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April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Important Dates:

• Apr 19-25- National Library Week
• Apr 21- Statewide Election (No School for students)
• Apr 22- Earth Day
• Apr 22- Administrative Professionals Day
• Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• Apr 28- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena

SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26

Recently, we have seen an increase in students leaving campus without following proper check-out procedures. This has resulted in inaccurate records regarding student location and safety. To ensure our staff can account for every student and to retrieve students in the least disruptive way to classroom instruction, the following procedures are required, effective immediately:

• 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

Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings SoCo families,

We’re excited to welcome you to another great week at South County High School, where our focus remains on connection, growth, and student success. Each day, our students and staff continue to build a community rooted in respect, belonging, and high expectations. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support; it truly makes a difference for every student we serve. Now, on to this week’s reflections …

Student and Staff Belonging

Your Moment, Your Mic: Graduation Speaker Audition Debuts!

For the first time, all seniors have the exciting opportunity to take the stage and share their story at graduation through our new Graduation Speaker Audition. Members of the Class of 2026 can submit an original 5-minute speech and required form to Ms. Palaschak in Room C200 by 3:15 PM on April 20, with selected students advancing through multiple rounds to earn the honor of addressing their class. Full details and guidelines are available in the Class of 2026 Schoology Group under Resources → “Student Graduation Speaker”; we can’t wait to hear the powerful voices of our seniors!

Checked Out & Checked In: Why We Love Our Library!

In celebration of National Library Week next week, our students and staff shared what makes our library such a special place, and the responses say it all. Students described it as a welcoming haven filled with opportunity, from discovering new favorite books to simply enjoying a space that feels open and inviting to all. Staff echoed that appreciation, highlighting not only the resources, but especially our incredible librarians, Ms. Strong and Ms. Romney, whose warmth, support, and dedication truly make the library the heart of our school. SoCo loves our Librarians!

School Culture

Living Our Core Values

At South County High School, our Core Values—Curiosity, Hope, Trust, and Honesty—guide how we learn, lead, and support one another each day. This week, we are proud to celebrate students who bring these values to life in meaningful and inspiring ways across our community.

Yailia Montanez– Trust Yailia was selected as a shining example of Trust, demonstrating that it’s not just something earned over time, but something that can be generously extended to others. Through her collaboration, she empowers those around her to rise to the occasion, building stronger relationships and a deeper sense of connection. Her actions remind us that trust can be both a gift and a catalyst for growth.

Caeley Flanagan – Honesty Caeley was nominated by a peer who highlighted her as a true model of honesty and integrity. She consistently offers clear, constructive feedback to classmates and speaks truthfully both inside and outside the classroom. Her character sets a powerful example of authenticity and accountability for others to follow.

Sophia – Curiosity Sophia embodies curiosity through her willingness to try new things and step outside her comfort zone. Whether exploring new sports or tackling challenges in the classroom, she approaches each opportunity with determination and a strong work ethic. Her drive to grow and learn is evident in everything she does.

Jackson Bellaire – Curiosity Jackson exemplifies curiosity at the highest level, combining a passion for learning with a deep desire to understand and address complex global issues. Known for their kindness and ability to connect with others, Jackson builds trust effortlessly while pursuing knowledge with purpose. Their acceptance to Dartmouth reflects not only academic excellence, but a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.

Will Currier – Trust Will consistently demonstrates trust through his respectful and positive approach to every situation. Even when faced with a misunderstanding, he responded with grace and cooperation, showing maturity beyond his years. His kindness and integrity contribute to a classroom environment that is both supportive and joyful.

Mr. Mason - Hope

Mr. Mason consistently brings a positive, encouraging presence to both staff and students. Though humble and never seeking attention, his strong work ethic and engaging personality speak for themselves, and we are fortunate to have him at South County.

Unmask the Magic: Prom Countdown Begins!

The mystery is unfolding and excitement is building as we enter the final stretch toward the Class of 2026 Masquerade Prom! Tickets for this unforgettable “Night of Disguise” are now on sale for $65; don’t miss your chance to be part of an evening full of elegance, energy, and celebration. As we prepare for this special night, we are also working to close a $4,000 gap through our “Wall of Mystery” fundraising campaign, where every contribution helps bring the vision to life. Community members can select envelopes ranging from $5 to $250, with Royal Patrons ($75+) earning special recognition on the Prom Page. Let’s come together to reach our goal and create a magical night our seniors will never forget! For answers to all questions about Prom, feel free to reach out to our amazing sponsors, Ms. Reid & Ms. Anderson.

Spring Into Spirit: Pep Rally Energy in Full Bloom!

Our Spring Pep Rally brought the entire school together for an unforgettable celebration of spirit, pride, and community. From high-energy music performances to crowd-roaring competitions, the gym was filled with excitement and connection at every turn. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together, our Stallion spirit truly shines.

Club Corner

Our Animal Allies Club is making a meaningful impact by supporting local animals and caring for our community, one project at a time. From creating pet blankets and toys to cleaning up litter and maintaining the pond behind the cafeteria for our duck houses, this dedicated group is turning compassion into action through regular service. Students can join the mission through the Schoology group and membership form, and donations of gardening tools, grabbers, and pet supplies are always welcome to help keep the work going strong!

Thanks for being part of our incredible community; together, we’re not just finishing strong, we’re schooling it every step of the way!

Kambar

#StandingStrongFor20Years!

SCHS Leadership is planning for an International Teacher Appreciation for our amazing staff! We would love some community help to make this a success. There are a couple ways you can help:

On Monday we are starting the week with grab & go "Carry-On" bags. If you would like to contribute to this there is an amazon wish list and all items will be sent to South County

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/20E3J8Y0703UA...

On Tuesday we are hosting an International Food Festival in the lobby for the staff. We are hoping our clubs and families will share their culture with the staff. If you would like to bring in a food or drink sample, please sign up on the SUG below. We do not need large samples--think costco sample sizes (we can cut items for you if needed)

https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C094CA9AA2FA0FD0...

Every year the leadership students and families create raffle baskets for our staff members. We typically have about 18 to raffle but we would love to raffle more! If you would like to contribute a basket to raffle along with our, it would be greatly appreciated!

https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C094CA9AA2FA0FD0...

National Library Week

We are excited to announce that National Library Week is just around the corner, running from April 19th through April 25th. This year's theme, "Find Your Joy," highlights the pivotal role our library plays in fueling student curiosity and connecting them to the tools they need to succeed.

At South County High School, our library is more than just a room full of books—it’s a dynamic hub for innovation, research, and community.

Resources & Programs Available to Students

Our library program is designed to support both academic excellence and personal growth. Here is a look at what our Stallions have access to every day:

• Digital & Print Collections: Beyond our extensive physical book collection, students have 24/7 access to eBooks and databases for academic and personal use.
• Research & Literacy Support: Our librarians collaborate with classroom teachers across content areas on projects, helping students navigate academic integrity and find credible sources.
• Community Service: The library facilities a community service project for students to make and donate pet blankets to the local Lorton Animal Shelter (almost 100 so far this year!).

How You Can Help

The best way to support your student during National Library Week is to encourage them to visit the library before school, during their lunch, or Stallion Time. Whether they are looking for a quiet place to study or their next favorite novel, they can find it at the library!

We are so proud of the vibrant reading culture here at South County. Thank you for your continued support in making our library the heart of the school!

Parents – WE NEED YOU!!! - AP Testing Parent Volunteers

The Testing Office is in need of parent volunteers to help support Advanced Placement (AP) Testing from May 4 through May 15.  Volunteers would support the Student Services staff in checking in students, distributing tests, and supporting test security during the exams.  To avoid conflicts of interest, we ask that parents do not volunteer during their own student’s exam.  Please go to the Sign-Up Genius linked below to volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4FABA82FA0FE3-63591253-aptesting

Note: Per FCPS Policy, all volunteers must create a profile through the Volunteeer FCPS Portal as a level 1 volunteer. This must be completed at least 24 hours before your first volunteer assignment.