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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday- 01/19/26
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
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Important Dates:
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Jan 19- Orthodox Epiphany
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Jan 19- Martin Luther King Day- Holiday
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Jan 28- Quarter End/Early Release
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Feb12- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
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Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
- Jun 5- 2:00pm- Class of 2026 Graduation- Eagle Arena
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2025-26
Report a Full-Day Absence-The fastest way is to use ParentVUE.
Alternative Methods
Required Details
Provide the student's full name, ID, and date(s) of absence, along with your name, relationship, and contact number, and the specific reason. (Student-reported absences will not be excused.)
Key Reminders
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings, SoCo family,
Even though the temperatures outside have taken a sharp turn toward winter, the feeling inside South County High School couldn’t be warmer. On these cold days, it’s the pride we have in our students, the dedication of our staff, and the camaraderie we share as a Stallion community that truly keeps us going. No matter what the forecast brings, SoCo continues to shine with connection, kindness, and school spirit. Now, onto this week’s reflections …
Student and Staff Belonging
This week, I had the privilege of meeting with our Principal Advisory Council, and I couldn’t be prouder of our Stallions. More than 50 students filed into the auditorium, bringing incredible energy, thoughtful perspectives, and honest feedback as we talked about everything from AI and grading practices to the introduction of our pending Students vs. Faculty Basketball game coming up in March 2026. Their voices were more than comments: they were a compass, guiding our next steps and helping us see our school through a clearer lens. I’m grateful for the maturity and care our students showed as they spoke up, listened to one another, and helped shape the SoCo experience for everyone.
High Quality Instruction
During my recent visit to Mr. Sylor’s Science classroom, it was easy to see why students feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely excited to learn. He creates a welcoming environment, connects with students through humor and encouragement, and explains challenging concepts in creative, relatable ways. Students were fully engaged in a hands-on lab and had multiple opportunities to share their thinking; not just the ones who always raise their hands. Simply put, Mr. Sylor’s teaching is the perfect formula for learning; it’s no wonder his class has such great chemistry!
School Culture:
Polishing Our Stallion Pride: PBIS in Action
Over the next three months, our staff will be participating in training for Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which will strengthen the upbeat and supportive environment we work hard to create every day at SoCo. While relationship-building is already one of our greatest strengths, this training will help us add even more consistency and shared language across classrooms; like putting a fresh coat of shine on something that already looks great. Simply put, it’s another way we’ll continue making SoCo a place where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.
Nothing But Net (and Heart)
Our Varsity Girls Basketball team put on an incredible performance against West Springfield, outplaying their opponent from start to finish on their way to a dominant 40-point victory. Their teamwork was truly second to none, and their relentless effort was the definition of a strong work ethic. From lockdown defense to unselfish passes and confident finishes, they played with unity every minute on the court. They weren’t just playing basketball; they were a well-oiled machine, turning hustle into highlights and teamwork into a huge win.
Chatbots & Check-Ins: Keeping Kids Safe in the AI Age
Common Sense Media’s 2025 report explains that AI companions (chatbots designed to feel like digital friends) are becoming increasingly common for teens, who use them for entertainment, curiosity, advice, and sometimes emotional support. While these tools may seem helpful, the report raises concerns about teens sharing personal information, forming strong emotional connections, and sometimes turning to AI instead of trusted people in their lives. Because safety protections and age safeguards are still limited, the report recommends that AI companions are not appropriate for users under 18 at this time. As a parent, one of the most important steps you can take is to talk openly with your teen about whether they’re using AI companions, why they’re using them, and how it’s affecting their emotions and relationships. I also encourage families to set clear expectations and boundaries for technology use at home while continuing to prioritize real-world friendships, healthy coping strategies, and face-to-face communication. You can read the full report here.
Coach's Corner
We're taking time to celebrate student achievements and hard work throughout the year, fostering a positive school environment. At home, please join us in recognizing your student's growth, efforts, and successes, both big and small. Acknowledging their journey and progress reinforces their self-worth and encourages them to continue striving for excellence, connecting their school triumphs with your pride at home.
Club Corner
The Middle Eastern & North African (MENA) Club is a welcoming space for students to celebrate culture, build community, and share traditions from across the MENA region. Members participate in activities such as Dabke dance, potluck food events, movie and picnic days, cultural workshops, and representing Palestine in International Night. Founded in 2019 as the first MENA club in the area, it has inspired other schools to form their own. MENA continues to promote unity, cultural pride, and involvement throughout the school community. For more information please contact our sponsors, Mrs. Wakim at kmwakim@fcps.edu or Mrs. Elhassan at saelhassan@fcps.edu.
Keep in Mind …
As we head into the weekend and prepare to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, I hope we each take time to reflect on his message of courage, service, and respect for all people. His legacy reminds us that real change begins with everyday choices: how we treat others, include those who feel unseen, and stand up for what’s right. I’m proud of the way our Stallions continue building a community rooted in belonging, kindness, and purpose.
It’s been a great week, Stallions; enjoy a well-deserved and LONG weekend, and remember: when we lead with kindness and purpose, we’re not just SoCo… we’re SoCool!
 Kambar
#StandingStrongFor20Years!
College Partnership Program
College Partnership Program (CPP)
The College Partnership Program focuses on closing the opportunity gap by preparing students for college readiness and success through academic advising, college visits, family engagement and preparation beyond high school. CPP’s goal is to ensure that students capable of completing a college preparatory path will: succeed in rigorous curriculum, actively participate in the school community, enroll in a four-year college or another post-secondary program, and become responsible participants and leaders of society.
Would you benefit from the following elements?
- Attending monthly meetings during Stallion Time to learn about colleges, careers, and a variety of pathways to postsecondary success
- Going on field trips to visit colleges and universities
- Getting and staying motivated to succeed in school
Do you fit into ONE or more of the following categories?
- First in your family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
- Need financial support to attend college
- Current GPA of 2.5 or above
- Determined to go to college
- Willing to take some advanced courses and put in the necessary work
- Good attendance record
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, then CPP might be for you!
Additional information about CPP is on the FCPS website, and students with questions are encouraged to speak with their school counselors or one of the South County program advocates: Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Mims, Mrs. Straughn, and Ms. Biehl.
Students must be logged into their fcpsschools accounts to use this link and access the application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 on February 20th.
Science Fair
The Science Fair is coming to South County HS and we need judges! If you are available from 3:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 and are interested in judging, please fill out this Google form. Judges do not need science experience but should be able to give students feedback about their presentation, communication, and clarity of their experiment. We will be providing dinner to judges on the day of the Science Fair. If you have any questions, please email Maerna McClinton at mkmcclinton@fcps.edu.
All Current 10th grade HPE students are required to attend one of the 4 scheduled PSTD (Partners for Safe Teen Driving) sessions held here at South County. This is part of the completion of the classroom portion of the Drivers Education curriculum in 10th grade HPE.
Students and a parent/guardian are required to attend one of the 90 minute session on one of the 4 evenings.
Sessions begin promptly at 7:00 pm in the auditorium- doors will close at that time with no late admittance.
PSTD Dates:
- February 12, 2026
- April 27, 2026
South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is offering Student Scholarships for college and trade school students.
Please apply using the link: Student Scholarship: https://forms.gle/QrV2v89EFMQVLqEB7
ATHLETICS CORNER
South County High School Athletic Booster
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