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Important Dates:

• Apr 27- 7:00pm (Auditorium)- Partners for Safe Teen Driving
• Apr 28- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• May 2- School Lunch Hero Day
• May 4-8- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
• May 6- National School Nurse Day
• May 8- School Communicators Day
• May 25- Memorial Day (No School)
• May 26- Teacher Work Day (No School for students)
• May 27- Eid al-Adha
• 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

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,

Before diving into this week’s updates, I want to share a moment that truly reflects what it means to be a Stallion. One of the highlights of my day is spending time in the cafeteria, connecting with students and hearing about what’s on their minds. This week, I had a meaningful conversation with three students about the new cell phone legislation set to begin on July 1, 2026 (more on that below). What stood out wasn’t just the topic itself, but the honesty, thoughtfulness, and mutual respect in how we discussed what it means for our school and how we will grow together as a community. I walked away from that conversation incredibly proud; moments like these are a powerful reminder of why South County is such a special place. Now, on to this week’s reflections … 

Student and Staff Belonging

Cheers to 20 Years of SoCo Excellence

SoCo is excited to celebrate 20 incredible years of Stallion pride on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 PM! This milestone event will honor the legacy, achievements, and strong sense of community that have made SoCo such a special place over the past two decades. Please mark your calendars and get ready to join us as we celebrate what it truly means to be South County Stallions. Please plan to meet our student ambassadors at Door 12 for a guided building tour, along with several other celebratory activities.

Choice, Voice, and Stallion Connection

During Advisory Choice Day, students had the opportunity to select an activity that sparked their interest, from games and creative projects to friendly competitions. The energy across the building was electric as students connected with peers beyond their usual circles, building new friendships and strengthening existing ones. It was a powerful reminder that when students have voice and choice, our Stallion community grows even stronger together.

Drumroll to the Podium: A Bronze-Worthy Performance:

Last weekend, the South County Combined Drumline earned a bronze medal at the Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio with a score of 91.538—marking the first time the ensemble has medaled at this prestigious event and only the third FCPS group to do so. Comprised of students from South County, Hayfield, and West Potomac, this talented group has been perfecting their show, “Redacted,” since just before Thanksgiving, captivating audiences with its creative theme of obscured and disappearing elements. Under the direction of Grant Butters, and with the dedicated support of staff members Merold Saffa, Holden Brettell, Will Egger, Raatib Rahman, and Charlie Gorham, their hard work truly paid off on the world stage. Take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement and check out their final performance here. Please take a second to celebrate this awesome group of students and check out their final performance here.

High Quality Instruction

I had the pleasure of observing Mr. Hockenbury Anatomy class this week. He is a fantastic example of a teacher who puts student’s needs first by offering different ways to learn. By connecting the heart dissection lab to previous lessons on the brain and eyes, he helped students see the "big picture" and build confidence as they tackled new, hands-on challenges. The classroom was full of energy as students worked in small teams, learning how to communicate and solve problems together while exploring science in action. Throughout the lesson, Mr. Hockenbury moved around the room to offer constant encouragement and helpful tips, ensuring every student feels supported and successful. We are very fortunate to have such a talented teacher as Mr. Hockenbury at SoCo!

School Culture:

New State Guidance on Cell Phone Use: Preparing for Senate Bill 108

Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia Senate Bill 108 will require schools across the Commonwealth to enforce a consistent standard: students may not have cell phones in their possession or use them at any point during the school day, including in hallways and the cafeteria. In the meantime, we will continue to enforce our current FCPS cell phone policy—phones must be off and away during class and in transition between classes, and any student using a phone during these times will have it confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

Our goal is to approach this transition with clarity, consistency, and a shared commitment to maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment. We appreciate your partnership in helping students understand these expectations and avoid unnecessary consequences as we prepare for full implementation next school year.

An Evening of Expression: Art Gala Returns

Join us next Thursday for South County’s 3rd Annual Art Gala on April 30 from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Main Lobby and Library, an evening dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talent of our students. This free event is open to all, with the Kona Ice Truck on site along with popcorn and sweet treats to enjoy as you explore our students’ incredible work. Dress to impress and come experience a night that showcases the true artistry of our Stallion community!

A Night to Remember: Prom 2026

Prom is just around the corner on May 2, and excitement is building for one of the most memorable nights of the year. Tickets are currently on sale during all lunches; be sure to grab yours and secure your spot on the dance floor. Get ready to dress your best, celebrate with friends, and make memories that will last long after the music fades! For more information about Prom, click here.

Coach's Corner

As testing periods approach, our focus is on effective strategies for preparing for tests and projects. You can support your student at home by helping them create a study schedule, reviewing materials together, and encouraging them to seek clarification from teachers when needed. Emphasize that assessments are opportunities to demonstrate learning, not just a measure of intelligence, fostering a positive approach to evaluation.

Have a fantastic weekend!

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...

Spring SOL Testing Schedule

Spring SOL testing at South County High School begins in late April and continues through May.

Parents and students should review the full schedule for specific dates regarding English, Science, Math, and History exams, as well as information on modified bell schedules and laptop requirements.

For the complete 2026 testing calendar and detailed instructions, please click the link below:

South County HS SOL Testing Schedule & Information

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.