, and Aaryn for earning the prestigious Core Value recognition! Your dedication to honesty, curiosity, and hope embodies the heart of our school spirit and inspires others to follow your lead. Keep soaring, shining, and setting the standard for excellence in our community!

Strolls & Stories

This week during our Walk and Talk session, Ben and Imani shared what they appreciate most about life at SoCo. The conversation eventually "walked" over to their trusted adults. Imani praised Ms. Irish as her go-to Trusted Staff, noting how Ms. Irish always checks in with genuine curiosity and offers help when needed. Ben, on the other hand, admired Ms. Watkins, sharing that even though he just met her this year, she’s already someone he would trust for guidance and answers. With incredible staff members like Ms. Irish and Ms. Watkins—and thoughtful, reflective students like Ben and Imani—SoCo truly steps ahead in building a supportive community!

 

Partner Up with the PTSO! 

One of the easiest and best ways for all Stallions to feel a part of the heard is to join our PTSO. Parents, did you know that 137 of our amazing families have already joined the PTSO? That’s a great start, but with 2200 students enrolled, we’d love to see even more of us get involved!

The PTSO works tirelessly to support our school—from funding grants and appreciation events to enhancing our school community in meaningful ways. By joining, you’re not just signing up—you’re joining a team to help support several projects and initiatives at our school. If you haven’t yet, please consider joining! Your participation makes a difference,

Click here to join: https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/store/product/MB-FAMILY.

School Culture:

Honoring Excellence: NHS Induction Ceremony 2025

Get ready, SoCo community! We’re thrilled to host the highly anticipated NHS Induction Ceremony on February 5, 2025, at 7 PM. It’s time to celebrate our newest members with the signature SoCo spirit they deserve! Whether you’re a proud parent, supportive friend, or dedicated staff member, join us in the auditorium for an unforgettable evening of student excellence and recognition.

Pinning Down Success: SoCo Wrestlers Dominate!

Our wrestling team showed incredible strength and resilience this past weekend, finishing 4-1 in a tough team event. The competition was fierce, but our wrestlers proved time and again that they were tougher, pushing through every challenge with determination and grit. Each match demonstrated their hard work and teamwork, as they rose to the occasion and showcased their skills. We’re incredibly proud of their performance and can’t wait to see them continue to shine this season!

 

20 Years in the Making: Sponsor the Milestone Moment!

As we prepare for the 20th anniversary celebration of our school, we’re seeking a sponsor to partner with us in making this milestone event truly unforgettable. This exciting occasion, now set for the next school year, will be a celebration of our community’s growth, achievements, and the incredible support we’ve received over the years. A sponsor will have the opportunity to showcase their support for education and community while gaining visibility at a memorable event. If you’re interested or would like to learn more about this sponsorship opportunity, feel free to email me directly!

Vaulting to Victory: Gymnastics Team Stuns with Strong Performance!

Our gymnastics team has been flipping, tumbling, and soaring to new heights with an outstanding performance at their recent meet. During this past week’s Senior Night, our athletes showcased incredible skill, precision, and teamwork, earning well-deserved praise for their hard work and dedication. From impressive vaults to graceful floor routines, each gymnast demonstrated the strength and poise that defines our team. We couldn’t be prouder of their success, and we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve next!

Meeting of Minds & Smiles: Fun at Faculty!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Choir students for kicking off our January faculty meeting with such a beautiful performance. Their music served as a powerful reminder of why we’re all here—to help our students discover and nurture the many talents within them. Their voices and passion reignited our sense of purpose and reminded us of the impact we have in supporting every student’s journey. Thank you, Choir students, for that wonderful performance and for inspiring us all!

 

Protecting Our Path: Welcoming Our New School Resource Officer!

With Officer Cottom transferring to a school closer to his home, we’re excited to welcome SRO Sean Corcoran (pronounced “cork-a-ran”) to South County High School, bringing over 23 years of experience with the Fairfax County Police Department.

Most recently, he served as the Crime Prevention Officer at the Franconia Station, developing community-focused programs. In addition to his law enforcement expertise, Corcoran is an active member of the local rowing community, coaching the Freshman/Novice Girls’ Rowing Team at Robinson. He’s eager to build positive relationships and enhance safety within our school community.

 

Frost and Frame!

In response to the great ideas from our Principal’s Advisory Council, we’re excited to host two brand new events this year—both coming up soon! First up is our Winter Dance on February 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Get ready to dance the night away with your fellow Stallions and make memories that will last!

 

Next up, we’re thrilled to present our brand-new Talent Show, happening on February 12 and 13! Whether you’re performing on stage or cheering from the audience, this event is a chance to showcase and celebrate the amazing talents within our Stallion community. Performing in the show is a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence, show off your skills, and be part of something special. And as an audience member, you’ll get to experience the creativity and hard work of your peers while supporting them every step of the way—so don’t miss out on this unforgettable event!

 

Staff Spotlight:

Kirstin Armstrong is an exceptional educator with 18 years of dedicated service at South County High School. Her passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to her students has earned her the admiration and respect of all who have the privilege of working with her. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Armstrong is a true renaissance woman, enjoying activities such as gardening, beekeeping, yoga, and reading. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented, inspiring, and school-spirited teacher shaping minds and making a lasting impact on Stallion Nation!

Club Corner:

The South County High School French Club is organized and run by members of our National French Honor Society. The French Club meets each quarter to experience the culture and civilization of La Francophonie (the French speaking countries around the world) and to provide an opportunity for socialization to students with similar interests.  Past events have included such themes as Winter in Quebec, Saint Valentin, Mardi Gras, and planning meetings for fundraisers and activities. Should you have any questions or need more information about French Club, please contact Madame Baker at:  [email protected]

 

As we head into the long weekend, we wish everyone a safe and restful break. Take the time to recharge, enjoy the moments with family and friends, and return ready for another exciting week at SoCo. Have a fantastic three-day weekend!

Kambar

#StandStrong

Partners for Safe Teen Driving has been rescheduled for Tuesday , January 21st  SCHS Auditorium- Doors open at 6:45.

No one will be admitted after 7:00.

If your student is currently enrolled in HPE10 – they are required to attend one of the 4 scheduled meetings to meet the Drivers Ed Classroom requirements.

SCHS Gymnastics Clinic Flyer

SCHS Theatre Boosters

The SCHS Theatre Boosters are hosting a restaurant night at Jersey Mike’s at 8791 Ox Road in Lorton on Thursday January 23rd from 5-9pm. The Theatre Boosters will receive 20% of the sales  for everyone who visits Jersey Mike’s. Please come out and support SCHS Theatre! 

Edison Academy

Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (snow date is Saturday, February 8).  We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA.  Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses!  Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or [email protected] if you need any additional information.  Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on February 1st.

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

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected]. 

Orthodox Epiphany

FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. 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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

Download Gymnastics Flyer Here Download Girls Basketball Clinic Flyer

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up to $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 01/15/25- Asynchronous Parent Advisory Council Meeting
• 01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
• 01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
• 01/21/25-6:45pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 01/28/25- Quarter End
• 01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings SoCo family,

Welcome back from the Winter Break and Snow Blast 2025! I hope everyone had time to relax and enjoy time with your family and friends. This most recent battle with snow certainly caught most of us unexpectedly in terms of the amount we received. I was thrilled to have students return on Friday this week. Given the abbreviated week, I don’t have as much to report, but here’s the latest:

School Culture:

We’re having our next Parent Advisory Council meeting on January 15. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, we are trying a new format with this meeting to accommodate the varied work schedules of our parents. This meeting will be asynchronous, so all you need to do is rsvp at this link: https://forms.gle/4MBm9AW3VfzKuchN9

I’ll have information to share with you, as well as questions for which I’d like to receive your feedback.

Over Winter Break, our Stallions were in action, and one of the most thrilling moments came on the court at West Po! In a nail-biting showdown that went into overtime, our Boys Basketball team showed true Stallion spirit, charging ahead to secure a hard-fought victory (79-76). It was a slam-dunk performance that had fans on the edge of their seats—way to go, Stallions!

Club Corner

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a student-led community that seeks to grow in faith through sports and fellowship. FCA’s mission is to engage, equip, and empower students to deepen their relationship with Jesus and lead others to do the same. The club meets twice a month for breakfast, Bible study, prayer, and meaningful discussions on applying faith to daily life. Members also represent FCA in school-sponsored events, fostering a supportive and faith-driven environment. For more information, contact club sponsors Mrs. Taylor-Hendricks at [email protected], Mr. Shroff at [email protected], Coach Dodd at [email protected].

Let’s keep charging ahead, Stallions—together, we’re building a stronger, brighter, and more spirited South County!

Kambar

#StandStrong

Partners for Safe Teen Driving has been rescheduled for Tuesday , January 21st  SCHS Auditorium- Doors open at 6:45.

No one will be admitted after 7:00.

If your student is currently enrolled in HPE10 – they are required to attend one of the 4 scheduled meetings to meet the Drivers Ed Classroom requirements.

SCHS Gymnastics Clinic Flyer

SCHS Gymnastics Clinic Flyer

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

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected]. 

Orthodox Epiphany

FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day HolidaySchools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. 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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

 

About our sponsor:

Are you looking for a licensed contractor to tackle a completely customized remodeling project? In business since 2000 and locally owned, A Z RAZO CONSTRUCTION offers clients professional, reliable, and safe contracting services at a price you won’t find anywhere else. From kitchen remodeling to home additions, A Z RAZO CONSTRUCTION can do it all! Visit azrazoconstruction.com to schedule your project or for more information. 

Do you need action photos of your student athlete?  

Check out:  https://aldorazo.smugmug.com/share/FmQKGN for SOCO action photos taken by our SCABC Photographer, Aldo Razo!

 

 

Winter 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/4090B48ABAB22A5FD0-53637341-2024

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up to $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 12/23-01/03- Winter Break (No School)
• 12/25/24- Christmas 
• 12/25/24- Chanukah
• 01/01/25- New Year's Day 
• 01/06/25- Three Kings Day/Epiphany 
• 01/07/25- Orthodox Christmas
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
• 01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
• 01/28/25- Quarter End
• 01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Warm Greetings, SoCo Nation!

As we prepare to close the doors on 2024 and head into the well-deserved Winter Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible first half of this school year. From academic achievements to unforgettable performances, athletic victories, and meaningful community connections, our Stallion family has so much to be proud of. Thank you for your unwavering support, partnership, and dedication to making South County High a place where students thrive. As we step into this season of rest and renewal, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday and a bright start to the New Year!

Student and Staff Belonging

Congratulations to our five staff award winners, as voted on by students, parents, and staff:

Outstanding Leader – Jeremiah Caven Jeremiah demonstrates dedication, decisiveness, and a dynamic vision that inspires everyone he leads. With Jeremiah at the helm, our school is always "Caven" the way for progress and excellence.

 

Outstanding Operational Staff – Brandon Cameron Brandon brings boldness, brilliance, and boundless energy to every task, ensuring our school runs smoothly day in and day out. Brandon's work keeps our operations on track—he’s truly the "Cam" that powers our engine!

 

Professional of the Year – Allison Omohundro Allison exudes enthusiasm, expertise, and excellence, setting a shining example for professionalism in every interaction. With Allison, we know the sky’s the limit—she’s the “All” we could ever ask for!

 

Teacher of the Year – Erin Ruddy Erin brings energy, empathy, and enlightenment to every yoga session, creating a serene space for students to grow in both mind and body. With Erin, our students find their flow—she’s truly a pose above the rest!

 

New Teacher of the Year – Renjini Dipukumar Renjini is a force of nature, using precision, passion, and creativity to make physics come alive for her students. In Renjini’s class, it’s not just physics—it’s fizz-ics, as she electrifies learning every day!

 

Hoops and Glory: Stallions Triumph!

The energy was electric in Friday night's thrilling basketball showdown against Lake Braddock! It was a battle of grit and determination, with every play showcasing the physicality and heart of the game. Our Stallions rose to the occasion, displaying impeccable teamwork, refined technique, and relentless effort to clinch a hard-fought victory. With a final score of 53-44, the Stallions proved their mettle and made us all proud. Way to go, Stallions—what a performance!

School Culture

PAC to Go: Flexibility for Families:

Our next PAC meeting is Jan. 15 and will be asynchronous. I’ve heard from several parents that they’d like to participate but have scheduling conflicts with the days of the week and times of our meetings. This is the first time we are trying this format, so I hope it’s a method that works well for the majority of parents interested in giving and receiving feedback. A sign-up sheet will be provided in the first January newsletter.

Dancing to Victory: SoCo Shines with Placing Wins!

Our incredible SoCo Dance Team hit the stage last weekend and made history at the Dance Team Union Regional Competition! They brought home 2nd place in Jazz, 3rd in Pom, and 2nd in GameDay—the highest placements in our program's history! Way to shine, SoCo Dancers!

 

Stallions Supporting Stallions

Our DECA students are determined to make SoCo a welcoming and wonderful home for all Stallions! This week, the Mentality of Athletes subcommittee stepped up with passion and purpose, creating interactive and inspiring posters for their peers. Each poster invites Stallions to grab a "post-it pick-me-up," offering positivity and encouragement for any challenge they face. With student leaders like these lighting the way, isn’t it great to be part of the SoCo sensation?

Choice, Cheer, and Champions: A Day of SoCo Fun!

This past week, our students had a blast on Advisory Choice Day, where they were given a variety of exciting and fun-filled options to choose from! Whether they were getting their hands messy making slime, competing in an epic basketball game against our amazing staff, or dancing to Hispanic music, the day was all about choice, creativity, and community. It was a fantastic way to let our Stallions explore new interests and bond with one another—proving once again that at SoCo, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy! Go Stallions!

 

Deck the Halls, Stallion Style!

This year, our SoCo students and staff came together for a festive and creative holiday tradition—decorating doors! From winter wonderlands to vibrant holiday themes, the hallways were transformed into a dazzling display of holiday cheer. It was incredible to see the teamwork, creativity, and school spirit as everyone chipped in to make our school feel even more festive. Whether they were crafting, coloring, or adding their personal touches, it was clear that SoCo knows how to spread holiday joy in style! Happy holidays, Stallions!

Step Team, Stallions: Hard Work Pays Off!

Our Step team has been putting in hours of hard work after school, perfecting their routines and pushing themselves to be the best they can be. In this picture, you can see them taking a well-earned break after giving their all in practice. These dedicated students pour their energy and passion into every move, ensuring they represent our SoCo community with pride and talent. Their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see them shine! Keep stepping, Stallions!

Stallions Supporting Each Other’s Well-Being

This year, we're excited to introduce our new club, Mind Matters, where students are taking the lead in raising mental health awareness and providing valuable resources to support one another. These student leaders are carving new paths and creating a safe space for their peers, ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to thrive. We are so proud of their dedication to making a difference and fostering a culture of care and compassion here at SoCo! 🌟💙

A Sweet Exchange!

Our staff brought their best to the Cookie Exchange, creating a fun and positive environment where everyone could enjoy some sweet treats and great company. It’s always wonderful to see our team spending quality time together, and adding cookies to the mix really was the "cherry on top"—or should we say, the "chip off the old block"!

Holidays in Harmony: Latin Caroling for the Season!

Our Latin students brought extra holiday cheer to the office staff by serenading them with some classic holiday songs—sung in Latin! It was a festive and unique treat, spreading joy and culture through beautiful melodies. What a delightful way to celebrate the season and share the spirit of the holidays! A big thank you to Ms. Moshos and her talented Latin students for spreading holiday cheer with their beautiful performances!

Staff Spotlight:

Kim Sholtis has been a valued member of SoCo for many years, contributing to our community with her 22 years of teaching experience. Her path to education was unexpected—she discovered her passion for teaching while pursuing a Master's program that required classroom experience. As the current World Language Department Chair, Ms. Sholtis has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to her team. SoCo is truly special because of the heart and commitment that teachers like Ms. Sholtis bring to our school every day. Thank you for being an integral part of our amazing Stallion family, Ms. Sholtis!

Club Corner:

The Dungeons and Dragons Club provides a creative outlet for students to express themselves through engaging role-playing games. Club members enjoy playing and running a variety of games, including Dungeons and Dragons, Shadowrun, Pathfinder, and even original games they’ve designed themselves. If your student dreams of adventuring in worlds like Arcane, Vox Machina, Lord of the Rings, or any other fantasy or science fiction setting, this club might be a perfect fit!

The club meets every Tuesday from 3:00–4:00 PM in Room B-232. For more information, contact Sean McCormally at [email protected] or Graham Beaber at [email protected].

Spotlight: Days of Joy.

Featured Artist of the Month: Kaylee This month’s Featured Artist is Kaylee, whose focus, talent, and creativity have set her apart. Her unique artistic process reflects both adaptability and determination, making her work truly exceptional. Kaylee’s outstanding artwork has earned a permanent place in our prestigious gold frame, reserved for remarkable and memorable student creations. You can admire her piece proudly displayed in the upstairs art gallery.

Featured Artists are chosen for their dedication, creativity, and inspiring contributions to our art program. Congratulations, Kaylee, on this well-deserved honor!

 As we wrap up this year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being an essential part of our SoCo community. Your dedication, kindness, and support make our school truly special. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, laughter, and cherished memories. Here’s to a bright and successful New Year ahead—see you Standing Strong in 2025!

 

Kambar

#StandStrong 

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

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.

Get Your ANGP Ticket Today!

 

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a graduating senior? 🎁 Give them a night to remember!

Your ANGP ticket ensures an evening packed with fun activities, including:

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!

Purchase by December 20, 2024, to be entered into a raffle for a $300 gift card and Spa Basket from Dansk in Occoquan!

Don’t wait! Ticket prices increase in January 2025, so grab yours now and lock in the savings!

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

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Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 12/17/24- 6:30pm- Tiny Tots Concert (Tickets $5 at the door)
• 12/23-01/03- Winter Break (No School)
• 12/25/24- Christmas 
• 12/25/24- Chanukah
• 01/01/25- New Year's Day 
• 01/06/25- Three Kings Day/Epiphany 
• 01/07/25- Orthodox Christmas
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
• 01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
• 01/28/25- Quarter End
• 01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Holiday Season Attendance

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Due to our high volume of absences during the holiday season, we would like to encourage our families to submit any absence, early dismissal, and/or late arrival no later than Tuesday, December 17, 2024 by 2:00pm.  Requests submitted after Wednesday December 18, 2024 may delay early dismissal.

We highly encourage our families to submit these requests as soon as possible.

You may report attendance by:

1. Email: [email protected]
2. Full Day absences through ParentVue
3. Calling our attendance line: 703-446-162
   • Option 1- All Day Absence
   • Option 2- Late Arrival
   • Option 3- Early Release

Note: Messages are checked constantly throughout the day. If you report your students Absences or Late arrivals ON that Thursday or Friday before Winter Break, please know that our phone lines/emails will be extremely backed up and you may get the automatic robo call since we will not be able to get everything put in before 9am when that call goes out.  However, be assured, we will get them put in the system as fast as we possibly can. 

Please DO NOT call/email again if you know you have already done so.

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings, SoCo family,

As December unfolds, SoCo is abuzz with excitement and activity! From thrilling sports competitions to the festive sounds of holiday music concerts, our calendar is filled with opportunities to come together and celebrate the season. During this busy time, we’re reminded of all we have to be thankful for our dedicated students, supportive families, and incredible staff. Most importantly, we are grateful for the strong sense of community that defines us. Let’s savor this season of appreciation as we cheer on our Stallions and enjoy the many events that make our school so special.

Student and Staff Belonging

As we continue exploring effective ways to foster belonging among students and staff, I want to share a meaningful experience from earlier this week. During a visit to South County Middle School, I had the opportunity to learn about their behavior rewards program. While joining Principal Simmons in the cafeteria, I met a remarkable student, Cayleigh, who proudly earned a “HORSE card” in recognition of her hard work. This encounter has inspired me to consider how we might adapt this program to support our rising 9th graders as they transition to high school. Principal Simmons and I have engaged in several collaborative conversations this year, brainstorming strategies to smooth this critical step for our students. Our goal: EVERY student will feel a sense of belonging at SoCo!

Speaking of belonging, I had the pleasure of "Walking and Talking" with two of our standout student leaders, Kulmiye and Sai. Our conversation was insightful, covering the overall culture at SoCo and the incredible adults who help make our school such a special place for students. Kulmiye shared that Ms. Maley is his go-to person, always there with answers or a compassionate ear. Similarly, Sai selected Ms. Sholtis, praising her as the embodiment of trust, which she consistently demonstrates. With educators like these at SoCo, it’s no surprise that our school is a top choice for students!

High Quality Instruction

During recent observations, both Ms. Schrader and Ms. Deering demonstrated exceptional teaching practices that fostered dynamic and engaging learning environments. Ms. Schrader skillfully incorporated movement among students, encouraging focus and energy, while facilitating meaningful academic conversations during collaborative work on monologues. She modeled effective speaking techniques and strategies for memorizing lines, providing students with clear and practical guidance. Similarly, Ms. Deering delivered high-quality instruction and facilitated superb student teamwork during the Persian Empire review, which promoted collaboration and critical thinking. Both teachers excelled in circulating the room to monitor progress, and their timely and thorough posting of grades reflected outstanding organizational and instructional effectiveness. Together, they are truly "grade A" educators who set the standard for excellence in the classroom!

School Culture:

Crafting Connections: The PTSO Showstopper

This year’s annual PTSO Craft Show was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 talented crafters and a vibrant crowd of shoppers. The event buzzed with excitement as attendees explored a diverse array of handmade goods, creating an enjoyable and festive atmosphere. Feedback from both vendors and visitors highlighted the smooth organization and welcoming environment. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to support local artisans while enjoying a wonderful shopping experience. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a triumph!

Boardroom Brief: Guiding Stallions

A heartfelt thank you to the PTSO for a wonderful December Board meeting! I truly appreciate the countless hours of service that these dedicated parents devote to supporting our school community. Your commitment and hard work make a tremendous difference, and I’m so grateful for all that you do to help our students and staff thrive. Thank you for your partnership and passion for our school’s success!

Winter Harmonies: A Seasonal Serenade

Congratulations to our talented Band students and their Director, Mr. Engdahl, for hitting all the right notes with their wonderful performance on Wednesday night! Your dedication and hard work truly shined, creating a memorable evening for everyone in attendance. Thank you for sharing your passion for music and bringing such harmony to our school community. You’re all instrumental in making South County a place of excellence!

Igniting Minds: Science Honor Society Induction

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newly inducted Science Honor Society students! Their induction on Wednesday night was truly a night to remember, celebrating their dedication to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery. We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make to our school and the broader community. Congratulations to all the inductees on this well-deserved honor! A special shout-out goes to Jessica Vargo, the SNHS President, and her committee, for making this night so dignified.

Stallion Stunts: A Gymnastics Showdown

Congratulations to all of our incredible SoCo Gymnasts for their outstanding performance earlier this week! Your dedication, hard work, and team spirit were on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder of each of you.

The skills you’ve developed in gymnastics—balance, discipline, and perseverance—are not just for the mat. They are life lessons that will support your success long after the final score is tallied. Just like mastering a routine requires precision and focus, life’s challenges call for the same attention to detail and resilience. Each flip, jump, and twist is a reminder that with hard work, you can turn every challenge into a new opportunity to soar. Keep reaching for the stars, Stallions!

The Talented, Ms. Fischer!

A huge thank you to our talented Art teacher, Ms. Fischer, for her beautiful mural that brings the power of reading to life on our walls! This stunning artwork not only enhances our school environment but also serves as a visual reminder of our commitment to creating a culture of literacy here at SoCo. Emphasizing the importance of reading is a cornerstone of our mission, and Ms. Fischer’s mural inspires both students and staff to embrace the transformative power of books. We are so grateful for your creativity and for helping to foster a love of learning in our school community!

 

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTSO for spreading holiday cheer to our custodians in such a thoughtful way! Their festive gift basket, filled with holiday treats, brought smiles and warmth to the team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our school running smoothly. This gesture not only brightened their season but also reflected the gratitude we all feel for their hard work and dedication. Your kindness and support truly embody the spirit of the Stallion community!

Staff Spotlight:

Coach Franklin Weaver brings over 22 years of teaching experience to his role, teaching subjects ranging from Biology and Earth Science to Algebra 1 and Health & PE. A Northern Virginia native, Coach Weaver graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Zoology and went on to earn a master's degree from Bowie State University. His passion for working with students, both in the classroom and on the football field, fuels his commitment to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of athletes and learners. Outside of teaching, Coach Weaver enjoys staying active and has a rich history of coaching football at various high schools, as well as playing for the Charleston Swamp Foxes in the Arena 1 Football League.

Club Corner:

The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) at South County High School celebrates the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx students while fostering cultural awareness, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Members enjoy participating in cultural events that connect them to their heritage and provide opportunities to share traditions. HSA also serves as a welcoming space for building friendships, advocacy, and support, enriching members' high school experiences. To learn more about HSA, contact the club sponsor, Mrs. Straughn, at [email protected].

Spotlight: Days of Joy

We’re excited to share some changes we’re making to improve the experience for our students at SoCo! One of the first updates is a locker-bay face-lift. We’re also working to provide more seating options for students, as our current space offers limited seating with only a few benches inside the building. After visiting Westfield High School, which has the same floor plan as ours, I was truly inspired by their renovation project. This visit has motivated us to make these changes to enhance our students’ school experience. We’re in need of 6-10 parents to help us with moving the lockers and drilling in the new benches. If you are available, please email Brian Orth at [email protected].

Here’s our current locker bay:

Here’s a sample of what we aspire to create:

Save the Date!

Our new NHS sponsors, Mr. Mason and Mr. Bigus, have been working hard to find a date for our 2024-25 Induction ceremony. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:00pm in the auditorium. We look forward to seeing everyone then.

As we approach the final week of school before our well-deserved Winter Break, we want to thank you for your continued support and partnership throughout this busy season. Let’s make this last week a great one, filled with positivity and excitement for the holidays ahead. On behalf of the entire South County family, we wish you a joyful and restful Winter Break, filled with time to recharge and create wonderful memories with your loved ones. Stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!

 

Kambar

#StandStrong

Winter Concession Stand Sign Up 

Winter 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/4090B48ABAB22A5FD0-53637341-2024

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS

Christmas🎄

A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas. 

Chanukah

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

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.

Get Your ANGP Ticket Today!

 

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a graduating senior? 🎁 Give them a night to remember!

Your ANGP ticket ensures an evening packed with fun activities, including:

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!

Purchase by December 20, 2024, to be entered into a raffle for a $300 gift card and Spa Basket from Dansk in Occoquan!

Don’t wait! Ticket prices increase in January 2025, so grab yours now and lock in the savings!

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

 

About our sponsor:

Trademasters is on a mission to revolutionize how home services are delivered, providing access to the resources and experts you need to maintain your home. Trademasters is putting the homeowner back in the driver’s seat. It’s not just about improving your home; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of your living experience.  Open your door to transparency and collaboration. Open your door to a Trademasters membership. Open your door to excellence at www.trademasters.com.

 

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

  Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 12/08/24- Bodhi Day
• 12/10/24- Senior Ad Order deadline 
• 12/23-01/03- Winter Break (No School)
• 12/25/24- Christmas 
• 12/25/24- Chanukah
• 01/01/25- New Year's Day 
• 01/06/25- Three Kings Day/Epiphany 
• 01/07/25- Orthodox Christmas
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 01/19/25- Orthodox Epiphany
• 01/20/25- Martin Luther King Day Holiday/ Inauguration Day (Holiday)
• 01/28/25- Quarter End
• 01/29/25- Lunar New Year (Teacher Work Day)- Student Holiday
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/17/25- Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

 Dear Stallion Families,

Welcome to December! As we move through this exciting midpoint of the school year, there’s so much to celebrate and look forward to in the coming weeks. From holiday performances and athletic achievements to the continued success of our students in the classroom, the energy and enthusiasm in our Stallion community are inspiring. Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership—it’s what makes South County High a place where every student can belong and thrive. Let’s finish this calendar year strong and carry the momentum into 2024!

Student and Staff Belonging

I had a fantastic conversation with students in a second Hispanic Heritage speaking class about how accepted and valued they feel at school. They shared their appreciation for the efforts we’ve made to celebrate their culture and offered some wonderful new ideas to enhance our celebrations. It’s clear that when we give students the mic, they’re true leaders in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant school community!

High Quality Instruction

The Student Advisory Council engaged in a spirited discussion about our new FCPS grading policy. The conversation was so lively and productive that we ran out of time to tackle our second topic—cell phone policy feedback. Students helped clarify areas of confusion and offered thoughtful suggestions for improvement. Their academic maturity and insightful contributions went far beyond what might typically be expected. Bravo to these stellar Stallions for demonstrating true SoCo spirit—you’ve leaped to the forefront as leaders, and your feedback is deeply valued and appreciated!

School Culture:

Patty Klunder and her daughter, Aurelia, have painted us another masterpiece! Their latest mural radiates Stallion pride, proving that true school spirit isn’t something you can buy—it’s etched into the heart and soul of our community. Their creativity adds color not just to our walls, but to the fabric of what makes South County so special.

 

Students got crafty with turkey hands, creating heartfelt artwork to show what they’re most thankful for in their lives. This colorful collection of gratitude is just another feather in the cap of our amazing school spirit!

 

Let’s keep our neighborly spirit galloping strong! If your student is a walker, please remind them to respect the Springhill Community’s “No Trespassing” signs. Recently, students have been climbing the gate, leaving trash, and using inappropriate language in the area, which is private property. It takes a “village” to help our students understand the importance of being respectful neighbors, especially to those in the Springhill Community.

For questions or more information, you can reach out to Jimmy Adesso, their Safety Awareness Committee Chairman, at 607-857-8788. Let’s clean up our act and keep our community connections shining!

Club Corner:

The Arab Students Association (ASA) club was started in 2019 by sponsor and teacher, Ms. Safia Elhassan. The club membership is open to everyone who is interested to know about the middle east and north African culture, language, food, and more. The ASA participates in food drives, International Night, and Homecoming parade. The composition of the club is diverse, and students enjoy meeting know friends. The students are proud to represent the Middle Eastern Heritage. For questions, please email Ms. Elhassan at [email protected].

Spotlight: Days of Joy.

This past Sunday, we proudly celebrated Samson Boyd’s incredible achievement as he officially earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout during his ceremony. Samson’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community. His Eagle Scout project, focused on Diabetes awareness and intervention, highlighted his passion for health advocacy and service. He created Diabetes kits for students at both the middle and high school levels and even developed promotional videos accessible via QR codes to educate others about this important health issue.

Samson’s efforts not only provided critical resources but also raised awareness within our schools and beyond. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is no small feat—only 4% of Americans attain this level of recognition and service. What’s even more rare is the fact that he and his brother, Eli, earned this distinction! Samson’s accomplishment is a shining example of the Stallion spirit in action, and we couldn’t be prouder of his perseverance and impact. Congratulations, Samson, on this well-deserved honor and for leaving an inspiring legacy at South County High!

 

As we move forward together, let’s remember the strength of our Stallion community lies in our unity. Whether we’re celebrating successes or navigating challenges, our commitment to supporting one another makes us stronger. By standing strong, embracing kindness, and fostering a culture of respect and belonging, we can continue to create a school where everyone thrives.

Have a Super-heroic weekend!

Kambar

#StandStrong 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

 

Student Directed One Act Interest Meeting and Auditions:  

The One Act Interest Meeting is this Friday @ 3PM in the Auditorium

Auditons are the 9th and 10th after school - check in @ the Black Box Theatre at 3PM

Performances are February 6th, 7th or 8th - each show performs for one night. 

 

Purchase an Ad in the
2024/25 Winter Sports Program
for Seniors participating in Winter Sports
¼ page - $100
½ page - $200

Spotlight your Senior or celebrate a group of Senior Athletes
Proceeds benefit the South County High School Athletic Boosters Club

2024/25 Winter Sports Program -
Senior Ad Order must be received by
December 10, 2024

Receive one free Program per purchased ad!

Please place your order on the SCABC Square site:
https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Email pictures, Senior ad text, and questions to: Elena Jordon – [email protected]

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS

National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, Sunday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. 

Christmas🎄

A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas. 

Chanukah

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

 

About our sponsor:

All Smiles Orthodontics' number one goal is to provide its clients with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Utilizing the latest technological advances and equipment in the industry, Dr. Reddy and her staff are committed to helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.  All Smiles Orthodontics tailored services include early childhood and adult treatment, braces and appliances, Invisalign, orthognathic surgery, retainers and retention. To learn more about our custom orthodontic care, please visit us at www.allsmilesbraces.com 

 

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 12/10/24- Senior Ad Order deadline 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Dear Stallion Families,

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible partnership and support you provide to our school. Your encouragement, involvement, and trust make a profound impact on our students and staff every day. This season reminds us to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and I count our South County community as one of mine. Thank you for being an integral part of what makes our school so special.

Classroom Excellence in Full Swing!

During my observation of Ms. Blesi and Mrs. Dellavedova, I noticed exceptional teaching practices, including the effective use of a timer to pace students, superb rapport with students, and established routines fostering a focused learning environment. Their teamwork was seamless, as they co-taught with ease, engaging students in academic discussions about Quick Writes and guiding collaborative group analysis of writing samples—both highly effective strategies for deeper learning. It’s clear that their dynamic-duo approach and dedication make a "write" impact on student learning!

Living the Stallion Way!

Calling All Stallions!

This is my final reminder that I’m hosting our next Principal’s Student Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday, December 4, at 10:15 AM. I look forward to students sharing their feedback about our new cell phone and grading policies. Students can sign up using the QR code in the picture below, which is also posted on flyers throughout the school. I look forward to hearing from our amazing Stallions!

WOW!

I would like to provide a correction to last week’s newsletter regarding the hearts displayed on various doors throughout the school. This wonderful positivity project was sponsored by the Women of the World Club. Thank you again for spreading kindness and including my door in this thoughtful initiative!

Undercover Spirit!

I recently came across an article in Education Week that introduced the concept of an “underground spirit day,” where school staff participate in a spirit day without informing the students. The idea is to see if students can recognize the subtle ways in which staff members come together. We decided to try this on Tuesday, with several departments participating in “Comfy Day,” and the results were fantastic! Throughout the day, students asked why staff members were wearing pajamas to work. It was a fun and engaging way to show students that while our staff is professional, we can also bring creativity and enjoyment to our work.

 

Stallion Spotlight:

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our exceptional teachers, Ms. Jennifer Martin! Originally from upstate New York, just outside of Albany, Ms. Martin spent her summers hiking in the Adirondacks, waterskiing, and swimming. With over 24 years of teaching experience, she is the proud mother of three children: Casey, 19, who serves in the U.S. Coast Guard; Olivia, a senior at SOCO; and Sebastian, a sophomore at SOCO.

In her free time, Ms. Martin enjoys wakeboarding, waterskiing, swimming, and hiking during the summer, and downhill skiing, crafting, and baking in the winter. She also loves to travel year-round. Ms. Martin became a teacher because she values the rewarding moment when a student learns something new. She especially enjoys working with high schoolers because they are dynamic, engaging, and incredibly fun.

 

Spotlight: Days of Joy.

One of my favorite aspects of being a principal is when I get to brag on our students. This week, the bragging turns to three of our JROTC cadets, who recently participated in the Springhill Community’s Veteran’s event. Three of our students, Cadet Major Daniel Dodds (not pictured), Cadet Major Oliver Mack and Cadet Captain Braylon Brogan presented our Colors, rendering other military honors, escorting veteran honorees, and greeting attendees. These three Stallions made a remarkable impact on our local community, and we all stand in support of them representing SoCo in such a special way!

 

Wishing our entire community a joyful and restful Thanksgiving break! We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends. We'll see you in December, ready to finish the calendar year strong!

 

Sincerely,

Kambar

#StandStrong

Enjoy your holidays with beautiful poinsettias and support your South County Class of 2025

Poinsettia Sales help lower the cost of our Senior Trip. 

The two Seniors who sell the most poinsettias will win a FREE SENIOR TRIP TICKET. (value up to $75.00) Start selling now until December 1st. 

Here’s how it works:

• Get a copy of the order form here
• Go out and get pre-orders from family, friends, businesses in your community, your church—anyone who wants to support the senior class
• Each 8” poinsettia costs $15.00; cash or checks (made out to South County High School, notation Senior Trip)
• All orders and payments are due December 1st. Please give your orders and money collected to Mrs. Martin or Mrs. Dellavedova, (room B146) or drop in the main office. 
• Poinsettias MUST be picked up on the loading dock on December 5th. HAPPY SELLING!!

Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Poinsettias are an ideal way to add beauty and color to your home, office, or church this holiday season. 

These vibrant plants also make a great gift.  Poinsettia blooms maintain their bright colors through New Years with proper care.  Avoid freezing temperatures and drafty areas.  Keep soil moist, but not wet.  Be careful to not over water. Plants will be delivered Dec 5th to SCHS.

 

Purchase an Ad in the
2024/25 Winter Sports Program
for Seniors participating in Winter Sports
¼ page - $100
½ page - $200

Spotlight your Senior or celebrate a group of Senior Athletes
Proceeds benefit the South County High School Athletic Boosters Club

2024/25 Winter Sports Program -
Senior Ad Order must be received by
December 10, 2024

Receive one free Program per purchased ad!

Please place your order on the SCABC Square site:
https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Email pictures, Senior ad text, and questions to: Elena Jordon – [email protected]

As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event.   If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned.  All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County.  It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!

 If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at [email protected].  

 All donations need to be received by November 29.  We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:

 SCHS Band Boosters

8501 Silverbrook Rd

Lorton, VA 22079

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

 

Important Upcoming Dates

• 11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Break
• 12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 12/10/24- Senior Ad Order deadline 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Dear SoCo family,

As November rolls in with its mix of crisp mornings and unexpected warm afternoons, it reminds us of the unique blend of qualities that make South County special. Just as no two November days are the same, each Stallion brings their own strengths, stories, and spirit to our school community. This month let’s celebrate the season and the shining significance of every Stallion!

Student and Staff Belonging

It’s (an) Academic Thing!

Speaking of uniqueness, our Stallions shone brightly on It's Academic, where they tackled tough questions with skill and confidence. Their quick thinking and determination were a true testament to the strength of Stallion spirit—what an "academic" achievement! Congratulations to all players, including Tavien, Maddie, Morgan, and Myles Bracey-Hairston, along with Coaches Greiling and Bird. You truly put the "class" in classic competition!

 

Strolling with Stallion Spirit

This week, students joined me for Walk and Talk, where we reflected on the many strengths of being a Stallion while thoughtfully considering areas for growth. During our conversation, Kaya shared that Mr. Engdahl inspires her through his genuine care for every student, while Ishmael highlighted Mr. Payne as his trusted adult, appreciating the sincerity and value of his feedback. Their words reflect the meaningful connections that make our Stallion community so strong.

Heart of a Stallion: A Season to Celebrate

Our football team gave it their all this season, showing heart, determination, and sportsmanship in every game. The effort and commitment from our players and coaches were unwavering. Thank you to our Stallion community for cheering them on every step of the way—our pride in this team remains strong!

Posting Positivity with Purpose!

A huge shoutout to Mrs. Peck and her amazing student leaders for posting positivity and spreading love throughout our school! Walking into the office Friday morning and seeing those heartfelt messages on the doors was truly a door-opening moment of gratitude. Your efforts to lift up our staff didn’t go unnoticed—thank you for making South County shine with Stallion pride!

High Quality Instruction

I had the pleasure of seeing so many outstanding classrooms this week. I’ll highlight just two this week and keep another for next week.

I had the pleasure of observing Ms. Dipukumar’s Physics class and was thoroughly impressed by her exceptional teaching. Her ability to circulate the room, provide personalized feedback, and offer differentiation during the lab—allowing students to choose between working individually or in groups—demonstrated her thoughtful approach to meeting diverse needs. Her clear modeling and explanations at the front of the room ensured students were well-supported, and the warm, welcoming classroom environment she fosters, beginning with greeting students by name, reflects her dedication to creating a positive and professional learning culture.

I also had the pleasure of observing Ms. Rinehart’s Physics class, where students explored the impact of friction on a rolling ball in an engaging and creative lab. Ms. Rinehart's ability to facilitate meaningful collaboration within student groups was exceptional, fostering teamwork and active participation. A standout moment was her auction-like approach during part of the lesson, which brought energy and excitement to the activity—students were clearly captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Her innovative teaching style and ability to make learning both fun and interactive are truly commendable!

School Culture:

Voices Matter!

I’m excited to host our next Principal’s Student Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday, December 4, at 10:15 AM. This is a great opportunity for students to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback about school, including the new cell phone and grading policies. Students can sign up using the QR code in the picture below, which is also posted on flyers throughout the school. I look forward to hearing from our amazing Stallions!

 

Leading the Charge!

South County High was honored to host 600 middle and high school student leaders from across the DMV area for an unforgettable leadership conference. This remarkable event provided a unique opportunity for students to not only learn new strategies to foster positive change within their schools' cultures, but also to practice those leadership skills alongside their peers. The conference underscored the importance of empowering students to take on leadership roles, equipping them with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful impact. With this being our first time hosting this prestigious event, SoCo takes immense pride in helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will inspire positive transformation in their schools and communities. Special shout-outs go to our event sponsor (Josten’s), our school leaders (Mrs. Tolan, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Kingston), and our school organizations that documented the event (Yearbook and Broadcast crews).

 

A final voice of appreciation to the emcee of the event, Dr. Phil Campbell, for the special recognition of South County during his inspirational speech! Giving that level of credibility to the work we’re doing at SoCo in front of so many other schools left our students and staff feeling a great sense of pride.

 

Bienvenue, New Members!

Félicitations to our newly inducted members of the National French Honor Society! We are so proud of your dedication to the French language and culture. Your hard work and commitment have earned you this prestigious honor. This achievement reflects your academic excellence and passion for broadening your global perspective. We are excited to see all that you will accomplish as part of this esteemed group. Keep up the great work and continue to strive for excellence! Bravo!

 

Tech Titans Take the Stage

Last weekend the Technology Student Association (TSA) officer team made up of Oscar Calagua, Rayan Hih and Maddie Rumberger, accompanied by their advisor, Mr. Velazquez, attended the Virginia TSA Leadership Academy in Hartfield, Virginia. They participated in team building exercises and workshops, outdoor recreational and learning activities all based on STEM and space exploration themes. They met Virginia TSA officers across the entire state, developed new friendships and enhanced their leadership skills to build a larger and stronger SOCO TSA Chapter. The SOCO chapter is now focused on preparing their teams for regional and state competitions this spring. We wish our Tech Titans the best as they continue representing us in such a positive way!

Staff Spotlight

This week’s focus turns to Ms. Sara Jeanblanc, a dedicated educator with a passion for social studies, who hails from Arlington, Virginia. She earned a B.A. in Psychology, a B.A. in Government, and an M.T. in Social Studies Education from the University of Virginia. After completing her studies, she returned to Northern Virginia to follow her passion for teaching, and this year marks her 18th year at South County High. Outside of the classroom, Sara enjoys practicing Pilates, reading, and challenging herself with Sudoku puzzles. Her commitment to education and continuous growth reflects her dedication to both her students and her community.

Club Corner:

Morgan’s Message is an organization focused on raising awareness and supporting mental health for athletes. It aims to create a stigma-free environment where athletes can openly discuss mental health and seek help. Through education and advocacy, the organization encourages athletes to prioritize their mental well-being alongside their physical health. 

The Morgan's Message club meets monthly in Ms. Ruddy’s yoga classroom. They look forward to their athletic dedication games, guest speaker presentations, and engaging activities that promote both mental and physical well-being!  To make a connection or if you have questions, please email Ms. Ruddy at [email protected].

A Reminder About Next Week

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, this is a friendly reminder that we only have two days of school next week (Monday and Tuesday). I hope all of you have the chance to spend time with your loved ones and reflect on all the gifts that are around you.

 

Have a restful weekend!

 

Kambar

#StandStrong

Enjoy your holidays with beautiful poinsettias and support your South County Class of 2025

Poinsettia Sales help lower the cost of our Senior Trip. 

The two Seniors who sell the most poinsettias will win a FREE SENIOR TRIP TICKET. (value up to $75.00) Start selling now until December 1st. 

Here’s how it works:

• Get a copy of the order form here
• Go out and get pre-orders from family, friends, businesses in your community, your church—anyone who wants to support the senior class
• Each 8” poinsettia costs $15.00; cash or checks (made out to South County High School, notation Senior Trip)
• All orders and payments are due December 1st. Please give your orders and money collected to Mrs. Martin or Mrs. Dellavedova, (room B146) or drop in the main office. 
• Poinsettias MUST be picked up on the loading dock on December 5th. HAPPY SELLING!!

Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Poinsettias are an ideal way to add beauty and color to your home, office, or church this holiday season. 

These vibrant plants also make a great gift.  Poinsettia blooms maintain their bright colors through New Years with proper care.  Avoid freezing temperatures and drafty areas.  Keep soil moist, but not wet.  Be careful to not over water. Plants will be delivered Dec 5th to SCHS.

 

Purchase an Ad in the
2024/25 Winter Sports Program
for Seniors participating in Winter Sports
¼ page - $100
½ page - $200

Spotlight your Senior or celebrate a group of Senior Athletes
Proceeds benefit the South County High School Athletic Boosters Club

2024/25 Winter Sports Program -
Senior Ad Order must be received by
December 10, 2024

Receive one free Program per purchased ad!

Please place your order on the SCABC Square site:
https://south-county-athletic-booster-club.square.site/athletic-programs
Email pictures, Senior ad text, and questions to: Elena Jordon – [email protected]

As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event.   If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned.  All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County.  It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!

 If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at [email protected].  

 All donations need to be received by November 29.  We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:

 SCHS Band Boosters

8501 Silverbrook Rd

Lorton, VA 22079

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

About our sponsor:
Exterior Medics, an award-winning contractor, specializes in residential, multifamily, and commercial exterior home improvements across Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and the Washington, DC metro area. Renowned for their exceptional customer service and craftsmanship, they offer a wide range of exterior solutions, including roofing, gutters, doors, windows, and siding. Their expertise also extends to masonry services such as chimney and
crack repairs, brick and stone replacement, and full wall, column, and porch reconstruction. To learn more about their free in-home consultations or to start your next project, visit www.exteriormedics.com/

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

THANKSGIVING BREAK ATTENDANCE

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Due to our high volume of absences during the holiday season, we would like to encourage our families to submit any absence, early dismissal, and/or late arrival no later than Thursday Nov 21, 2024 by 2:00pm. 

Requests submitted after Friday Nov 22, 2024 may delay early dismissal.

We highly encourage our families to submit these requests as soon as possible.

You may report attendance by:

1. Emailing: [email protected]
2. Full Day Absence through ParentVue
3. Calling our attendance line: 703-446-1625

• • Option 1- All Day Absence
  • Option 2- Late Arrival
  • Option 3- Early Release

Note: Messages are checked constantly throughout the day. If you report your students absence ON that Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving, please know that our phone lines/emails will be extremely backed up and you may get the automatic robo call since we will not be able to get everything put in before 9am when that call goes out.  However, be assured, we will get them put in the system as fast as we possibly can.  Please DO NOT call/email again if you know you have already done so.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 11/18-11/22- American Education Week
• 11/20/24-6:00pm-8:00pm Bonfire & Game Night 
• 11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
• 11/22/24- Deadline to submit Outstanding Employee Recognition
• 11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Break
• 12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Dear Stallion Families,

As the crisp air of November settles in, there's no better time to celebrate the spirit of our Stallion community. This month is packed with opportunities for our students to shine, whether they're excelling in academics, showcasing their talents in the arts, or charging forward on the athletic fields. November reminds us of the power of perseverance and positivity, and we are committed to making every moment matter for our Stallions. Together, let’s continue fostering a culture where our students feel supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Now, on to this past week’s reflections …

Building Bonds

Taking Center Stage

Congratulations to our incredible theater students for their outstanding performance of The 39 Steps! I had the pleasure of attending Friday night’s show, and our Stallions’ hard work, creativity, and dedication brought this thrilling and comedic production to life. From the seamless scene changes to the brilliant character portrayals, it was clear that countless hours of preparation went into every detail. We are so proud of the way you showcased your talent and teamwork on stage. Thank you for reminding us of the magic of theater and for making South County High shine!

 

I had the pleasure of another inspiring Walk and Talk session, this time with students Kaden and Kaleb. As we strolled through the halls, we were delighted to be joined by Nicholas, who eagerly added his voice to our conversation about what makes South County High such a special place. It was heartening to hear how much our teachers impact our students’ experiences. Kaleb expressed his appreciation for Ms. Cano, recognizing her for always being there when he needed support, while Kaden highlighted Mr. Weaver as a trusted mentor who offers invaluable advice. Moments like these truly reflect the strong sense of connection and community that make SoCo shine!

High Quality Instruction

In education, differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners—providing the right supports, challenges, and opportunities so every student can succeed.

Michelle Morrison, our Adaptive PE teacher, takes differentiation to a whole new level—or should we say, she raises the bar! With unparalleled individual attention, she designs activities that celebrate each student’s abilities, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and successful. Her creativity, patience, and passion transform her PE class into an inclusive space where students shine, proving that no hurdle is too high when you’re committed to making a difference.

Let’s give Ms. Morrison a big cheer for leading the way in Adaptive PE!

School Culture:

Ignite the Night: Fun, Friends, and a Fantastic Cause!

Get ready for a night of warmth, fun, and giving back! The South County DECA team invites you to our Bonfire & Game Night on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6–8 PM in the staff parking lot.

Enjoy the cozy glow of the bonfire, sip on warm drinks, and challenge your friends to games like Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and more! 100% of the profits will go to the Emma Jordan Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation, supporting an incredible cause. Bring cash for concessions and come prepared to make unforgettable memories. Let’s light up the night for a great cause—we’ll see you there!

 

Partners in Progress: The Parent Advisory Roundtable

Thank you to all the parents who attended our recent Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting. I truly appreciated the thoughtful discussions about the new policies for FCPS and SCHS this year, as well as the valuable insights you shared. One of the main reasons I facilitate these meetings is to hear directly from stakeholders about how our students and staff are experiencing the spirit of being a Stallion. Your perspectives are incredibly meaningful and help shape our school community. Thank you again to everyone who joined us that evening!

Student Spotlight: Leading the Charge!

Speaking of Advisory Councils, please mark your calendars for December 4 from 10:15 to 11:15am and invite your student to attend the Principal’s STUDENT Advisory Council meeting. We plan to follow-up on discussions that I had with the parents on the topics of our new cell phone and grading policies. Students need to sign up ahead of time so we know how large of a group to accommodate. Priority is given to the first 50 students who sign up. The graphics below are posted in the green boxes throughout our school, as well as in the Main Office.

Staff Spotlight:

Meet Jeanette Dellavedova, a dedicated Special Education teacher who brings both passion and patience to the classroom every day. Jeanette earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from VA Tech and her graduate degree in Teaching Language Arts from Christopher Newport University. Outside of school, Jeanette enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking up delicious meals with her family, and traveling on new adventures. Jeanette’s love for teaching stems from her desire to help students realize their full potential, particularly those who have struggled and are on the brink of discovering their own strength. It’s in these moments of triumph that she truly feels the power of her work. As a Special Education teacher, Jeanette’s commitment to student success is unwavering—her dedication is as strong as her enthusiasm for helping each child find their way. She’s truly a champion for change in the lives of her students! We appreciate having such a gifted educator at SoCo!

Club Corner:

Our Key Club is an international service organization that focuses on giving back to the community. Core values of the organization include “caring, character building, inclusivity, and leadership.” It is a student led organization that meets once a month (usually the third Wednesday) after school in the cafeteria. Every month we host donation drives for various organizations such as LCAC, Bethany House, and UNICEF and complete a service project at our meeting. Service projects include river clean-ups, making dog toys for animal shelters, building Thanksgiving baskets for LCAC, and making sandwiches for the homeless. We appreciate their sponsor, Mrs. Sally Perry, for always being such an involved leader of this organization. If you have any questions, you can reach her at [email protected].

Spotlight: Days of Joy

The work we do is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I’d like to take a moment to publicly acknowledge a group of individuals who often don’t receive the recognition they deserve—my outstanding admin team! Special thanks to Connie Gibson, Lisa Beskenis, Bryan Hazard, Jeremiah Caven, Sam Tolan, Marvin Wooten, Marci Garrison, Allison Omohundro, Hassan Mims, and Ben Gildea for consistently bringing positive energy, fresh ideas, and a collaborative spirit as we work together to create the best possible school environment for both our students and staff. This past week, we had productive discussions about the new Accreditation system (that will soon be implemented across all Virginia schools), a new tool to help guide students in selecting future classes, and valuable feedback from our recent PAC meeting. Your contributions make all the difference, and for that, I’m truly grateful!

5 Things You Need to Know about Next Week:

I referenced a discussion with my admin team about the new VA accountability system. Here's a Virginia Department of Education released explanation for parents so you can be educated about the way all VA schools will be graded by state standards this school year: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/state-board-data-funding/accreditation-accountability/school-performance-and-support-framework/supporting-virginia-learners/family-supports.

Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which you can register for by clicking on the date below. Language interpretation will be available.

Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

As we continue moving forward, let’s remember that we stand strong together, especially during challenging times. By learning from and listening to one another, we can grow stronger as a community. Our collective efforts will ensure that we remain the best school environment for our students, where every individual is supported and empowered to succeed. Let’s keep building, growing, and thriving—together.

 

Kambar

#StandStrong

We were hoping that you could nominate a deserving member of the stallion family who is worthy of praise and recognition through FCPS’s annual Outstanding Employees Recognition Program.  We have so many deserving candidates, and I hope you will let us know your thoughts.

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a South County High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the google forms that are linked to the descriptions. You may nominate multiple employees, but only one per category.

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Please submit your nominations by 11/22/2024

Outstanding Principal (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as the building principal

Outstanding Teacher  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); Department Chairs and librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has three or less years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Leader  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers, SOSAs and MTSS coordinators that serve in an administrative role in a school.

Outstanding Operational Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)  

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 22, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Hazard at [email protected]

Happy Nominating!

Thank you!

The Outstanding Employee Awards committee

As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event.   If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned.  All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County.  It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!

 If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at [email protected].  

 All donations need to be received by November 29.  We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:

 SCHS Band Boosters

8501 Silverbrook Rd

Lorton, VA 22079

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 11/11/24- Veterans Day Holiday-is a holiday and schools will be closed for students.
• 11/12/24- 6:00 pm- PAC Meeting Library
• 11/18-11/22- American Education Week
• 11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
• 11/22/24- Deadline to submit Outstanding Employee Recognition
• 11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Day
• 12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

*** CORRECTION***

 

Our  Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday November 12th at 6:00pm in the library not for November 13th. 

We apologize for this mistake. 

As the crisp, cool air drifts onto our campus, our Stallion spirit continues to sizzle! With fall festivities in full swing and the temperatures tumbling, there’s an exciting energy running through our hallways. We’re grateful for every parent, student, and staff member who keeps our community thriving through this season of vibrant changes. Let’s keep up the momentum and make these brisk days bright and full of South County pride!

High Quality Instruction

This past week, I had the great fortune of observing teachers in a different light, as we had several engaging presentations for our Staff Development Day. I had the privilege of being in the audience for presentations led by three outstanding educators: Patti Mosko, Saidi Haris, and Jackie Palaschak. Ms. Mosko and Dr. Saidi captivated us with their session on *Building Thinking Classrooms*, offering insightful strategies that transformed traditional lessons into dynamic, student-driven experiences, leaving us eager to implement their ideas. Ms. Palaschak delivered a compelling presentation on incorporating student voice and choice into instructional practices, encouraging collaboration and showcasing her deep commitment to making learning exciting and impactful for every student. Collectively, their dedication and passion for engaging students reminded us of the power we hold to ignite a love for learning.

School Culture:

Get Involved with PAC!

As a reminder, each marking period, I enjoy meeting with parents at our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to share celebrations about SoCo, as well as forecast upcoming events. It’s also a wonderful time to hear directly from parents about questions and concerns that they may have. I’d like to invite all of you to attend our next PAC meeting on November 12 at 6PM in the library. So we can adequately prepare for the event, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHm1UNLf3s6IG1mlGK9HdKecqoHTbJoiOmN9sDHGwqLVSqCg/viewform

Senior Spotlight: A Night to Shine Together!

Senior Night was a powerful celebration of the incredible gifts and talents that make our student body truly extraordinary. From the graceful, expressive performances of our Dance team, to the electrifying energy and impeccable stunts of our Cheerleaders, to the unwavering grit and athleticism displayed by our Football team, our seniors shined under the lights, leaving the crowd inspired and proud. These students not only showcased their remarkable skills but also demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and school spirit that make our South County community so special. Congratulations to the Seniors on all of these teams!

During one of our recent football games, I had the chance to speak with students who are active members of our Homeless Outreach club. These students have remarkable stories about what motivated them to serve those in our community in need of assistance. From stories about their parents paving the way to others who just saw a need and wanted to help, I left that conversation feeling so fortunate to serving this community with students who are as selfless as these. They raised money through selling baked goods, and I have to admit that the Cake Pops in particular were most delicious!

Spike and Strive: A Hard-Fought Match!

Our Boys Volleyball team made it to the first-ever District Finals match against West Springfield. While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, we are incredibly proud of each and every player for their determination and effort on the court. They know that every match is an opportunity to learn and grow, and their resilience inspires us all. Next stop: Regionals! Best of luck, Stallions!

Purse-uing Creativity!

A huge Stallion shout-out to Ms. Kimble and her talented Ceramics 2 and 3 students for their amazing purse projects! You’ve truly “clay-ed” the foundation for creativity and craftsmanship! Your hard work and dedication shine through in each piece, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to mold your artistic talents. Keep up the fantastic work!

Staff Spotlight:

As we celebrate National French Week in November, I’d like to spotlight our one of our two OUTSTANDING French teachers, Ms. Baker. She is a dedicated French educator focused on advancing her expertise and growing the French program at SoCo, where she currently teaches French 1 through AP French and sponsors both the thriving French Club and National French Honor Society. With a rich academic background, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in International Marketing, and significant training in French language and teaching methodology, including immersive experiences in France and Canada. Ms. Baker’s teaching career spans over 15 years across multiple institutions, including Valley Vista High School in Arizona and the University of South Florida, showcasing her ability to teach various French levels and develop AP courses. Her efforts at SCHS have led to the establishment of new courses and a significant expansion of French class enrollments, demonstrating her passion for inspiring students in French language and culture. Tu es la meilleure, Ms. Baker!

Club Corner:

The South County High School French Club is organized and run by members of our National French Honor Society.  Whereas our NFHS is composed of honor students who study French at Soco, the French Club is open to all students.

The French Club meets each quarter to experience the culture and civilization of La Francophonie (the French speaking countries around the world) and to provide an opportunity for socialization to students with similar interests.  Past events have included such themes as Winter in Quebec, Saint Valentin, Mardi Gras, and planning meetings for fundraisers and activities. We are currently painting a mural of a French Bakery to add to our Paris Cafe scene.  We plan to hold a grand opening for the bakery on November 14, 2024, during National French Week.  We hope to conduct bake sales of French breads and pastries in the future. For any comments or questions, feel free to email the sponsor, Ms. Baker, at [email protected].

Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Veterans!

School is closed on Monday, November 11 in honor of our military veterans. This is a time when we take a moment to honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and ensured our safety. We recognize the courage, resilience, and commitment they have shown in defending our country, and we are inspired by their selflessness. To all our veterans and their families, thank you for your service!

Here is just one of several ways we honor our military veterans at SoCo: Our Appreciation Wall. Thank you to Mrs. Burnside, Mrs. Ohlmeyer, and their committee, for helping us celebrate these most deserving men and women with dignity and class.

As we wrap up this week’s newsletter, let’s carry forward the spirit of “Standing Strong” together. Each day, we witness the remarkable strength and resilience within our community, from our dedicated students and staff to our supportive families. Your commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can succeed is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to uplift one another as we embrace the challenges and triumphs ahead. Wishing you all a fantastic week filled with pride and purpose!

Kambar

South Count HS Theatre Presents:

Patrick Barlow’s comedic adaptation of The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film noir thriller bursts onto the stage with fast-paced action and nonstop laughs. The story centers around Richard Hannay, a man in a mid-life lull who is suddenly thrown in the middle of a dangerous spy ring and mistakenly accused of murder. As he rushes to save Britain from a horrible fate and clear his name, we sit on the edge of our seats urging him on and laughing at the absurd situations in which he finds himself. 

Get tickets here

FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS

Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.

For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing
daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of
worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a
holiday meal.

We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50
grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For
Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.
Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals

Impact Aid Survey

Attention FCPS Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

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.

South County High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on the following dates:

12th Grade: November 12th & 13th during English classes

10th Grade: November 14th & 15th during World History classes

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 linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our Survey Coordinator, Ms. Turner, at [email protected].

We were hoping that you could nominate a deserving member of the stallion family who is worthy of praise and recognition through FCPS’s annual Outstanding Employees Recognition Program.  We have so many deserving candidates, and I hope you will let us know your thoughts.

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a South County High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the google forms that are linked to the descriptions. You may nominate multiple employees, but only one per category.

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Please submit your nominations by 11/22/2024

Outstanding Principal (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as the building principal

Outstanding Teacher  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); Department Chairs and librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has three or less years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Leader  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers, SOSAs and MTSS coordinators that serve in an administrative role in a school.

Outstanding Operational Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)  

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 22, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Hazard at [email protected]

Happy Nominating!

Thank you!

The Outstanding Employee Awards committee

Congratulations to the Marching Stallions on a very successful 2024 competition season! 

The band took first place at both the Herndon and Oakton Invitationals earlier this fall.  And, this past weekend, the band competed at the VMBC State Championships where they took second place in their size class and 13th place overall in the state!

 

As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event.   If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned.  All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County.  It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!

 If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at [email protected].  

 All donations need to be received by November 29.  We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:

 SCHS Band Boosters

8501 Silverbrook Rd

Lorton, VA 22079

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 11/11/24- Veterans Day Holiday-is a holiday and schools will be closed for students.
• 11/18-11/22- American Education Week
• 11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
• 11/22/24- Deadline to submit Outstanding Employee Recognition
• 11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Day
• 12/07/24- 9am-2pm Auditorium- Silent Auction Fundraiser
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

As the crisp, cool air drifts onto our campus, our Stallion spirit continues to sizzle! With fall festivities in full swing and the temperatures tumbling, there’s an exciting energy running through our hallways. We’re grateful for every parent, student, and staff member who keeps our community thriving through this season of vibrant changes. Let’s keep up the momentum and make these brisk days bright and full of South County pride!

High Quality Instruction

This past week, I had the great fortune of observing teachers in a different light, as we had several engaging presentations for our Staff Development Day. I had the privilege of being in the audience for presentations led by three outstanding educators: Patti Mosko, Saidi Haris, and Jackie Palaschak. Ms. Mosko and Dr. Saidi captivated us with their session on *Building Thinking Classrooms*, offering insightful strategies that transformed traditional lessons into dynamic, student-driven experiences, leaving us eager to implement their ideas. Ms. Palaschak delivered a compelling presentation on incorporating student voice and choice into instructional practices, encouraging collaboration and showcasing her deep commitment to making learning exciting and impactful for every student. Collectively, their dedication and passion for engaging students reminded us of the power we hold to ignite a love for learning.

School Culture:

Get Involved with PAC!

As a reminder, each marking period, I enjoy meeting with parents at our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to share celebrations about SoCo, as well as forecast upcoming events. It’s also a wonderful time to hear directly from parents about questions and concerns that they may have. I’d like to invite all of you to attend our next PAC meeting on November 13 at 6PM in the library. So we can adequately prepare for the event, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHm1UNLf3s6IG1mlGK9HdKecqoHTbJoiOmN9sDHGwqLVSqCg/viewform

Senior Spotlight: A Night to Shine Together!

Senior Night was a powerful celebration of the incredible gifts and talents that make our student body truly extraordinary. From the graceful, expressive performances of our Dance team, to the electrifying energy and impeccable stunts of our Cheerleaders, to the unwavering grit and athleticism displayed by our Football team, our seniors shined under the lights, leaving the crowd inspired and proud. These students not only showcased their remarkable skills but also demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and school spirit that make our South County community so special. Congratulations to the Seniors on all of these teams!

During one of our recent football games, I had the chance to speak with students who are active members of our Homeless Outreach club. These students have remarkable stories about what motivated them to serve those in our community in need of assistance. From stories about their parents paving the way to others who just saw a need and wanted to help, I left that conversation feeling so fortunate to serving this community with students who are as selfless as these. They raised money through selling baked goods, and I have to admit that the Cake Pops in particular were most delicious!

Spike and Strive: A Hard-Fought Match!

Our Boys Volleyball team made it to the first-ever District Finals match against West Springfield. While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, we are incredibly proud of each and every player for their determination and effort on the court. They know that every match is an opportunity to learn and grow, and their resilience inspires us all. Next stop: Regionals! Best of luck, Stallions!

Purse-uing Creativity!

A huge Stallion shout-out to Ms. Kimble and her talented Ceramics 2 and 3 students for their amazing purse projects! You’ve truly “clay-ed” the foundation for creativity and craftsmanship! Your hard work and dedication shine through in each piece, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to mold your artistic talents. Keep up the fantastic work!

Staff Spotlight:

As we celebrate National French Week in November, I’d like to spotlight our one of our two OUTSTANDING French teachers, Ms. Baker. She is a dedicated French educator focused on advancing her expertise and growing the French program at SoCo, where she currently teaches French 1 through AP French and sponsors both the thriving French Club and National French Honor Society. With a rich academic background, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in International Marketing, and significant training in French language and teaching methodology, including immersive experiences in France and Canada. Ms. Baker’s teaching career spans over 15 years across multiple institutions, including Valley Vista High School in Arizona and the University of South Florida, showcasing her ability to teach various French levels and develop AP courses. Her efforts at SCHS have led to the establishment of new courses and a significant expansion of French class enrollments, demonstrating her passion for inspiring students in French language and culture. Tu es la meilleure, Ms. Baker!

Club Corner:

The South County High School French Club is organized and run by members of our National French Honor Society.  Whereas our NFHS is composed of honor students who study French at Soco, the French Club is open to all students.

The French Club meets each quarter to experience the culture and civilization of La Francophonie (the French speaking countries around the world) and to provide an opportunity for socialization to students with similar interests.  Past events have included such themes as Winter in Quebec, Saint Valentin, Mardi Gras, and planning meetings for fundraisers and activities. We are currently painting a mural of a French Bakery to add to our Paris Cafe scene.  We plan to hold a grand opening for the bakery on November 14, 2024, during National French Week.  We hope to conduct bake sales of French breads and pastries in the future. For any comments or questions, feel free to email the sponsor, Ms. Baker, at [email protected].

Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Veterans!

School is closed on Monday, November 11 in honor of our military veterans. This is a time when we take a moment to honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and ensured our safety. We recognize the courage, resilience, and commitment they have shown in defending our country, and we are inspired by their selflessness. To all our veterans and their families, thank you for your service!

Here is just one of several ways we honor our military veterans at SoCo: Our Appreciation Wall. Thank you to Mrs. Burnside, Mrs. Ohlmeyer, and their committee, for helping us celebrate these most deserving men and women with dignity and class.

As we wrap up this week’s newsletter, let’s carry forward the spirit of “Standing Strong” together. Each day, we witness the remarkable strength and resilience within our community, from our dedicated students and staff to our supportive families. Your commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can succeed is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to uplift one another as we embrace the challenges and triumphs ahead. Wishing you all a fantastic week filled with pride and purpose!

Kambar

South Count HS Theatre Presents:

Patrick Barlow’s comedic adaptation of The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film noir thriller bursts onto the stage with fast-paced action and nonstop laughs. The story centers around Richard Hannay, a man in a mid-life lull who is suddenly thrown in the middle of a dangerous spy ring and mistakenly accused of murder. As he rushes to save Britain from a horrible fate and clear his name, we sit on the edge of our seats urging him on and laughing at the absurd situations in which he finds himself. 

Get tickets here

FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS

Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.

For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing
daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of
worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a
holiday meal.

We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50
grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For
Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.
Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals

Impact Aid Survey

Attention FCPS Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

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.

South County High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on the following dates:

12th Grade: November 12th & 13th during English classes

10th Grade: November 14th & 15th during World History classes

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 linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our Survey Coordinator, Ms. Turner, at [email protected].

We were hoping that you could nominate a deserving member of the stallion family who is worthy of praise and recognition through FCPS’s annual Outstanding Employees Recognition Program.  We have so many deserving candidates, and I hope you will let us know your thoughts.

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a South County High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the google forms that are linked to the descriptions. You may nominate multiple employees, but only one per category.

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Please submit your nominations by 11/22/2024

Outstanding Principal (Click here to see the form)
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as the building principal

Outstanding Teacher  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); Department Chairs and librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: Has three or less years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Leader  (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers, SOSAs and MTSS coordinators that serve in an administrative role in a school.

Outstanding Operational Employee (Click here to see the form)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)  

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 22, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Hazard at [email protected]

Happy Nominating!

Thank you!

The Outstanding Employee Awards committee

Congratulations to the Marching Stallions on a very successful 2024 competition season! 

The band took first place at both the Herndon and Oakton Invitationals earlier this fall.  And, this past weekend, the band competed at the VMBC State Championships where they took second place in their size class and 13th place overall in the state!

 

As we gear up for the Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec 7, don’t forget we host a Silent Auction during this event.   If you own a business (or even if you do not!), we’d love for you to consider an in-kind donation of a basket or service to be auctioned.  All donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly back to the students at South County.  It’s a great way to get your business seen and heard by the Northern Virginia Community!

 If you’d like to offer a donation or want more information, reach out to Melanie Cummings at [email protected].  

 All donations need to be received by November 29.  We can arrange to pick up any donations, or they can also be mailed to the school at:

 SCHS Band Boosters

8501 Silverbrook Rd

Lorton, VA 22079

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

Follow us on Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

 

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Election Day

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 11/05/24- Election Day- Student Holiday and Teacher Work Day
• 11/08/24- 7:20am- Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
• 11/11/24- Veterans Day Holiday
• 11/18-11/22- American Education Week
• 11/21/24- National Family Engagement Day
• 11/27-11/29- Thanksgiving Day
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Welcome to November, Stallions!

As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, November offers us a fresh opportunity to come together as a community, support each other, and celebrate our growth. With just a few short weeks until the holidays, let’s keep building momentum, encouraging kindness, and working toward our shared goals. I look forward to making the month of November one to remember!

A Sense of Belonging: Core Values Spotlight

Four years ago, our students worked with the administrative team and identified four core values that they felt all students could embody: honesty, trust, curiosity, and hope. Since then, we spend time each month celebrating students who demonstrate one of those values with their interactions at school. This year, we’ve expanded that recognition to include staff as well. I want to thank our Culture Champions team, led by Ms. Hill, Mr. Kingston, and Mrs. Tolan, for receiving nominations and formally celebrating the following Stallions for their core values demonstrations this past week:

 

High Quality Instruction

This week’s focus centers on one of our newest additions to our Stallion staff, Mr. Gavin Jackson. I had the joy of observing his Computer Systems Foundations class this week, and I marveled at how smoothly he presented some very abstract concepts. He expertly varied student participation, ensuring everyone had a chance to engage and contribute. By projecting his screen onto the board, Mr. Jackson made complex concepts accessible, enhancing students' understanding through a clear visual approach. Most notably, the positive rapport he shares with his students created an open and supportive classroom environment where students felt encouraged and motivated to learn. Way to go, Mr. Jackson!

School Culture:

Each marking period, I enjoy meeting with parents at our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to share celebrations about SoCo, as well as forecast upcoming events. It’s also a wonderful time to hear directly from parents about questions and concerns that they may have. I’d like to invite all of you to attend our next PAC meeting on November 13 at 6PM in the library. So we can adequately prepare for the event, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHm1UNLf3s6IG1mlGK9HdKecqoHTbJoiOmN9sDHGwqLVSqCg/viewform

Congratulations to our Stallion football team for crushing it on the field and bringing home a Homecoming victory! Their hard work, grit, and teamwork made all the difference. In addition, a huge thank you goes out to all the amazing organizations, dedicated parents, and spirited students who made this Homecoming an event to remember. I worked at the main gate for much of the evening and had a particularly insightful conversation with some of our youngest and most spirited Stallions!

 

Speaking of Homecoming, I also want to thank Mrs. Peck, the staff, and our parent volunteers who chaperoned our Cloud 9 dance. The Homecoming dance was an unforgettable night filled with energy, excitement, and endless fun! From the music to the memories made, it was a celebration that truly brought our Stallion spirit to life!

Our Super Stallion Boys Volleyball team delivered a stunning performance, beating Alexandria City in the District semi-finals in three straight games! Their teamwork and determination were truly spike-tacular, showcasing the heart and hustle we know and love at SoCo. Perhaps the greatest strength of this team is the support they have of one another, cheering each other on through challenges and celebrating each point. Now, they’re primed and ready for the District Finals this Monday! Let’s keep that Stallion spirit strong and cheer them on to victory. Go SoCo!

 

I want to also thank our Librarians, Ms. Strong and Ms. Romney. They have helped us in our initiative to create a culture of literacy at SoCo. Most recently, they have created new student and staff “read” posters to help encourage others to join our community literacy leaders. Grab a book and join us in making reading a proud part of our Stallion legacy!

 

I have one final item for this section of the newsletter. Part of our SoCo culture that is so special is how much we support one another. That is the impetus of the following request. As we enter the month of November, a time of Thanksgiving and gratitude, I’d like us to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of our staff at South County High. This time of year can be particularly challenging for our teachers and support staff, as they have been tirelessly working to provide the best possible experience for our students without a significant break since the school year began.

I invite you to share your appreciation by sending heartfelt messages to our staff throughout this month. Whether it's a note or email of thanks, a kind word, or a simple acknowledgment of their hard work, your words can make a significant difference in lifting their spirits and reminding them how valued they are in our school community.

Thank you in advance for your continued support and for helping us celebrate our amazing staff during this season of gratitude!

Staff Spotlight

Congratulations to Justyne Fischer and Art Smith, two of our Art teachers, who will have their own artwork displayed at the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition. This year’s exhibition theme is Materiality, highlighting the exploration of media/materials in art making and how artists push those boundaries. The reception is scheduled Saturday, November 9th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. in the McGuireWoods Gallery at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. We are excited and proud of our teachers and look forward to the reception.

 

 

Club Corner

Animal Allies is a club dedicated to advocating for animal rights and welfare, giving a voice to animals who cannot fight for themselves. The club meets on the last Friday of each month to carry out service projects that support local shelters and raise awareness about legislation that improves animal welfare. Members engage in advocacy efforts, such as writing to senators and representatives to endorse pro-animal legislation.

This year, Animal Allies also plans to reduce human impacts on wildlife by encouraging more thoughtful interactions with the environment. One key project they hope to pursue is the creation and monitoring of a nesting box for an endangered waterfowl, in collaboration with Fairfax County. Additionally, they will continue successful past initiatives like the annual Shelter Food Drive in February. For more information, please contact the club’s sponsor, Ms. Irish, at [email protected].

Spotlight: Days of Joy

I had two memories from this past week that I’m still smiling about.

First, I had a great meeting with the Band Booster parents this week. They were energetic, positive, and proactive in the planning of upcoming events.

I certainly look forward to our next meeting in mid-November.

Second the staff here at SoCo are always professional, so it was nice to see them let their hair down on Halloween. Two staff members in particular, Ms. Palaschak and Ms. Cano, outdid themselves with their costumes. They had me doing double take, or should I say a TRIPLE take!

Save the Date!

It’s official! Our graduation date for the class of 2025 is Wednesday, June 4 at 7PM at Eagle Bank Arena. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion in SoCo fashion!

I hope everyone has a wonderful extended weekend, and we look forward to our students returning to school on Wednesday, November 6.

Kambar

#StandStrong 

Please join us for our Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Door 1 on November 8th at 7:20am.

STALLIONS, ARE THERE VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY?

In honor of Veterans Day, please help us recognize all those in our SoCo family who have served.

Complete the form using the QR code or bit.ly and we will add your veteran to our recognition wall this November. 

South Count HS Theatre Presents:

Patrick Barlow’s comedic adaptation of The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film noir thriller bursts onto the stage with fast-paced action and nonstop laughs. The story centers around Richard Hannay, a man in a mid-life lull who is suddenly thrown in the middle of a dangerous spy ring and mistakenly accused of murder. As he rushes to save Britain from a horrible fate and clear his name, we sit on the edge of our seats urging him on and laughing at the absurd situations in which he finds himself. 

Get tickets here

FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS

Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.

For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing
daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of
worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a
holiday meal.

We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50
grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For
Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.
Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals

Impact Aid Survey

Attention FCPS Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

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Important Upcoming Dates

• 10/31/24- Quarter End- Early Dismissal
• 11/01/24- Diwali/ Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day (Holiday)
• 11/03-11/04- School Planning and Teacher Workday
• 11/04 & 11/05- FINAL Senior Portraits Session
• 12/07/24- 9am-3pm- Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
• 01/09/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 02/11/25- 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 04/07/25 7:00pm- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• 06/04/25- 7:00pm- Class of 2025 Graduation (Eagle Bank)

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings, Stallion family!

As the crisp air and colorful leaves signal the change of seasons, we’re excited to celebrate all the fall fun and fabulous feats happening at South County High! From football to festivals, and everything in between, our Stallions are showing their spirit and striving for success. We kept the momentum going this week, as we had lots to celebrate during Homecoming! As I write this newsletter, we have not had our football game nor dance, so I’ll report on those in next week’s edition. Now, onto this past week’s events and memories!

Student and Staff Belonging

Let's give a big cash shoutout to our students who truly made “cents” at last week’s DECA competition! Their hard work and dedication to mastering money management has certainly paid off, with several students placing at the event and representing South County with pride.

Job Interview: Anthony Avis (3rd), Danica Santos (4th)

Principles of Marketing: Test-Jerren Schexnider (3rd), Role Play–Peyton Baines Trapp (1st)

Personal Financial Literacy: Test - Rohan Shah (1st), Role Play – Rohan Shah (2nd)

Way to go, DECA Stallions—your futures are looking rich with potential!

High Quality Instruction

This week, I completed multiple classroom observations. For brevity, I will focus on one observation to share insights.

Introducing Ms. Watkins—a dynamic new addition to South County whose engaging and innovative teaching style has already made a remarkable impact! Her lesson was about the Gupta Empire’s golden age, using visually rich slides to bring history to life. The lesson incorporated students moving throughout the room, working alone or in groups (student choice), and Ms. Watkins giving detailed feedback throughout the observation. Just like the Gupta Empire, Ms. Watkins is in her own Golden Age, as her teaching practices are uniquely effective, valuable, and leave a lasting impact on her students. Way to go, Ms. Watkins!

School Culture

For this being Homecoming Week, you must know that SoCo is going to bring a lot of fun events to the calendar. There were so many wonderful themed days this week, so I’d like to thank Mrs. Peck and her leadership students for leading the way. Of course, there are NUMEROUS other staff, students, and parents who assisted in making this a very special week. Here’s just a sample of the beautiful decorations we had in the main lobby area to kick-off Cloud 9 week:

I was thrilled to attend another Boys Volleyball game, and this time to celebrate Senior Night! Our Stallion Seniors have shown how dedication and hard work, both on and off the court, can translate to exceptional support for one another.

Not to be outdone, our Girls Volleyball team served up a high level of sportsmanship and athleticism on the court as they celebrated their Senior Night this week as well! We’re incredibly proud of their growth as students and good citizens!

 

Thursday night we hosted our first Powder Puff football game in quite some time, and it was an electrifying event! In a thrilling showdown, the freshmen outplayed the sophomores 18-6, while the seniors triumphed over the juniors 14-0 in two fiercely competitive matches. The freshmen and seniors really "puffed" up their game, demonstrating impressive teamwork and determination. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students cheered on their classmates, showcasing spirited support and a sense of school pride. We look forward to more exciting events like this that bring our community together!

Congratulations to our Orchestra Director, Ms. Swift, and her sensational students for their masterful Masquerade concert! Their musical brilliance was marked by precision, passion, and pure performance prowess, captivating the audience from start to finish. Bravo to Ms. Swift and her talented team for a truly unforgettable evening!

We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our stunning new door and wall murals, brought to life by the incredible support of Josten’s! These vibrant works of art don’t just showcase our strong Stallion spirit—they radiate it, transforming our halls and front entrance ways into an inspiring tribute to the heart and pride of our school community. Thank you again to all of you who worked on our branding committee last year to help bring these ideas to fruition!

Club Corner

The Asian Student Association celebrates asian culture and recognizes such events as the Lunar New Year (China), Japanese Holidays, Korean Thanks Giving, and Diwali (Festival of Lights) India. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to either sponsor, Mr. Otani ([email protected]) or Mr. Madoo ([email protected]).

Reminder for Next Week

This is a reminder that school will be closed next Friday, November 1, in observance of Diwali and All Saints Day. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy this cultural observance and time to reflect, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones.

Attendance Matters!

We’re pleased to report that we’re making steady progress with student attendance, as our current Chronic Absenteeism (CA) rate stands at 10%. To continue this positive trend, we ask for your support in encouraging your student to attend school regularly when they’re feeling well. Our goal is to meet Virginia State expectations by achieving a CA rate below 15% by year’s end. To keep you informed, you will receive your student’s individual Absentee Report Card at the end of the current marking period on October 31, 2024, as we did last year. We hope these updates can help start meaningful conversations about the importance of consistent attendance for your student’s success.

Have a restful weekend, and whatever you choose to do, make it the very best experience possible!

Kambar

#StandStrong 

FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHS

Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.

For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing
daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of
worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a
holiday meal.

We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50
grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For
Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.
Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals

Impact Aid Survey

Attention FCPS Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

Health Information and Emergency Care Forms

The Health Information Form (HIF) (SS/SE-71) and the Emergency Care Information form (SS/SE-3) provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.

These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet. 

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025

Victor O’Neill Studios, our school’s official photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at our school:

Final Session: Monday November 4, and Tuesday November 5, 2024

Don’t miss this final opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by them!

In addition to the free yearbook session, they 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 them at: [email protected]

Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “South County Class of 2025” when emailing, for faster assistance.

Thank you!
Your Senior Portraits Team

 

The South County Cross Country team is excited to announce our shoe drive fundraiser! We're collecting gently used shoes to support micro-businesses in developing countries and raise funds for our team.

Every pair of shoes makes a difference! Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs. If each student donates just one pair, we can easily surpass our goal.

Please join us in making a positive impact on our community and the world!

Thank you for your support!

South County Cross Country Team

Parents of Current 10th graders,

South County will be hosting 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  If your student is currently enrolled in HPE 10 it is mandatory that they attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The session dates are as follows: Jan 9, 2025, Feb. 11, 2025 and April 7, 2025. The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  

Presentations last approximately 90 minutes.

Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]

AWARENESS

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

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.

ALL ANGP LINKS

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Publicity

It’s time to spread the word…The South County PTSO is looking for Student and Parent Volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. Please take a moment to check out our Sign-up Genius and see if you can spare an hour or two! All students will receive volunteer credits.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949ACAF2BAAFD0-51298810-2024

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LortonSCHSCraft or @SCHSCraftShow and Instagram! 

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 ATHLETICS

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:

• Keeping your contact information up-to-date
• Visiting the South County High School Website
• Signing up for News You Choose
• Following us on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter
• Following us on Instagram
• Following  SoCo Athletics
• Monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• Visiting the South County High School PTSO Web Site
• Joining the South County High School PTSO and attend meetings

• Athletic Boosters SCHS Athletic Boosters Club (SCABC)

• Transportation Office- 703-446-2150

South County High School Quick Links

• School lunch/menu info
• Parent and Student IT Support Portal
• Telephone Parent Info Line (Available in 8 languages)
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• 2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
• FCPS Cares-share and submit your story about a South County High School staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. 
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Safety Tipline
• Free and Reduced- Price Meals

8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 | Main Office: 703.446.1600
Attendance: 703.446.1625 | Web | Twitter

For the latest news, scores, and schedules please visit our SCHS Athletics & Activities website:  https://stallionnation.org

In an effort to provide an optimal game day experience for our fans and guests, below is information on tickets, entry, and general guidelines. 

Tickets

• Adult tickets are $7; student tickets are $5. Children ages 5 and under as well as senior citizens 60+ will be admitted free. *Invitationals & Tournaments could charge up $10 for adults.
• District & Regional tickets: adult tickets $7; student tickets $5.
• No re-entry.
• Purchase your tickets online to avoid the line @ South County HS E-Tix

Seating and Entry

• Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the contest (60 minutes for Varsity Football).
• Middle School students will not be permitted entry without an adult. 
• Fans can enter through the main gate ONLY. 
• Parents are reminded that the stadium is an inviting place for children to play.  However, it can be very dangerous, so, please always supervise children.

Backpacks, Bags & Other Outside Items

• Purses, diaper bags, and reasonably sized bags are permitted inside the stadium with adults. However, all bags may be subject to search and inspection.
• Students are not permitted to bring bags or backpacks into the stadium.

Student Pick-Up

• Students MUST be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the event.   

Beverage Policy

• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the stadium.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

• Smoking and the use of all tobacco products on any Fairfax County Public School campus is prohibited. This prohibition applies to all individuals while on any FCPS campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, pipes, and chewing tobacco are not permitted.

  Click Here to Purchase Your Stallion Pass! To be eligible to tryout for High School Sports you must complete the following:

 

• Online Registration (click here)

The athlete AND one parent/guardian must review the online Concussion Education presentation, which is part of the online registration process mentioned above. This must be completed once per year.

• Current VHSL Physical Form (click here)

The VHSL form must say “Revised January 2021” in the top right corner of pages 1-4. No other versions of this document will be accepted. Please be sure that this form is completed in it’s entirety. Incomplete forms will be returned to families. Page 3 must be signed and dated (After May 1, 2024) by a physician.

All freshmen are academically eligible for sports in the fall and winter. High School students must pass no less than five credits the previous semester to remain eligible each season.

All required forms and contact information for coaches are available on the Athletics and Activities website https://stallionnation.org/.

 

First Day of Tryouts

Fall Sports – August 5, 2024 Winter Sports – Nov 11th. 2024 Spring Sports – Feb 24, 2025 Cheerleading Boys/Girls Basketball Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Boys/Girls Crew Dance (Tryouts in June) Boys/Girls Indoor Track Boys/Girls Lacrosse Field Hockey Boys/Girls Swim & Dive Boys/Girls Soccer Football Wrestling Softball Golf (Starts August 1) Sideline Cheer Boys/Girls Outdoor Track Boys/Girls Volleyball   Boys/Girls Tennis

 

If you have a child, grand-child, niece or nephew participating in one or more of our SCHS athletic programs this year, please consider becoming a member of the Athletic Boosters and helping run our non-profit organization with fellow parent-volunteers. 

 

Click Here to Join the South County Athletic Booster Club!

 

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