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Hello Mustangs,

We have wrapped up our fourth week of school, and a lot has happened. Our students have met their counselor through their Social Studies classes, participated in an ice cream social if they completed the summer reading challenge, learned about the After-School Program (starts 9/16/24), obtained information about the School Musical Interest Meeting, and so much more! Additionally, next week marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15- October 15). As always, please contact us to share any feedback, questions, or concerns. Enjoy the weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School

UPCOMING DATES

September 25-26 - Picture Days

October 8 - Information Session for TJHSST

October 11 - Bingo Night, Sponsored by the PTSO

October 23 - PTSO General Membership Meeting

Fall Immunization Clinic at South County Middle School 

South County Middle School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on October 9, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at South County Middle School may participate in the clinic.

The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic: 

• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine. 

If you  would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide: 

• Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.

• A copy of their immunization records (if available).
• A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required. 

Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by October 2, 2024 in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Ms. Faustina Sarpong at [email protected] with any immunization questions. 

Spirit Wear  

The link will be available until September 19

South County Middle School PTSO Spirit Wear

 

 

School Year Fundraiser Schedule Changes

We’ve had an incredible start to the school year, and it's hard to believe how quickly these first four weeks have flown by! We are incredibly proud of how smoothly our students have settled into their routines and how eager they are to engage and learn each day. Their enthusiasm and perseverance are truly remarkable!

At this point, we are no longer accepting schedule change requests. We believe in the importance of helping students grow and thrive in the environments they've been placed. Our focus now is on supporting them as they continue to bloom where they’ve been planted, encouraging them to make the most of every opportunity in their current classes.

Your Student Services Team

Parental Digital Consent (PDC)

Paper forms and manual processing are things of the past! Families can now provide parent consent directly and easily online, and school staff can efficiently manage and track these consents digitally in the new Parent Digital Consent system. It also supports multiple language translations to ensure accessibility for families.

Directions on how families can access the PDC are available on the public website, along with step-by-step instructional videos in multiple languages. 

Notification of Registration Opportunity World Language Credit By Exam(WLCBE)

In response to the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of our community, students in grades 7-12 are offered the opportunity to take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE) each fall. The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS, and fulfill the world languages requirements for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy: Seal of Biliteracy | Virginia Department of Education

The exam is offered in the fall each school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 and 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to listen, read, speak, write/type, and/or sign/interpret for ASL. For more information on how to prepare for the exam and scoring criteria you may visit our website: World Languages Credit By Exam | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu). Please complete and submit the form hyperlinked below to your student’s counselor by October 4th. Hard copies of the registration form are available in Student Services. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please contact your student’s counselor with any questions.

World Language Credit By Exam (WLCBE) Notification and Registration Form | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)

Picture Day

Picture Day is Coming - Picture Day is coming! It will be held on September 25th & 26th during PE periods in the Lecture Hall.  Get ready to say “cheese” and don’t forget – please don’t wear green.

Beauty and the Beast Musical

There will be an interest meeting on Sept 17th for any student interested in participating (acting or tech team) for Beauty and the Beast production.  The Auditions are September 25th. 

Students can pick up the forms for auditioning and being a part of tech team outside Room A174

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.

 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. 

The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Caregiver Checklist
• New Food Options at FCPS
• Early Release Mondays at Elementary Schools

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079  | Main Office: 703-690-5500
Attendance: 703-690-5555 | Web

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Hello Mustangs,

The SCMS After School Program will begin on Monday September 16th. The ASP schedule will be available on the SCMS website on Wednesday September 11th. On September 11th & 12th, I will be providing an after-school presentation about Club offerings during student lunches. I will be there to answer any student questions. ALL STUDENTS must have an SCMS After School Program Registration Form on file. This form is available on the website as well. The registration form just doesn’t apply to students staying for Clubs/after school activities, also includes band, orchestra, chorus, theatre, middles school sports,  and staying with teachers for academic support. If your child doesn’t have a registration form on file, they will not be permitted to stay after.

Parents, please check parent view in SIS for your child’s late bus information. There are only six late buses. Your child’s stop maybe different then their traditional stop. In SIS, your child’s late bus will be labeled SNLR-#. If your child’s late bus isn’t listed, it’s possible they are considered a walker. We recommend you contact FCPS Transportation to resolve any issues.

Students are permitted to stay after for as many ASP Clubs/activities that fit their individual schedule. There is no cost to the after-school program. Students should report directly to the cafeteria after the 2:10 PM school bell. They will receive a snack and Club sponsors/teachers will pick students up at 2:30 PM to escort them to their program space.

Attendance will be taken once students are in their program space. We offer a two-block system. 1st block 2:30pm – 3:30pm, 2nd block 3:30pm – 4:40pm, some activities are 2:30pm – 4:40-pm. At the end of the 2nd block, students that are taking a late bus report to the main gym for bus dismissal. Students that are getting picked up in our Kiss & Ride will exist the building through door 1. If you child leaves the after school program early or at the end of the 1st block, they are required to sign out in the main office.  

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Chris Woodby, [email protected] 

South County Middle School After School Specialist

8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079  | Main Office: 703-690-5500
Attendance: 703-690-5555 | Web

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Hello Mustangs,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Back to School Night (BTSN) last night. We had a phenomenal time, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Additionally, it is an exciting time to be a South County Mustang. We are looking for your input in a continued effort to have a strong identity within our community. We are currently working with an organization to assist us with branding. Therefore, please use the link below to answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Thank you, as always, for your partnership, and please contact us to share any feedback, questions, or concerns. Enjoy your weekend, and we look forward to seeing your student on Monday.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SouthCountyMS

Justin Simmons | Principal | South County Middle School

UPCOMING DATES

September 17 - Interest meeting for Beauty and the Beast Musical

September 25 - Auditions for Beauty and the Beast

September 25-26 - Picture Days

October 8 - Information Session for TJHSST

October 11 - Bingo Night, Sponsored by the PTSO

October 23 - PTSO General Membership Meeting

Beauty and the Beast Musical

There will be an interest meeting on Sept 17th for any student interested in participating (acting or tech team) for Beauty and the Beast production.  The Auditions are September 25th. 

Students can pick up the forms for auditioning and being a part of tech team outside Room A174.  

If you have any questions please contact, Ms. Israel, [email protected] 

Picture Day is Coming

Picture Day is coming! It will be held on September 25th & 26th during PE periods in the Lecture Hall.  Get ready to say “cheese” and don’t forget – please don’t wear green.

Mustang Market 

This year, we launched the Mustang Market, which provides food and school supplies to support students in need. If you'd like to donate or if your student could benefit from the Mustang Market, complete the following form.

Mustang Market

PTSO Spirit Wear

 

The online spirit wear shop is up and running.  The link will be available until September 19

 

https://designer-t-s-371a5b.printavo.com/merch/south-count-middle-school-spirit-wear

NOTIFICATION OF REGISTRATION OPPORTUNITY WORLD LANGUAGES CREDIT BY EXAM (WLCBE)

Dear Parents and Guardians:

In response to the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of our community, students in grades 7-12 are offered the opportunity to take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE) each fall. The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS, and fulfill the world languages requirements for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy: Seal of Biliteracy | Virginia Department of Education

The exam is offered in the fall each school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 and 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to listen, read, speak, write/type, and/or sign/interpret for ASL. For more information on how to prepare for the exam and scoring criteria you may visit our website: World Languages Credit By Exam | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu). Please complete and submit the form hyperlinked below to your student’s counselor by October 4th. Hard copies of the registration form are available in Student Services. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please contact your student’s counselor with any questions.

World Language Credit By Exam (WLCBE) Notification and Registration Form | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)

The fall window for Full-time AAP Referrals Closes on October 15, 2024.

 Parents/guardians of students in seventh or eighth grade who meet the requirements listed below and would like their student considered for full-time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time (Level IV) Referral Form to our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Dana Gorman ([email protected]), no later than October 15, 2024. 

Requirements for Fall AAP Screening:

• Students new to FCPS schools as of January 1, 2024 - October 15, 2024
• A family enrolling in one of FCPS schools for the first time
• A family re-enrolling a child in FCPS schools after being gone last school year (regardless of where they lived)
• A child who was enrolled in FCPS in Kindergarten - 3rd grade left and re-enrolled in FCPS schools in 7th grade.

 Forms for full-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Yearbook & Photo Share

Use this link to order your Yearbook

Here is the link if you would like to share photos throughout the year to be in the yearbook.  The Photo Share site for our school: https://photos.jostens.com/4Q2798. 

Cell Phones Reminder

On September 9th, we will implement FCPS’ progressive discipline for students who violate the cell phone policy.

You will receive an email from our admin team if your student does not abide by the cell phone policy.

 

First Violation 

• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day. A parent/guardian is notified.
• Discipline: the student receives a warning and it is logged in SIS.

Second Violation

• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day. A parent/guardian is notified.
• Discipline: the student receives detention and it is logged in SIS.

Third Violation

• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office. A parent/guardian is notified.  A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone is not released to the student. 
• Discipline: the student receives detention, a parent/guardian conference is held, and it is documented in SIS. 

Fourth Violation (and all other subsequent violations)

• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office.  A parent/guardian is notified.  A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone is not released to the student. 
• Discipline: phone privileges are lost for 20 consecutive school days and it is logged in SIS.  For each of these 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.

Food for Neighbors

Our school is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger. Food For Neighbors is a local organization addressing this problem by collecting food from our community via the Red Bag Program and donating directly to our local schools. The food is then distributed to the students every week through our food pantry. We hope you will consider participating in the Red Bag food collection program. You can make a difference in a local student’s life by simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart every two months. Here’s how it works: 1. Request a reusable Red Bag here and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house. 2. Fill the Red Bag with food items that are listed on a tag on that bag. 3. Put the Red Bag outside your front door in the morning on the next bag collection day. Collection dates are also listed on the bag tag. And don’t worry, FFN will send reminders. Your Red Bag will be picked up from your house, the food sorted at a local school and delivered directly to our school food pantry. As an added benefit, you can get a tax deduction for the food that you donate! With your help, even more kids can be fed. For more information on the Red Bag program click here . Check out what items FFN collects as they are targeted to ready-made, individually packaged food items that students and teens can eat on-the-go or with little preparation. As we partner with FFN, other critical volunteer opportunities include: Driving to pick up filled Red Bags and Sorting the donated food during the Red Bag Day events. Visit the FFN FAQ page to find out more and to sign up to volunteer in these two very important roles. These are great opportunities for our students to receive volunteer service hours, too. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our School Social Worker or Family Liaison or Lisa Dean [email protected] Thanks for helping us provide food to students who need that extra support! Hunger Is Closer Than You Think

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) 

The Fairfax County Police Department is coming to present Hidden In Plain Sight (HIPS), a presentation with the most current products on the market for hiding substance related paraphernalia, common hiding places in teen bedrooms, and information regarding youth substance use trends in our area. The event will occur on Monday, September 30th from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at South County High School in the Silverbox Theatre. Here is the link for the sign-up genius to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/schships24

Hiding In Plain Site

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

If you prefer to have an abbreviated way to share district news, consider sharing the language below in your newsletter. Please edit the list of topics to best fit the needs of your community.

FCPS News In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Immunization Reminder
• Make Attendance a Priority
• How Is FCPS’ Redesigned Website Working for You?

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079  | Main Office: 703-690-5500
Attendance: 703-690-5555 | Web