Issue 3, Food Fight Story Clarification

In regard to the ‘Food Fights Become Common Place’ article from page 2 of the December issue of The Courier, the newspaper wishes to clarify that there have been two incidents of food fights that have occurred in the cafeteria this year. One occurred on November 17 and four students were held accountable for the incident.  The other incident occurred on November 21 and no students were identified in the incident.  No other food fights have occurred in the cafeteria this school year. Students who participate in food fights receive a five day out of school suspension according the Unified Disciplinary Plan outlined in the South County Student Planner and Handbook. Throwing of food is a separate offense and can have a consequence ranging from cleaning of the cafeteria to an out of school suspension.  There have been cases where individual students have been held accountable for throwing food but the incidents have not caused a major disruption to the lunch periods. Administrators, teachers and staff have been diligent in their monitoring of the cafeteria this year. 

New Middle School Principal Named

Dr. Jane Lipp announced to the South County staff via email on Tues., Dec. 20,

"Dear Colleagues,

I know that you join me in congratulating Marsha on her appointment as the principal of the new middle school site.  Marsha will begin her duties on Tuesday, January 3, at Gatehouse Administrative Center."

Congratulations, Principal Manning

Stallions Advance to the State Finals at UVA

The Varsity Football team is carrying South County Athletics to a new level of success.  Starting from a minor setback in the beginning of the season, the team managed to pull out 11 straight wins.  With each touchdown, shouts of "I believe!" echo throughout the stadium, demonstrating the strong dedication that the varsity football and Hype Squad fan base have to a Stallion victory.  

On Saturday, November 25th, the Stallions tore through Yorktown in a victory led by Michael Ferguson with three touchdown passes. This past Saturday, December 3rd, Stallions won 38-22 in the State Semifinals against the Hanover Marauders. This exciting victory has landed the Varsity Football team a spot at UVA's Scott Stadium in Charlottesville where they will be facing the Phoebus Phantoms for the Championship this Saturday, December 10th at 12 p.m. 

*Spots on the Spirit Bus to Charlottesville are $20, and are selling fast, so hurry if you want to reserve a spot.  Permission forms will be available early this week during high school lunches and are due on Wednesday. 

Photos By Rae Legine Rodriguez

Issue 2

 Interested in the PDF version of Issue 2? Click below to view it online!

Click here for Issue 2!

Send us your questions, comments, and concerns to:
soco.courier@yahoo.com
@SCCourier

Varsity Football: History in the Making

The Varsity Football is making history each weekend. First it was winning the Patriot Districts, then Regions, and now Regional Finals against Yorktown. Each step of the way, the Washington Post and Fairfax Underground has offered up their opinion on the teams offense and defense.

This Saturday, the team will be playing against Hanover High School in the State Semi's game for their chance to battle for the state title. Come out to our home stadium at 4 p.m. to cheer on your Stallions. Join the Hype Squad in whichever color-out they choose to lead.

 

(Above) Three Stallions sprint down the field during the Yorktown, Region Finals game. The team won in a 37-13 victory over the Bulldogs. (Below) The two opposing teams battle, but South County keeps a hold of the ball.

Photos taken by Alan Morris

The Lying Games Lives Up to Expectation

Issue two of the Courier is almost here! Until it comes out, enjoy this review written by Journalism 1 students, Meagan Ferguson and Chelsea Bendelow: 

From the writers of Pretty Little Liars comes an ABC Family original series, The Lying Games which can be seen at 8 p.m. on Mondays on ABC Family. This new series starring Alexandra Chando as Emma Paxton and Sutton Mercer, Blair Redford as Ethan Whitehouse, Andy Buckely as Ted Mercer, and Helen Slater as Kristin Mercer, creates a whirlwind of mystery and drama. 

Series character, Emma Paxton was abandoned by her mother at an early age and thrown into Nevada foster care. Emma’s life was nothing extraordinary and the last thing she was expecting was to find a twin sister, Sutton. Emma ends up taking over Sutton’s life so that Sutton could find their biological mother. Emma has to pull off living a fabulous life with Sutton’s rich parents: something she isn’t used to. Little do both the girl’s know that there is more to the story of their adoption then they thought.  

Both Emma and Sutton find larger obstacles than originally suspected; Sutton takes longer on her search for the twins birth mother, uncovering dark secrets and leaving Emma stranded in the lifestyles of the rich and the famous. Now Emma has to pull off being Sutton for even longer.  As time passes everything gets more complicated, Emma has to deal with the mess Sutton has made with her family, friends, enemies, and even her secret boyfriend, Ethan. Even Sutton begins to miss her life. A lot of the shows most emotional and best scenes deal with the love triangle between Sutton, Ethan, and Emma. The romance offsets the lying and deception that otherwise takes a starring role in this show. 

The Lying Game is a very intriguing, intense, and jaw-dropping show! This show maintains a good balance between being mysterious and surprising, but also not being stupid. With a lot of shows, writers try to be more clever than they really are and thus result in a stupid and an expected plot, this show hasn’t done that yet.  However, The Lying Game is very caught up in the teenage world, and can get a bit stereotypical at times. Some of the characters act exactly the way you would think they would act, and tend to lack substance in some parts of the show. Normally, the writers won’t go overboard on it and as soon as a character starts to become predictable in their acts the writers will change the character. The Lying Game is the type of show that you don’t want to stop watching. With all of the drama that goes on in each episode, we sit impatiently waiting for the next episode to come on!

We highly recommend The Lying Game, this show is sure to appeal to viewers who are fans of the Pretty Little Liars series. It is guaranteed to leave you wanting more by the end of each episode!

Football Team Advances

In a season for the history books, the football team has not only won their first Patriot District Championships, but has also beat No. 7 seed, Stonebridge. Last night, the stallions played an incredible game, pulling out a 25-3 victory; the hypesqaud, as well, was there to keep the spirit alive.


Click here to read what the Washington Post has to say about our team!

Hunger Games Doesn't Impress All

By Darrien Even

J1 Staff Writer

The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy of books written by Suzanne Collins. It was released Sept. 14, 2009. It takes place in a post apocalyptic America dubbed Panem. In this future the country is split up into 13 districts all ruled of by the Capitol. The Capitol rules over the districts with an iron fist. Every year they take two kids from each district to fight to the death in The Hunger Games. Protagonist Katniss Everdeen is entered in the games to protect her sister Prim.

While this is an interesting idea, it’s presented poorly. It can be exciting at times, but also tiresome and predictable. Katniss Everdeen is a very melodramatic protagonist. It seems like she’s never happy. I understand this future is dark, but even when she is happy it’s a very mellow “not really all that happy” happy. She also has a nasty, sarcastic attitude sometimes. Melodramatic is the word I think of when I think of this book. Nearly every single chapter ends off with a cliffhanger, which gets very annoying.

The first half of the book consists of buildup and exposition. It is slow and way too long. It could be skimmed of the “drama” and unnecessary details to be three fourths as long. There are plenty of unnecessary details that didn’t need to be told. I think it should’ve been edited better, as plenty of details are shown but never matter. 

In the second half the “games” start and the book picks up. It shows Katniss and the rest of the participants fighting to the death in a huge arena. This part of the book can be exciting but, I could predict some of the details. And this part of the book is filled with annoying melodrama. It seems that every other minute the book stops to expose how “dramatic” it is, but it is done way too much, this fraction of the book can be very slow at times because of this.

The Hunger Games feels like a wasted idea. The setting and basic plot could make for a great story.  Constant melodrama, slowness and predictability keep it from being one. There are two sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, but they get worse and worse. I can’t say it’s an awful book, it’s mediocre. Don’t even bother with the sequels.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/

This is another in a series of Journalism 1 student review stories. Look for more in the coming weeks.

DECA Students Shines

Story from DECA Advisor and Marketing Teacher, Mrs. Kellen Scott:

Please join the DECA Advisors as we congratulate our DECA District Winners! We had 17 competitors compete in the individual series events on Monday at the DECA District Leadership Conference held at Lake Braddock during the teacher work day. The following students were recognized for individual test score, role-play 1, and role play 2:

 

Test Score:

• Dylan Morgan – Sports & Entertainment Marketing, 1^st Place
• Hillary Lebedun – Food Marketing Series, 2^nd Place

 

Role Play 1:

• Maurice Foster – Business Services Marketing, 2^nd Place
• Dylan Morgan – Sports & Entertainment Marketing, 2^nd Place
• Steven Dellibove – Marketing Management Series, 3^rd Place
• Leah Spinelli – Principles of Hospitality, 3^rd Place

 

Role Play 2:

• Hillary Lebedun – Food Marketing Series, 1^st Place
• Sammy Magume – Human Resources Management, 1^st Place
• Steven Dellibove – Marketing Management Series, 3^rd Place

 

And finally, the following students were Overall Winners in their categories and have earned a bid to represent South County DECA in the individual series events at States held in Norfolk, VA in March:

 

Overall Winners:

• Hillary Lebedun – Food Marketing Series, 1^st Place
• Sammy Magume – Human Resources Management, 1^st Place
• Steven Dellibove – Marketing Management Series, 2^nd Place
• Dylan Morgan – Sports & Entertainment Marketing, 3^rd Place

 

Once again, please join Dianne Mace, Pearl Springfield, Samantha Donnelly, and myself in applauding our students on their outstanding performance and for representing South County as professional competitors!

Art Teachers Win Recognition

Starting last night, FCPS began their 4th annual Artist Teacher Exhibition. This event showcases just a few of the more than 350 art teachers that are employed by the county. FCPS prides itself on not only hiring great teachers for the art programs, but as well great artists; this exhibition is designed to show their personal art not the students. 

Until December 3rd, there will be 46 pieces of artwork on display by 30 different artists. They can be viewed at the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus. South County is proud to say that Justyne Fisher, Ellen Sanders, and Scott Saylor are among the artists who have been chosen to have their work shown at this prestigious exhibition. 

Field Hockey State Semi Final Game Score

Final Score:

First Colonial 1

South County 0

Thank you for a great season, Field Hockey athletes!

Wheels for Africa to Make Collection at South County

In 2005, 11 year old Winston Duncan traveled to Africa and after seeing the condition there decided he needed to help. He created a nonprofit organization called Wheels to Africa that collects and donates bikes to Africa. These bikes are used to provide quicker transportation to those living in Africa so they can reach school, food, water, and medical care.
This Saturday, November 12th, South County will be collecting bikes for Wheels to Africa from 10 AM to 3 PM. SCSS students who are part of the National Honor Society will receive three hours for every bike they donate and students who are part of Key Club will earn one service event credit.
Help us reach our goal of 200 bikes!! “One Bike Can Make a Difference”

Local Italian Spot Charms

By Jessica Miller

J1 Staff Writer

If you’re looking for authentic Italian food with a relaxed feel, San Vito offers the best of both worlds. This once family-owned, hole-in-the-wall place offers bigger portions and better deals than Olive Garden could ever dream of offering its customers.  With one location in Burke, near Lake Braddock Secondary School (8944 Burke Lake Road, Springfield, VA, 22151), and one in Centerville (5653 Stone Road, Centerville, VA, 20120) it doesn’t have as much traffic as most places, but its generous portions, friendly staff, and a dessert tray to surpass any chocoholic’s expectations, along with a few that fit the chocolate hater’s creed make up for it.

  

Their menu features some simple Italian classics, such as Fettuccini Alfredo and Spaghetti with one GIANT meatball.  Other dishes offered are special to this restaurant, like the Ravioli Formaggio, a three-cheese ravioli sautéed with their signature aurora sauce. Another dish that is unique to San Vito is Spaghetti Soprano, with marinara sauce, sautéed garlic, and their signature meatball. If you’re looking for a more vegetarian-style pasta, then the Lasagna Verde is perfect. It’s served with fresh spinach, béchamel, ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella.

They also serve pizza, meat, and seafood for you carnivores out there.  The San Vito classic pizza, served with mozzarella, mushrooms, salami, olives and basil gives you an equal portion of meat and veggies in every bite.  You can also get extras for less than $2.00, such as zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and pineapple for $0.75, pepperoni, ham, sausage, and salami for $1.00, chicken, bacon, and meatballs for $1.50 and anchovies for $2. Their meat, chicken, and veal are prepared to its best extent. If you’re looking for some seafood, then the Scampi Siciliana is just right. It comes with fresh jumbo prawns, sautéed with a spicy white-wine marinara sauce. The Pollo Michelangelo (or chicken, for you not Spanish speakers), is amazing.  It’s stuffed with artichokes, fontina cheese and shrimp, then fried and served with cappelini and a sherry cream sauce.

 Every time I walk through the door, I enjoy knowing that I don’t have to wait 30 minutes just to get a table.  The waiters and waitresses are very good about only appearing when you need them, and not being there when you don’t. After they bring the drinks, they give you some bread and some olive oil to eat while you look over the menu.  In very little time, after you order, they bring out your food, steaming hot, in huge bowls (or plates, depending on what you order). They always have take-home boxes on hand for you to use, just in case. If you have any room left, they’ll bring around the dessert tray; so many yummy treats to choose from, with or without chocolate. The prices are just as good as the food itself, with prices not going over $20 for regular meals (wine is different, but most of us are underage anyways).  Overall, I believe that San Vito replaces Olive Garden as the king of Italian restaurants.

All in all, San Vito has great food, great service, and is a great place to bring friends. I think that you should try it, not because I say you should, but because you won’t really know how great it is until you test it for yourself. San Vito is one of those few places left that actually cares about the quality of their food, not just getting people food with fatty by-products like most fast-food restaurants. A place like that only lasts for a short amount of time, so enjoy it while it lasts.  

Visit their website at http://www.sanvitorestaurant.com/.

Field Hockey Advances to State Tournament

Congratulations to Coach Leah Conte and the varsity field hockey team for winning the Northern Region Championship on Nov. 2. South County beat Westfield 4-1 in the game and were named regional champions. 

The Virginia State Tournament begins next week.

South County Sports Pink

The staff and students promoted breast cancer awareness today by wearing pink.

Photo by Phoebe McPherson

Giant Lego Man Appears

And in other news...a giant lego man appeared on the shores of the Florida coast this week, confusing residents. Authorities took custody of this statue and will return it to Jeff Hoffman after 30 days. Hoffmanm, who was the first to spot the statue, plans to sell it on E-Bay.

Read the whole story and weigh in:
http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/10/lego-man-beached/

(Information courtesy of yahoo.com and wired)

Issue One!

View the first issue of the Courier online! Comments, concerns, interested in advertising?
Email us at soco.courier@yahoo.com or tweet us @SCCourier

Look for The Courier's First Print Edition on Friday

The Courier's first print edition will be distributed in 4th period classes on Fri., Oct. 14. Be sure to get your copy for information concerning Spirit Week, Homecoming, Presidential candidates, awesome burgers and much more!

Steve Jobs Passes Away

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple (as well as Pixar) was one of the world's leading geniuses in all things electronic and communications. As many sources stated, "he changed the way we communicate."

Jobs, who was 56, died peacefully yesterday, October 5th, due to pancreatic cancer. He stepped down as the CEO of Apple on August 24th.

Read the full story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/steve-jobs-apple-computer-co-founder-dies/2010/09/21/gIQAc14aOL_story.html

We're Heading into a Long Weekend, Stallions

Don't forget that there is no school on Mon., Oct. 10 due to the Columbus Day holiday.

As if that weren't enough, Stallions, seniors also have late arrival (9 a.m.) on Wed., Oct. 12 due to PSATs. All freshman, sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT that morning. Then, all students (grades 7 - 12) will be released at 12:05 p.m.

The results are in!

In the poll concerning whether or not kindergarteners should be allowed iPads for instructional use, 20% of you voters responded with a "yes", while 79% of your stallions responded "no". Thanks for voting and showing your participation in the South County Courier! Keep it up!

You Can Use Your Laptops and Kindles in Class!

No, really.  Starting today, we, stallions can begin to register our personally owned devices. According to the Instructional Council and Rob Sanders, students must follow the procedure in order to properly register and avoid confiscation under SR&R. (read below)

1.       During the first 30 minutes of the FLEX PERIOD, the student must ask permission of his/her teacher to register their devices.

2.       The student must have the signed permission form and the devices with him/her.  If they do not have these items, do not give them permission to leave.

3.       If you provide permission, sign the student’s planner and send them to room E102.

4.       Once they complete the registration process they will return to class.

 

Remember to ask your teachers for permission in their classrooms before using your electronics. Let us know your comments, questions, or concerns on this new issue/policy. 

 

If you have any doubts or immediate questions, please see security or your subschool.

 

Football Friday Nights

The varsity football team beat T.C. Williams on Sept. 23 by a score of 35-13. They play Robinson at home on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Photos Courtesy of Linda Basnight

Picture Days This Thursday and Friday

South County student picture days are this Thurs., Sept. 29 and Fri., Sept. 30. Students will have their photos taken in the auditorium during a specified class period.

They Grow Up So Fast...

Today is Google’s 13^th Birthday. The search engine, which was first launched in September 1998, has become a worldwide phenomenon and household name.

The exact date of its birthday has changed from year to year, but, since 2002, Google has celebrated the same way: with a doodle. Now, entering into teenage-dom, the search engine is taking on new heights and facing new peers.

Want to read the entire story?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/happy-13th-birthday-google/2011/09/27/gIQA5fmp1K_story.html

courtesy of Washington Post

We're baaaaaaaack!

Ask Stella is back! Have problems and need advice? Or just general questions about what is happening around the school? Ask Stella Stallion, the Courier's advice columnist!


www.formspring.me/goaskstella

Library Assesses and Changes Policy for Student Athletes

This letter to the newspaper staff was received on Mon., Sept. 26 in response to a student editorial published on this blog on Sun., Sept. 18 ( Original Editorial )

Dear Nicole,

I appreciate your thoughtful blog in the Digital Courier and the opportunity to address your concerns about student athletes using the library after school.  Our current policy requiring athletes to use athletic study halls dates back to the time when South County was on a dual bell schedule and the middle school was still in session when the high school classes were released.  The library could not be open to the large numbers of high school students who wanted to stay after school because the middle school instructional day was still in session. The athletic study halls were established at that time so athletes would have a place to stay after school to study and do homework until practice started.

However, times have changed and your blog post made us realize that it was time for us to reconsider a policy that is no longer relevant. Several of your coaches do not work at South County and cannot be here to provide a team study hall. You also lack computers in the rooms where the study halls are held, creating a disadvantage to those who need to conduct online research or type assignments.  And, more importantly, South County has been on a single bell schedule for three years now and there is no longer any reason to limit access to the library after school.

Therefore, after consulting with our Athletic Director, Mr. Pflugrath, we are changing our policy. Our doors will be open to any South County student who wants to use the library after school for quiet independent study.  Our goal is, as it has always been, to offer a welcoming, supportive environment where we can provide the resources and support every student needs to be successful academically. 

It is ironic that a policy that was originally intended to insure that our athletes had a place to study before practice had the unintended consequence of denying them access to possibly the best place to study!  We appreciate that you took the time and initiative to point this out to us.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Cordek

Head Librarian

SATs on Saturday at SCSS

The SAT will be held this Sat., Oct. 1 at South County SS.

Students should arrive around 7:30 a.m. and come in Entrance 1 only.  Gates will be open to the testing room around 7:45 a.m.  Doors will be closed at 8:15 a.m.

Please do NOT bring cell phones – ETS policy is that cell phones must be turned off (not vibrate or silent) during testing and must be in view of the proctor.  Any student whose phone goes off during testing, or who is seen using a phone during the break, will have their scores cancelled and their phones confiscated until it can be confirmed that no testing material has been shared.  Best idea – leave them at home or in your car.

Please bring your picture ID and your printed web ticket – these are how you are identified by the room proctors and will be checked as you enter the room and after each break.

Please bring #2 pencils – real wood ones not mechanical – the mechanical ones will poke holes in the essay and may not always contain #2 lead, so SAT does not allow them for scoring purposes.

Please bring your own calculator – proctors will not have these for you.  You should bring back-up batteries if you need them.

Parents – do not plan on picking your child up until 12:45 to 1 p.m.  Parents are not allowed in the testing center once testing begins.

Junior Stallionette Fundraiser Underway

The South County dance team is offering their Jr. Stallionette “Dance with Us” program again this year around Homecoming activities. 

This fundraiser consists of a dance workshop and pizza party on Sat., Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main gym at South County. Participants will then dance at the Homecoming football game on Fri., Oct. 21 at 7:15 p.m. This program is targeted for second through twelfth grade students. For more information contact Wendy Alexander at wendy.alexander@fcps.edu.

Did You Know...

...the SCSS Athletic Boosters Club has a new Fan Shop accessible through the www.stallionsports.org website?

Well now you do!

SCSS Fest Postponed

Due to the impending rain, the SCSS Fest originally scheduled for Sept. 23 has been postponed until Fri., Oct. 28.  The class of 2012 officers and sponsors coordinated with the middle school drama department to combine their Haunted House and the SCSS Fest before the game on this night. 

From Chris Miller

Senior Class Co-Sponsor

Congratulations to the SCSS Golf Team

Congratulations to Coach John Caulfield and the South County Golf Team for winning the Patriot District Championship. This is the first District Championship in Golf in the school's history.

Congratulations to senior Josh Carey for winning the individual championship as the best golfer in the Patriot District.

From Mike Pflugrath

Director of Student Activities

Freshmen Promote Self-Confidence around School

The traditional morning routine for the average high-school female is to wake up, hours before school starts, in order to prepare themselves: not mentally, but physically. They apply make-up, straighten or curl their hair, and tirelessly strain over clothes for that day. Freshmen Peyton E. and Annaliese S. were the instigators in a day of natural hair, plain tees, and no make-up: confidence day. The two started an event about the day on Facebook late one night, "and it spread like wild fire," said Peyton. 

Through the continuing spread of word, the day went off successfully. All who witnessed and participated were impacted, and many students hope that there is another confidence day soon so that they might participate as well. 

Freshman thought of Confidence Day while scanning through the internet. Though only participated in by freshman, the two hope to repeat this day and include girls from all grades.

2011 South Fairfax Chamber Challenge

The annual 10K, family fitness fair, and fun run went off as a success this past Sunday, September 18. Many local students and family members were in attendance to cheer on the runners and to learn about their own fitness. As well, the younger generation was able to thoroughly enjoy themselves with an inflatable ironman, tattoos, and carnival games.

(Above) A junior stays enthusiastic for a fun fair-going child who attempts crazy golf, while a senior poses for a photo op. (Below) Juniors help a girl apply a tatto.

(Above) A happy child slides down the end of the ironman inflatable.



The Back To School Edition!

Click here for the Back to School Edition!

Library Adds Hurdle for Athletes

Editorial written by Feature Editor, Nicole Wittkopp

I, Nicole, run cross country. Thus, after the school day ends at 2:05, I have an entire hour and ten minutes before I need to be on the track for the start of practice. Some days, I decide to drive home and spend a little time catching up with my family and cooling down from the day. In times when I have no job, though, the extra cost of that second run to and from school for the day can get costly in gas money. 

So, on the days when I decide not to go back home, I have to have somewhere to go. I chose, one day, the library. Apparently, that was a big mistake. Within minutes of cracking open an SAT prep book to start studying for the math section of October’s SAT (what I considered a studious and time-worthy decision), I heard the librarians grilling my teammates on where their passes were. A drawstring bag or your hair in pre-wrap, set you as a target. 

“What sport do you play?” the voice asked student after student. 

If the answer was football or cross country, I witnessed kids turned away, told to get a pass from a coach and then come back or stay in their study hall. At least one of these athletes returned pass-less, reporting “My coach wasn’t there.” 

“You’re going to have to take that up with student services,” the librarian said.

By now, a lot of time had passed. All around me, the students who WERE NOT involved in sports had a chunk of uninterrupted time to study, read, and work on homework and projects. None of these students were questioned. Meanwhile, my team-mates, many of whom are enrolled in demanding honors, AP, and pre-AP classes, were scouring the halls for a student services director, a coach, or a study hall to make their hour gap of time more productive. 

Luckily, no one asked me if I was a part of any sport. I guess I didn’t look the athletic type? I whispered to the girl near me that if the librarians were to ask me, they had better be ready for an argument. 

As  far as I’m concerned, we athletes are STUDENTS first and foremost and should be allotted the time and resources to assume that role. It’s almost as if by being a part of a student activity, we’ve given up our privilege for student resources. Why does a girl who doesn’t run cross country get to type up a report while a boy who plays football has to sit in a classroom with their coach? There’s no reason for us to be held up by the librarians and told to leave the library, a place that is open to students after school, and can be a great complement to learning.

If I want to spend some time on the computers or studying for my standardized tests, apparently I have to be prepared to jump over hurdles.  As an athlete, it seems the librarians assume, I should expect no less. 

Have an opinion about something going on in or around the school? Write about it! Then send it to us with your name and grade to soco.courier@yahoo.com to get published here on The Digital Courier. 

iPads and Kindergarteners

According to ABC, many schools are trying out a new educational direction: utilizing iPads in order to connect to the younger generation. Cutting down on the need for pencils, textbooks, and paper, these technological advancements in the classroom could allow for students to learn to read and write in a way that has never been done before. Some believe, like Gary Savard, that it should come later in life."They should first learn how to read, write, and do at least basic math before being handed over electronic gadgets," said Savard. 

(want the full story? http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/apple-ipad-learning-tool-kindergarten-maine-tennessee-south/story?id=14509290)

How do you feel and what's your opinion? Use the poll on the right-hand side and tell use what you feel!

Do you know...

...how to buy a yearbook, Stallions?

Go to http://www.yearbookforever.com/ and buy your South County high school and/or middle school yearbook today! Pre-ordering is now underway for a June delivery.

And now you know!

Well, it's not SNOW!

However it is a day off already--on day 4 of the young school year.

Enjoy your day and stay safe. Reports of flooded roads (Lorton between 123 & Furnace for one) around South County have been reported. Don't drive through standing water, Stallions!

Here are some photos of the outstanding amounts of water during the storms, which were actually the after-effects of Tropical Depression Lee:

Timmy H. went barefoot through the rain. He wanted to keep his new shoes looking nice, so he kept them in his backpack instead. 

The 2011-2012 School Year in Full Swing

Students are back and it's time to see what's going on in the halls and classrooms at South County this fall. Do you have pictures of South County students participating in events at school or in the community? Submit them to our blog! In the meantime, see who you recognize below!

Photos from the first week:

Home Opener!

Congratulations to the varsity football team's newest senior captains Devin Vandyke, Jeremy Haynes, and Cody Smith who played hard alongside their team this past Friday, September 2nd during the season's first home game. Unfortunately they experienced a 0-7 loss against Hayfield, but the school was still behind them in spirit and came out to pack the stands.(Senior Timmy Hunt was also named captain but was unable to play Friday due to an injury).

(Above) Cheerleaders lead chants in perfect unison. (Below) The away stands were packed as the the rivalry against Hayfield was revisited. 

(Above) Senior JP B. (#50), stands on the sidelines, watching his teammates. Blake is the teams starting center. 

(Above) The Marching Stallions perform as the half-time show. They, along with the color guard, practiced in the parking lot all August.

(Above and Below) Seniors show their spirit in the senior section. For $10, they could buy a "hype squad" shirt which was worn by many at the game on Friday.

(Above) Stallions break after a huddle, preparing themselves for a strategic play. (Below) On the sideline, teammates stand watching. Throughout the game, players yell out advice and instructions to one another.  

(Above) The varsity cheer team peps up the crowd with a series of stunts. (Below) The referee waits during one of the many time outs during the game. These time-outs allow for coaches to step onto the field and speak to players, tweaking specifics for the next play. 

(Above) Ready to run once the ball is snapped, senior Michael Ferguson (#8) stands poised. Ferguson is also the teams kicker.

(Above) Parents and Boosters sit in the stands, watching the game and cheering on the players. (Below) The Marching Stallions wait for the que to begin playing either encouraging or celebrating tunes for the crowd, and team, to hear.