Message from Dr. Khoshaba

Greetings, SoCo families!

This is our first back-to-school newsletter for the 2025-26 school year, and I’m thrilled to kick off another year with our amazing Stallions! There’s an unmistakable buzz in the air as we gear up for a fresh chapter of learning, growth, and SoCo pride.

Our theme this year is Standing Strong for 20 years, a rallying cry that recognizes our 20^th anniversary of having a strong connection between our community and student body. It represents our school community’s commitment to perseverance and giving 100% effort to reaching our goals. Let’s show the world that Stallions Stand Strong in all that we do!

Important Dates:

• August 14 at 1:00pm – Stallion Stampede (Open House): Freshmen orientation will occur in the auditorium (enter through door 15). At 2:00pm, enjoy a self-guided tour of classrooms and visit the Auxiliary gym (The Bubble) to check out the many clubs available this year.
• Official student schedules will be available in SIS ParentVUE on the morning of August 14.
• August 18 – First Day of School! The Senior Sunrise will take place at the stadium at 5:30am. Remember Seniors, it’s the last “first day” of high school that you’ll ever have, so please plan to attend. Doors open for students at 7:30 am, and class begins at 8:10 am. Students will start in 1st period – and yes, I can’t wait to see everyone’s bright, smiling faces!
• September 3 – Back-to-School Night: 6:00-7:30 pm

Logistical Information:

School Calendar: The FCPS 2025-26 school calendar is available online.

• Student Laptops: Students will pick up their laptops during the first week of school.
• Lockers will be provided for all 9^th grade students. The locker number and combination will be available in SIS. All other students will need to request a locker, and the request form will be available after the start of school.
• For students interested in painting their parking space, please be sure to have a valid SoCo parking pass, pay the deposit, and complete the application before painting. Parking space information will be made available on the website beginning August 11, 2025.

Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE

• Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the main office at 703-446-1600 if you need a code. 
• Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 
• Need help creating an account? This videowalks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. 

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

• Several immunizationsare required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 
• All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations before the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria, the Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age seven or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• Parents/guardians may choose for their child to not receive the HPV vaccination. Documentation is not required to opt out of the HPV vaccination.
• All students entering 12th grade are required to receive one dose of the MenACWY vaccine before the beginning of school.
• To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. 
• As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. 

Where to Receive Immunizations

• If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
• Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinicsoffer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, or need a booster.
• FCHD offers limited walk-in hoursfor immunization services on a first-come first served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
• Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment. 
• Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.

Building Belonging

One of our major goals this year is for every student to feel a sense of belonging at SoCo. To do this, we encourage every student to join at least one club, sport, or music program – it’s the best way to expand their circle of friends and discover passions that make school exciting. After all, a connected Stallion is a successful Stallion! Check out your opportunities by going to our website: https://southcountyhs.fcps.edu/student-life-and-activities

Stallion Send-Off

One of my personal goals is to become more familiar with Artificial Intelligence (AI) this year. In an effort I started last year, I will provide a verbal recording of this newsletter for those who prefer to listen while they drive – your safety and convenience matter to me!

Let’s make this year unforgettable, Stallions! Let’s Stand Strong and show everyone what SoCo spirit is all about!

Have a great weekend!

Kambar

S.Kambar Khoshaba, Principal

#StandingStrongFor20Years

South County High School Athletic Booster

We’re excited to announce the official launch of the new South County High School Athletic Booster Club website: