Weekly News From South County High School 09/03

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Labor Day Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Dates:

09/04-09/07- Holiday- Labor Day Break
09/08 6:00pm- BTSN (Back to School Night)
09/12- Rosh Hashanah
09/21- Holiday- Yom Kippur
10/07- SAT School Day for 12th Graders
10/12- Student Holiday (No School)- Indigenous Peoples' Day
10/30- End of First Quarter
11/02-Student Holiday- Teacher Workday
11/03- Student Holiday- School Planning Day- Election Day
11/08- Diwali
11/25-11/27- Holiday- Thanksgiving Break

Upcoming Senior Post-Secondary Information & Events

Seniors recently met with their counselors in group Advisory sessions to cover college and career planning topics, along with important fall to-dos.

Counselors met with students with last names A–Ji on Monday, August 31st, and students with last names Jo–Z on Wednesday, September 2nd.

Counselors will continue following up with seniors individually throughout the fall to discuss their specific post-secondary plans.

Additionally, Senior Parent Information Night is coming up on Tuesday, September 8th, at 5:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Counselors and our College and Career Specialist will share essential information regarding post-secondary planning and college applications.

This event is scheduled right before Back-to-School Night, which begins at 6:00 p.m.

SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2026-27

2-Hour Advance Notice Required: All early dismissal requests must be submitted at least two hours in advance. We will no longer process last-minute phone calls or messages for immediate pickup. Please plan appointments accordingly, as requests failing to meet this lead time will not be honored.
Illness & Clinic Protocol: If a student feels ill, they MUST report to the School Clinic. Students will only be dismissed for medical reasons after being evaluated by the clinic staff and checked out from that location.
Official Office Check-Out: All students leaving early must physically check out through the Main Office. Any student who leaves campus without following this procedure will be marked with an unexcused absence.
Attendance Corrections: If a student is marked UNV for a specific period due to lateness or a clerical error, the student must speak with that teacher directly. The teacher will then update the attendance or notify the attendance team. The Attendance Offices will not alter period-specific attendance without teacher verification.

These procedures are in place to ensure student safety and a focused learning environment. We thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain an accurate and secure campus.

Report a Full-Day Absence-The fastest way is to use ParentVUE.

Alternative Methods

Last Name Range	Email
A-Dh	southcountyhs.attendanceA-Dh@fcps.edu
Di-K	southcountyhs.attendanceDi-K@fcps.edu
L-Raj	southcountyhs.attendanceL-Raj@fcps.edu
Rak-Z	southcountyhs.attendanceRak-Z@fcps.edu

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings, SoCo Nation!

September is here, and our Stallions are settling into a strong start as the school year gains momentum. While the weather may still be bringing the heat, we have plenty of cool things happening inside South County. From exciting opportunities to inspiring achievements, there is a lot to celebrate as we continue to run together and rise as one. Let’s get to this week’s reflections.

Sense of Belonging

Captains of Their Own Journey

This week, I had the pleasure of watching our student-athlete leaders reflect on the leadership goals they have set for themselves this year. Students revisited letters they had written to themselves last May and considered what they would now tell their “August selves” after already encountering new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities to grow. Their reflections showed increasing confidence, maturity, and self-awareness as they discussed stepping into leadership, adapting to different teammates and circumstances, and recognizing that challenges do not have to define them. A special congratulations goes to our Director of Student Activities, Bryan Harris, for his leadership in developing this group and intentionally creating opportunities for our student athletes to grow not only as competitors, but as leaders. Check out our new “The SoCo Athletes Way” commitments!

High Quality Instruction

Mr. Mason’s AP African American Studies students recently watched a powerful video, America at the Crossroads, followed by a thoughtful discussion about the importance of engaging with people whose beliefs and perspectives differ from our own. Students explored how respectful dialogue can deepen understanding and help communities grow together. As one of South County’s most inspiring educators, Mr. Mason continues to create meaningful learning experiences that challenge students to think critically and compassionately. With him at the helm, this class is truly on the road to understanding!

School Culture

Stallions Start Strong

Our fall sports teams have charged out of the gates, showing that SoCo is already building powerful momentum. Last week, our football team earned an impressive 28–2 victory, and this week, all three Girls Volleyball teams defeated Alexandria City in convincing fashion. We are incredibly proud of every team and athlete; the season is taking shape like a Stallion Stampede, gaining strength and speed with every step.

BTSN, Stallion Style!

Back-to-School Night is this Tuesday, September 8, beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. in your student’s first period class. With a large crowd expected, please plan to arrive by 5:30 p.m. to allow time for traffic and parking; student volunteers will be available to help direct families. Teachers will be stationed at their classroom doors beginning at 5:50 p.m.

Cool Choices, Clear Expectations

Stallions, a quick reminder that vending machine purchases may be made only with cash or a physical payment card. Because of our bell-to-bell cell phone expectations, phone-based payments are not available, so thank you for helping us keep our school community on track!

Speaking of the bell-to-bell policy, please remind with your student that high schoolers can no longer use their cellphones and other devices during lunch time, and that students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. Personal electronic communication or computing devices must be off and personally stored (such as in a backpack) for the duration of the school day. This includes personal laptops and tablets, smartphones and smartwatches, and other similar devices. If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 703-446-1600. You can learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy at these links.

Coach’s Corner

This week, students in our evidence-based grading courses are diving into their very first unit skills and learning how their growth will be measured. Ask your child which specific skills they are working on and how those skills show up in their daily class activities and assignments. These ongoing conversations at home are a great way to support their learning journey as they master key concepts throughout the unit.

Staff Spotlight

This week’s staff spotlight shines on our School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), Leslie Lewis, who brings 28 years of experience, including 23 years as an SBTS, to South County. Mrs. Lewis enjoys connecting with every staff member and continually learning new content so she can provide thoughtful, timely support. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family and especially her sons, visiting the beach, shopping for unique jewelry, and taking dance classes, most recently, swing dancing! We’re fortunate to have such a talented, professional, and kind member on our staff!

Wishing all of our Stallions and their families a relaxing and well-deserved FOUR-day weekend! Take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the people and activities that bring you joy. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to run together and rise as one!

Kambar

#RunTogetherRiseAsOne!

Parental Digital Consent

Families can now grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account and parents can opt in or opt out their child from a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, tutoring services, and how student information is managed. One key resource, Digital Resource Consent, is required for students to access some FCPS approved digital tools in the classroom. These tools are regularly embedded into lessons across all courses and grade levels. Please visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system and instructions on how to complete these important consent forms.

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please submit the Parent Support Request Form to request an activation key then follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Drivers Education Information Session

Drivers Education Information Session

5:00 p.m. Gymnasium

Sept 8^th- BTSN

Have questions about the process involved in your student getting their learners permit or License? Join our HPE10 Teachers for an informative session on the steps involved in them getting their permit, BTW ( Behind the Wheel ) and getting their license.

SCHS National Honor Society

SCHS National Honor Society: On Saturday, August 29, invitations to apply for membership in the SCHS chapter of the NHS were sent to eligible students. They were sent by email to students’ FCPS account, and a notification of this invitation was posted on Schoology. To be eligible to apply, students must be enrolled in Grade 10, 11, or 12 and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. The deadline to complete and submit applications is Sunday, September 27 at 8:00pm. Students can find more information about the SCHS chapter on the South County NHS Google Site (only FPCS students will have access).

PBIS School Store!

Help us stock our new PBIS School Store! Students will be able to redeem the points they earn for demonstrating our core values of community, integrity, and resilience for fun prizes and school supplies. We are seeking donations of new items from our Amazon list to help make the store a success. Your support will help us recognize our students!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26BJLLE2I1Z60?ref_=wl_share

Parents/Guardians and the Senior Class of 2027

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

Session C: October 1st and 2nd

Don't miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school's yearbook pose are traditional tuxedos and drapes; provided by us! You can also choose to wear your own formal attire; we suggest an all black attire. In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits.

Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:www.vosphoto.com/southcounty

As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.

If you have any questions, please email our Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com.

Please kindly include your senior's First and Last Name and "South County HS Class of 2027" when emailing, for faster assistance.

VOS Senior Portraits Team
vosphoto.com (703) 532 - 0013 seniors@vosphoto.com

ATHLETICS CORNER

For the latest news, scores, and schedules

please visit our website.

Athletics & Activities Website:

https://stallionnation.org/

South County Crew Team

Curious about rowing? Come check out the South County Crew Team! Crew offers a great opportunity to join a dynamic, close-knit team, enjoy the great outdoors, and get in top physical shape by participating in this total body workout. You'll make new friends, get stronger along the way, and expand your horizon!

See for yourself:

We're hosting an Open *Boat* House! Join us at Sandy Run Regional Park on Saturday, September 12, 10am - 2pm. Come see where all the action happens, ask questions, tour our boat house, and even try your hand at rowing! (Be sure to arrive before 1 if you want to get in one of the boats.)

Want to try it before you go all in? Fall on the Water is the South County Crew Team's introduction to rowing, with experiences at the boathouse and on the water. It is optional and gives rowers a chance to see what rowing on the water is like in a fun, relaxed environment. Students (9th - 12th grade) are invited to experience rowing three days a week after school at Sandy Run Regional Park beginning on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Check out our website to get registered! https://www.sc-crew.org/page/show/7486071-fall-on-the-water

There will an interest meeting for the Boys & Girls wrestling team on Thursday September 10th at 3:10 in Room A143. Information on registering, and fall conditioning will be given as well answers to any questions you may have. Looking to get recruited in any sport? Wrestling will increase your chances!! If you can't come, please see Coach Anderson in Room A143 for season information.”

Don’t Trash Your Old Trainers — Share Your Soles!

Old running shoes and sneakers gathering dust in your closet? Don’t let them sit in a landfill—donate them to South County Cross Country. We've partnered with Sneakers4Good and every pair of gently worn, used, or new sneakers collected helps raise funds while supporting micro-entrepreneurs and sustainable reuse worldwide.

What We Accept: Adult athletic sneakers and running shoes only (all sizes & styles but must be dry and free of holes).

Quick Prep Tip: Please tie the laces together or wrap a rubber band around each pair so they stay together!

Let's welcome in a new school year and thank all those who participated in making our community what it is. We were able to support classrooms, clubs, large and small school-wide events, staff trainings, and facilities support, to name a few.

One of the ways we can do all this is through your Memberships. Use this link to renew or become a member. We also have Grad Year magnets, White House Ornaments, Walk of Fame Engraved Bricks, and Donation links.

https://southcountyptso.membershiptoolkit.com/

Our Yard Signs are on a separate link - https://springfield-va.fastsigns.com/fcps/

Thank you to our local Yafa Grille for supporting our PTSO every Tuesday!

Use code #SouthCounty10 in the notes at checkout when ordering online or mention South County High at in-person checkout.

Also, Yafa Grille is offering 10% off for all FCPS employees (show badge) when ordering in-store!