Weekly News From South County High School
Weekly News From South County High School

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20

memorial

May 25- Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.


calendar

May 26- Teacher Work Day

Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.


Eid

May 27- Eid al-Adha Holiday

Eid al-Adha begins at sundown on Thursday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha and schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.


Important Dates:


  • May 25- Memorial Day (No School)
  • May 26- Teacher Work Day (No School for students)
  • May 27- Eid al-Adha (No School)
  • Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena
  • Jun 17- Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)
  • Jun 18- Teacher work Day
  • Jun 19- Juneteenth 


ATTENDANCE


SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26



  • 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 Phone Line
A-Dh southcountyhs.attendanceA-Dh@fcps.edu 703-446-1890
Di-K southcountyhs.attendanceDi-K@fcps.edu 703-446-1891
L-Raj southcountyhs.attendanceL-Raj@fcps.edu 703-446-1892
Rak-Z southcountyhs.attendanceRak-Z@fcps.edu 703-446-1893


Message from Dr. Khoshaba


Greetings SoCo families,

Before sharing this week’s updates, I want to highlight two moments that remind me why I am so proud to be a Stallion.

At our recent Principal Feedback Forum, Rebecca Johnson demonstrated tremendous maturity by encouraging her fellow club members to focus on having an “internal locus of control,” a concept she learned in Psychology class. As Rebecca explained it, this mindset helps us focus on what we can impact rather than what we cannot. Her thoughtful leadership was inspiring to everyone in the room.

I also want to recognize Caleb Hicks, who recently took the time to express gratitude to a staff member for the positive impact they have had on his school experience. His encouragement came at exactly the right moment and served as a powerful reminder of how much our words can mean to others.

These are just two examples of the character, empathy, and leadership that make Stallion Nation so special. Now, on to this week’s reflections … 

High Quality Instruction

A special shoutout goes to Melanie Cameron and her students for bringing The Great Gatsby to life in such a creative and engaging way. Students selected characters from the novel and designed food items, playlists, and props that reflected their character’s personality, motivations, and role in the story. What made the experience especially impressive was not just the creativity on display, but the students’ ability to clearly explain the rationale behind each choice and connect it back to themes and details from the text. It was a fantastic example of students moving beyond simple comprehension and demonstrating deeper analysis, communication, and ownership of their learning.

Students celebration

School Culture

Stallions Find the Back of the Net

Congratulations to our Boys Soccer team for defeating Robinson 2–1 and claiming the Patriot District Championship! The Stallions showed tremendous grit, teamwork, and composure under pressure, controlling the pace of the match when it mattered most and capitalizing on their opportunities like a championship-caliber squad. Just as great teams know how to finish in the final moments, our players delivered when the stakes were highest and brought home another title for Stallion Nation.

A Noteworthy Performance

Congratulations to our Orchestra students and Director Marci Swift for an outstanding Senior Solo Showcase and Spring Pops Concert! Much like a talented orchestra blending individual instruments into one beautiful performance, our students showcased both personal excellence and the power of working together in harmony. From impressive solo performances to the energy and artistry of the full ensemble, it was truly a “noteworthy” evening for Stallion Nation.

Stay in the Loop

As we approach the end of the school year and begin preparing for next year, we encourage all families to regularly check our website for the latest updates and important information. From graduation details to parking pass sales and other key announcements, our website remains the best source for staying informed. Be sure to visit: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/

 

Have a great holiday weekend!   

Soccer

 

Kambar

#StandingStrongFor20Years!



Medicine pick up

 

This is just a reminder to parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time (10:00am) on the last day of school (6/17/26). Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. 

We advise that those with diabetic or seizure emergency medications wait until your students' last day of school to pick up their medications in case of an emergency as we do not have back-ups available. 

Parents are welcome to pick up other medications prior to 6/17/26, especially senior parents.

Students cannot pick up these medications themselves. 



Kiss a senior goodbye

 

Want to send your SENIOR off with a special treat before graduation? Leadership is taking orders for their annual “Kiss A Senior Goodbye” fundraiser.  All treats will be placed on the student’s seat at graduation rehearsal on June 2nd or June 4th

The treats are a bag of Hershey kisses and a personal note from their family, friends or loved ones. ALL orders MUST be placed by June 1. ONLY orders placed by Friday May 29 will be guaranteed delivery on June 2.

Here is how to order:

  1. Place your order using this MSB link: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZQWBKS04NJ8_ZZ6710Y44IQPVL0
  2. Complete this google form.  This MUST be completed so we know the student in which the treat is being delivered as well as collect your personal note. https://forms.gle/4wGvnfug1672gqnc7

class of 2026


Class of 2026 Families



As we head into the last few weeks before graduation on June 5, we want to share important information and reminders.

Senior Fees and Obligations

The senior fee of $100.00 is due no later than June 3, 2026. The preferred method of payment for Senior Fees is MySchoolBucks (MSB). The Senior Fee product is available in the MSB School Store. However, MSB closes for seniors on May 29.  After this, all payments must be paid in cash. No checks are accepted at this time.

If your senior has any obligations remaining, these will need to be paid before they receive their cap and gown. If you are unsure if they have any obligations, have them check in with finance in the main office.

End-of-Year Schedule

The full end-of-year schedule can be found on our website. Please take note of the following events for Seniors:

  • June 2 10:00-12:00 Required Graduation Rehearsal No. 1 -- cap & gown  distribution ONLY if no debt. The rehearsal will be in the Bubble at South County.
  • June 3 Senior Class Trip to Kings Dominion
  • June 4 8:30 Senior Awards
  • 10:00-12:00 Required Graduation Rehearsal No. 2 The rehearsal will be in the Bubble at South County.
  • Senior Sunset at 7:30 PM

Graduation Details

Graduation is on Friday, June 5 at 2:00 pm at the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University. Seniors are expected to report to the loading dock no later than 1 pm. Seniors will go through OpenGate screeners and be searched for prohibited items, including cell phones and other objects. If prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated by our security personnel, and students may pick them up after the ceremony upstairs.

The doors for guests will open at 1:00 pm, and the ceremony is expected to last two hours. Families will be able to meet their graduates outside the North entrance of EagleBank Arena.

Attire

FCPS does not allow the wearing of cords or stoles other than those distributed by the school. In addition, cap decorating is allowed, using the given guidelines. If students arrive in an inappropriately decorated cap, they will be given a plain one to wear for the ceremony.(SOCO Cap Decoration Guidance)

EagleBank Arena

EagleBank Arena has very strict bag policies which are outlined on their website here: Arena Policies. Some of the restrictions that are new this year include:

  • All guests and their belongings are subject to search prior to entry
  • Clear bag policy states the bag must not exceed 12”x12”x6”
  • No gift bags with presents are allowed
  • Flowers are allowed as long as they are not in glass vases
  • Clutch Style Bag or Purse:
    • Non-clear clutch style bag or purse must not exceed 5”x7”
    • Small Medical and/or Parenting Bags are allowed

All guests will be required to go through OpenGate screening upon entering the Arena. In addition, the following items are prohibited:  inflatable or other balls; air horns or other noisemakers; balloons; weapons of any kind; outside food or beverages; laser pointers; flags, banners, or signs that obstruct views; poles or sticks of any size, with the exception of any medical aids. EagleBank Arena reserves the right to prohibit any additional items deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate.

ASL Interpretation

If you or a family member will need ASL interpretation at Graduation, please email Sam Gero.

All-Night Grad Party and Yard Signs

The All-Night Grad Party and senior yard signs are handled by the South County PTSO. You can find specific information on their website.

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful accomplishment. If you have any questions, please reach out to your senior’s subschool or to Ms. Beskenis, Senior Class Administrator.



Technology Collection for Seniors



Tech return for seniors begins May 29th. All seniors must return their school-issued laptops and chargers in order to receive their cap & gown at graduation rehearsal on June 2nd. The laptop & charger must be clean and undamaged, with stickers, dirt, and other markings removed. If necessary, please pay any fees for lost or damaged items in the main office.

Fees associated with missing or damaged technology:

  • Replacement charger- $28
  • Replacement laptop- $605
  • Defaced top cover - $30
  • Defaced palmrest/keyboard - $52

Senior tech return dates/times:

  • Friday 5/29- LIBRARY
    • During Period 1 English 12 classes
    • During Period 3 English 12 classes
    • After senior early release (11:20-11:50 am)
  • Monday 6/1- LIBRARY
    • During Period 2 English 12 classes
    • During Period 4 Advisory classes
  • Tuesday 6/2- LIBRARY
    • As needed, but preferably BEFORE grad rehearsal at 10am
    • NOTE: There is no school for seniors on 6/2. If your student still needs to return a laptop, they can come into the library, return their laptop, attend grad rehearsal, and then leave the building

If your student has questions prior to tech collection, they should visit the tech office during 5th or 6th period.



Rising 9th Grade



Know a rising 9th grade student who is interested in STEM? Please share this with them! 

Save the date, July 27-29th, 2026.  Get a head start on high school success with our Freshman STEM Jumpstart Summer Program! Dive into hands-on projects, connect with future classmates, and explore exciting fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Build confidence, develop essential skills, and ensure a smooth, confident transition into your freshman year.  For more information or to register, please see the flyer or email Mrs. Day Javkhlan, Dean of Students. aadayjavkhla@fcps.edu

9th grader


Important Graduation Information | Victor O'Neill Studios



Congratulations on the upcoming Class of 2026 Graduation! This is such a significant milestone for your student and your family. Victor O’Neill Studios is honored to help capture these lifelong memories.
To view and order professional portraits, Victor O’Neill Studios has created a dedicated QR code for your event. Simply scan the code below to be taken directly to the graduation gallery.

wr code

We are excited to celebrate the South County High School Class of 2026



Celebrate Asian Night at South County High School



Join us for an unforgettable evening as South County students host a vibrant Night Market celebrating Asian culture! This event is open to everyone in the community and promises a night filled with immersive experiences.