Annandale Community Insider - June 14

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Annandale Community:

Thank you for an incredible school year. Who would have imagined when I joined the Annandale community in February, just how unusual and remarkable this spring would be. I am so grateful for your feedback and partnership during these extraordinary times.

One of the highlights of the year was celebrating our Class of 2020 graduates that was featured on WUSA 9. As I wrote to them in this year’s yearbook, “You are graduating at a time of great uncertainty and unrest. Look around you and at the world right now. Know that what is happening is meant to change and shape you. Ask yourself: How can I learn from this? How can I be better? How can I make the world better? There are no simple answers to those questions but to experience all that you have experienced this year and all that we are currently experiencing and stay the same is not good enough. You must continue to grow, to learn, to adapt, and most of all, to care.”

As we close the 2019-20 school year, I hope you and your student take time to celebrate the ways you were resilient over the last few months. Distance learning required a new level of partnership between home and school and I am looking forward to continuing to work together as we return to campus. 

I hope you find time to rest and rejuvenate this summer. This is an unusual time and we will need to remain connected. I will be sending you updates throughout the summer on important information as it relates to Annandale High School. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

 

Contact Information:
Twitter: @ShawnDeRose
Website: https://annandalehs.fcps.edu/


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Upcoming Events

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

July 3 - Virtual Graduation and Celebration

 

Senior Virtual Graduation and Celebration - Student Photos Now Due!: 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. 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 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 drop off essential school materials, pick up items left in their locker and purchase a yearbook. Students may keep their laptop and any musical instruments over the summer unless they will not be returning to Annandale next year. 

In order to ensure a safe event, students should come on Monday or Tuesday at the following times based on last name: 

  • A-L: 9:00-10:30 
  • M-Z: 10:30-12:00

Students who will be picking up items or dropping off items will be required to wear a face mask/covering. If you or a family member in your household has COVID symptoms, or is sick, please reach out directly to your students counselor, so we can find an alternative way to provide you with your items.  Also, this is not a mandatory activity. If you have any specific questions, please email your teachers or Mr. Ellenberger at jellenberger@fcps.edu.


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Summer Learning Opportunities

Students currently in grades 9-11 will have access to a Google Site that provides practice on essential skills to review over the summer. The Google Site(s) will be located on the Free Summer Offerings page and will be live by June 24. The Mathematics site will focus on practice of essential mathematics content. The Language Arts site will provide practice on grammar and mechanics and offer choice reading opportunities.


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News from the PTSA

Join the Annandale PTSA! - Please consider joining as it is a great way to become actively involved in your student's education and the AHS community. Moreover, the PTSA works very hard to stay on top of critical activity and decisions being made by the school board, school system and local government. Click here to join today!


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Awesome Atoms

Thank you PTSA! - Special thanks to the PTSA for distributing a Class of 2020 t-shirt and a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to every senior this past Friday! 

In addition, the PTSA is sponsoring a raffle for the Class of 2020. If selected, they will contact you over this weekend with your time slot to come to AHS and select your prize on Monday, June 15 between 12:00–3:00pm. Students should wear a mask and bring your student ID to the prize selection.

 

Graduation Photo Op a Huge Success - Special thanks to the many people who made Annandale High School’s Graduation Photo-op a huge success. The event was featured on WUSA 9. Check it out! Special shoutout to Bryan Molle, Mike Scott, Cindy Hook, Mr. Edmunds, Khalid Mohamed, Jessica Arias, Jeff Smith, Michael Mazzarella, Laura McLean, Student Services, School Security, Admin and all of our amazing teacher volunteers. 

 

Great Turnout at the AHS Virtual Community Discussion on “Equity and Justice” - Special thanks Brent Roberson, Ingrid St Clair, our Equity Team and the 70+ staff members who came together at the AHS Virtual Community Discussion on “Equity and Justice.” This was only the first of many discussions as we are committed to continue engaging in professional learning on equitable and culturally responsive practices, to challenge racism and injustice while promoting inclusive school communities where diversity is valued. Or as is stated in the main entrance. Value all, compromise none.


Food Distribution and Assistance

FCPS Food Distribution - Fairfax County Public Schools is providing "grab and go" breakfasts and lunches at no cost for students at multiple sites to students. Both breakfast and lunch are available for pick up between 10:00am - 1:00pm. Below are the nearest locations: 

  • Annandale Terrace ES, 7604 Herald St., Annandale
  • Braddock ES,  7825 Heritage Dr., Annandale
  • Bren Mar Park ES, Bren Mar Park ES, 6344 Beryl Rd., Alexandria
  • Bailey’s ES, 6111 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
  • Crestwood ES, 6010 Hanover Ave., Springfield
  • Graham Road ES, 2831 Graham Rd., Falls Church
  • Weyanoke ES, 6520 Braddock Rd., Alexandria

All meals are available at no cost to children 18 years and under. Adult meals are available for purchase for $2. Check out the "Coronavirus Update - Food Resources for Families" for the latest information and other "pop-up" and grab and go locations.

 

Annandale Community Based Services

Mondays: Hot meal distribution at AUMC Mission Center at 3:00pm (World Central Kitchen-Chef Jose Andres’ effort

Tuesdays: Emergency food distribution (by referral) at AUMC Mission Center from 5:00-6:30pm and at The Parliaments from 5:00-6:30pm

Wednesdays: Burrito distribution at The Parliaments at 5:30pm

Thursdays: Food distribution at Fairmont Gardens from 4:30-6:00pm and at AUMC Mission Center from 5:00-6:30pm

Fridays: Hot meal distribution at AUMC Mission Center at 3:00pm(World Central Kitchen-Chef Jose Andres’ effort)

Saturdays: Pizza distribution at ACCA Child Development Center at 2:30pm

Sundays: Pizza distribution at John Calvin Presbyterian Church at 2:30pm

HUGE THANK YOU to the large network of partners who are supporting these efforts.  Annandale United Methodist Church, Christ Central Presbyterian Church, Fairfax County Government- Fastran, Fairfax County Public Schools, Food for Others, Genesis 12 Christian Fellowship Church, Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation, Pizzeria Paradiso, Real Food For Kids/Chefs Feeding Families, SevaTruck, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, World Central Kitchen by Chef Jose Andres.

 

Other Local Community Based Services

Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) - ACCA provides emergency food for individuals and families referred by social workers and ACCA member churches. Volunteer “food captains” receive these requests and arrange for volunteer drivers to pick up the food from the ACCA Food Pantry and deliver it to client’s home.

Britepaths - Food assistance is by referral only from a social worker or case worker from the Fairfax County Health and Human Services or a Fairfax County Community Based Organization (CBO) or Faith Based Organization (FBO). Please go to website link for more information.

Food for Others - If you are in need of food, you may come to one of the neighborhood site distributions. Click on website link for specific locations and times. The only question that is asked is, “How many people are in your household?” Please bring your own grocery bags!

Real Food for Kids - Chefs Feeding Families is collaborating with Pizzeria Paradiso to distribute whole grain, veggie pizzas on Saturdays and Sundays in the Annandale area through June. The effort will begin this weekend, April 12, at 2:30 pm each day, until supplies last at: