Annandale Pyramid Message - June 3

Dear Annandale Pyramid Families,

We are writing to you as your Pyramid Principals to share our sadness and outrage of the disturbing and heartbreaking events taking place throughout our country. We are deeply disturbed by the images of hate, racism and violent events that are unfolding across the nation. We acknowledge that these events are painful for us all and especially painful for our Black and African American community members. As an Annandale Community, we see you and stand with you. Racism and hate have no place in the world and no place in the Annandale Pyramid. Diversity makes us stronger, and we are proud to lead a diverse Annandale Pyramid community. 

In response to these events, our teachers will support students as they have questions and concerns. We understand that conversations build relationships and relationships are essential to developing respect, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s unique and beautiful differences. 

This work will move beyond this school year, as our schools continue to receive professional learning on equitable and culturally responsive practices.  We are committed to furthering our learning in order to dissolve racism and injustice while promoting inclusive school communities where diversity is valued, appreciated and celebrated.

Respectfully,

Shawn DeRose, Annandale High School

Margaret Barnes, Holmes Middle School

Jason Pannutti, Poe Middle School

Erin Whatley, Montrose ALC

Lisa Pilson, Annandale Terrace Elementary

Keesha Jackson-Muir, Braddock Elementary

Elizabeth Williams, Bren Mar Park Elementary

Michael Cunningham, Columbia Elementary

Sherry Shin, Mason Crest Elementary

Chad McRae, North Springfield Elementary

Felicia Usher, Weyanoke Elementary

Here are a few resources for families on these topics:

Teaching Tolerance - Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice

Embrace Race - 10 Tips for Teaching & Talking to Kids about Race

National Museum of African American History - Talking About Race: Resources for Parents

https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/talking-children-after-racial-incidents

Upcoming Events

June 3 - Elective Class Drop Off/Pick-up

June 8 - Senior Cap and Gown Pick Up

June 9-12 - Cap & Gown Graduation Photo Op

June 15-16 - Underclassmen Drop Off/Pick-up

July 3 - Virtual Graduation and Celebration

Elective Class Equipment Return - Wednesday, June 3  - All students will be able to return materials they have borrowed for their elective classes on June 3 from 10:00am-2:00pm in the front parking lot circle.. These might include sports equipment, musical instruments, cameras, or art materials. You can drive or walk up to the main office doors near Door 1. Please follow social distancing guidelines. Any question, please email Mr. Witkowski at jpwitkowski1@fcps.edu

Senior Cap and Gown Pick Up - Monday, June 8 from 9:00am-4:00pm: Students will have the opportunity to pick up their cap and gown, tassel, and diploma case. In order to receive their cap and gown, students must have returned all items and paid all fees. Fees can be paid online via myschoolbucks.com using the myschoolbucks mobile app or in person on this day. 

To comply with social distancing guidelines and make this a safe event for our Seniors and our staff, please arrive to the school during the time designated for your student’s last name:

• 9:00am - 11:00am - Last names A-L
• 12:00pm - 2:00pm - Last names M-Z

Senior Cap & Gown Graduation Photo Op - June 9-12 from 8:00am-5:00pm: Seniors will have the opportunity to have their graduation picture taken by a professional photographer here at school! In order to do this safely, we have developed a plan based on current data and guidance from the Fairfax County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seniors will receive an invitation with a date and time for their photo opportunity.

Senior Virtual Graduation and Celebration - Photos Due June 12: In addition to the cap & gown graduation photo opportunity, we are excited to announce the production of our Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation and Celebration Video. The video will be live streamed on July 3 at 11:00am on YouTube, as well as Channels 11 and 99. The purpose of this video is to celebrate our Seniors, acknowledge their achievement of earning their high school diploma, and create a keepsake memory for them.  The format of this video will be a hybrid between a traditional graduation ceremony and a celebration of our Seniors’ accomplishments. 

This virtual celebration will be compiled by our partners, Marching Orders and Stage Clips. Students will receive an email from these organizations detailing how to upload a photo and video clip. They must upload their information by Friday, June 12. If your student prefers that we use their yearbook photo, they must indicate their wishes to participate by filling out this form from their FCPS account by Friday, June 12 in order to be included in the virtual celebration.

Underclassmen Item Drop Off/Pick-up - June 15 and 16: Underclassmen will have the opportunity to retrieve items left in their lockers as well as return any materials they have borrowed from the school. More information coming soon.