Annandale Community
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our Return to School Town Hall. If you were not able to attend, here is a link to the presentation (en español) and recording of the event in English, and in Spanish.
I am so proud of the work we are doing at Annandale and all that we have accomplished since the beginning of the year. Since August, we have been working to systematically address the concerns expressed by Nathan Onibudo, the student school board representative, and relayed in Dr. Brabrand’s most recent communication to the community. Below are just a few examples of the work we are doing to support students in reaching the best possible outcomes during this uncertain time.
Grading Reminder - When it comes to assignments, Dr. Brabrand’s email says, “Less is more, and we need to emphasize quality over quantity in assigning work to students,” echoing our school’s motto since last spring to “keep it simple, take it slow and work collaboratively.” At Annandale we believe assessment and grading should: help students know their areas of strength and areas of growth, allow teachers to adjust instruction to meet the needs of students, provide communication between students, teachers and parents about learning progress, and empower students to drive their own learning. Teacher Teams (CTs) and Departments have prioritized the importance of quality formative assessments and feedback over the quantity of summative assessments during this grading period.
Student Workload Guidelines - On October 23, we surveyed students and specifically asked about student workload. When asked the question “Who has helped you to be successful this year?” students overwhelmingly identified their teachers as a source of support.
In addition, although there are areas for improvement, most students at Annandale stated that teachers were flexible when communicating concerns around workload, assignments, and due dates. We are in the process of sharing the results related to student workload at Annandale with respective departments, teams, and individual teachers and reflecting on how we can continue to improve.
Moreover, many teachers and CTs are periodically asking students for feedback and making adjustments accordingly. Moreover, IB teachers have developed an IB assessment calendar to ensure coordination of major assignments.
Conclusion - When we came together as a staff at the beginning of the year, I said that “the uncertainty we feel, and that our students and families feel, has created anxiety, urgency, and stress beyond anything many of us have ever dealt with. Our world has become a pressure cooker. We are surrounded by noise that is so difficult to cut through and make decisions around. Here’s what we know about pressure. Pressure can burst pipes. It can create havoc. But pressure, intense, prolonged pressure also creates diamonds.”
The Annandale staff has not broken under pressure. Instead, we continue to get stronger. There has yet to be a challenge we couldn't overcome on behalf of our students.
Thank you for all of your support and as always, reach out if you have any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
Contact Information:
Twitter: @ShawnDeRose
Website: https://annandalehs.fcps.edu/
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Important Dates
November 9 - Military Panel
November 9 - Senior Fall Fair
November 10 - College Night for Spanish Speaking Families
November 11 - Early Release for Students
November 17 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
November 20 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation
November 25, 26, 27 - Thanksgiving Break
Military Panel Info Session: November 9 at 1pm - The College & Career Center along with Justice HS, & Falls Church HS have invited military recruiters to share the benefits and opportunities that come with serving in the United States Military. The United States Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force will be there to discuss their programs. Here is a link to the session.
Senior Fall Fair: November 9 from 10:15-11:15am - Mark your calendars for the upcoming Senior Fall Fair! Seniors who have not started your college applications, or are exploring other post-secondary options can join us for our Google Meet breakout sessions. You can attend a variety of sessions to get information, ask questions and start planning. Topics will include: NOVA & Pathway program; College Applications; Resume Building; Financial Aid/FAFSA; Job Training & Apprenticeships; Military; Scholarships; and the Year Up program, which includes hands-on skill development, college credits and corporate internships with a focus on IT and/or cybersecurity. Google Meet links for each session will be available through W4 teachers on November 9. The links will also be emailed to every senior.
College Night for Spanish Speaking Families: November 10 from 6-8pm - College Night for Spanish Speaking Families: This program will be completely in Spanish. We have local organizations that are familiar with working with students and their families that may not be aware of the programs and funds available to them. Mentorship and opportunities to connect with people that are successfully making it in college and beyond. We will also have Annandale Counselors available to answer any questions pertaining to the College Application process. Here is a link to the session.
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation: Final Session November 20 - The PSTD presentation is a required component of the Drivers Education classroom curriculum. and will be hosted at Annandale High School. Any student enrolled in Drivers Education this year OR any student who has completed Drivers Education but was unable to attend the 90-minute PSTD presentation last year due to the school shut down can sign up here. Parents/guardians must attend the virtual presentation with their student. Presentations will start promptly at 6:30 PM and are available for AHS students only. The meeting link will be emailed to students who sign up on the day of the presentation. Reach out to Lindsey Ottavio at leottavio@fcps.edu with any questions.
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Help Wanted - Classroom Monitors
Annandale High School is hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a staff member remains virtual. If you would like more information about the position, please review the job description and qualifications online and apply if interested. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
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FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations!
We believe that our staff is truly unparalleled, and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration and recognition beyond our building. Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles, including. We hope you will help us to celebrate the amazing work done every day at Annandale High School by highlighting some of our amazing staff members!
To nominate an Annandale HS staff member, please complete the AHS Outstanding Employee Nomination Form
If you are interested in learning more about the overall FCPS awards process, you may visit The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Website
Nominations are due by Tuesday, November 20 at 11:59pm and you can contact Bryan Mollé (BCMolle@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Important Information
ParentVUE Gradebook Reminder - Please note that the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for Middle and High School students now through Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00am
Rolling Gradebook Reminder - This year we are using a rolling gradebook. This means that the grade on your student’s report card is not one of four grades that will be averaged to reach a final grade. The report card grade is just a snapshot in time. Think of the report card as a “rough draft” of your student’s grades. You will receive three “rough drafts” (one per quarter) before the “final draft” of your student’s grade is printed on their transcript. For the most current picture of your student’s grade, check SIS ParentVUE.
Family Guide for Return to School - Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with families to ensure we keep students and staff safe and healthy as we return to school buildings for learning. Working together, we will follow recommended health guidance that focuses on student and staff health, safety, and emotional well-being. The FCPS Family Guide for Return to School has a wealth of information on topics like concurrent instruction, lunch, the mandatory mask policy, recess, laptops, health protocols, and more.
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News from the Activities Office
Check out the Annandale Activities Office Weekly Newsletter - "Atoms Athletics and Activities."
NEW! FCPS Athletics Online Registration - FCPS activities and athletic programs has transitioned to a new online student registration system. To participate, you MUST register. You will need your student’s school ID number, emergency contact info., health insurance card and emergency contact info. This new system offers a host of benefits for schools and community members including:
- One stop shop for registering your student for athletic programs and many common activities occurring throughout the school year.
- Electronic submission of the emergency care card and weight room waiver- only have to fill these out once!
- A new home for the state-mandated concussion education program. If you already submitted the form to the office, you still need to complete the concussion education portion online. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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VHSL Physical form will need to be turned into the Activities Office before participating.
If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Hughes, Athletic Trainer Certified at rhughes@fcps.edu or Patrick Pacak, Administrative Assistant at pmpacak@fcps.edu.
Join Us for Off Season Practices - It is really important to be mindful of the fact that our students are sitting and staring at a computer for the majority of the day. At Annandale, we want to strongly encourage you and your students to take advantage of the activities that are going on in the afternoons and evenings throughout the week. You don’t have to have a background in the sport to participate. Social distancing and CDC guidelines are enforced.
The practice times fluctuate every week, so just check the athletic website for times. All you need is a completed Physical Exam and a Emergency Care Form. If you have any questions, please contact John Ellenberger at jellenberger@fcps.edu.
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News from the PTSA
Trivia Night - November 12: The PTSA will be hosting an AHS Community Virtual Trivia Night on Thursday, November 12. It will be open to all in the AHS community. Start getting your team together. Teams can be made up of students, families, teachers, staff, clubs, sports teams, friends, alumni, etc. Questions will in several categories including some AHS trivia questions. Log onto the link at 6:45pm to be sorted into team breakout rooms - teams will be made up of 6 or fewer people.
AHS Trivia Night Link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/eca35726a2ab4626abb936f2e041e6c5
PTSA Food Pantry Distribution - November 13 from 3:30-4:30pm: The distributions for November have been adjusted because of Thanksgiving break. They will be held Friday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 24 from 3:30-4:30pm behind the modular buildings at the rear of the school.
Bags will contain several meals and will be distributed first come, first served. There will also be a limited supply of household products (cleaning supplies, hygiene items, paper towels and toilet paper) available. Click here for additional food and community services. Contact Alissa Green, School Social Worker at adgreen@fcps.edu with questions related to resources.
You can donate to the Pantry to help Atom families in need here. Also, please consider donating paper grocery bags (preferably with handles) to ease the distribution process. Paper bags for the Pantry can be dropped off in the main office. Contact Norma Foti, PTSA President at pantry@annandalehsptsa.org with questions related to donations.
PTSA Meeting - November 17 at 7:00pm: Join our next monthly PTSA Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone here. There will be a Special Presentation from the AHS clinical team who will be joining us to discuss their roles, school-wide Social-Emotional Lessons, School-based mental health supports, Community based services/support and resources for Parents.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PTSA Spirit Wear Masks - Breathable Atoms Face Mask! The @AtomsPTSA and AHS Athletic Boosters have joined together to bring you this limited edition mask featuring the Atoms logo! Pay $12 online and pick up at AHS. Details here: bit.ly/AtomsMask
PTSA Meeting - Dates and Times: Mark your calendar for monthly PTSA meetings which are held the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00pm. We will start the school year with virtual meetings and details will follow on how to join us. These dates include: November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 8.
You are invited to attend our second virtual PTSA meeting of the 2020-21 school year on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00pm. You can join our meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone here.
NOVA District PTA Antiracism Seminar - "You Can Do More" - Join the NOVA District PTA for a free seminar on Saturday, November 14 from 1:00pm - 5:30pm virtually. See the flyer above for more information. Register here.
Stay Connected - “Visit”, “Like” and “Follow” - Our e-newsletter, ATOMail, is sent the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and highlights PTSA programs and opportunities to support our students, teachers, and staff. To receive ATOMail, please sign up and set your preferences on the FCPS "News You Choose" webpage. Select “Annandale High School” and check the box for “Annandale HS PTSA”. You can also stay up-to-date on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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