Annandale Community:
On this Thanksgiving week, one of the things I am most thankful for is our incredible Annandale staff. This week our faculty came together and reflected on our growth since the beginning of the year. As we reflected on the last 11 weeks, we saw significant growth in instructional practice in such a short period of time. I am amazed at what we have been able to accomplish and proud of the work we are doing.
During our faculty meetings and other events throughout the year, we recognize staff who are going above and beyond with gift cards donated by a community member at the beginning of the year. It has been a huge hit and I am requesting your help since we are not permitted to use any kind of FCPS funds, local or otherwise, for this purpose. It is amazing how much a $5 or $10 gift card is appreciated. If you are so inclined, please feel free to drop them off at the main office or place them in the mail to my attention. I will share the love with staff throughout the school year. (It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small!)
We also wanted to give as much opportunity as possible for you to recognize those outstanding staff members who have made a positive impact on your student, family or community. So, we have extended the deadline to Tuesday, November 24 to nominate a staff member for an FCPS Outstanding Award. Just complete this quick nomination form.
Thank you to the PTSA for their recent support in purchasing bluetooth headphones for our teachers to support virtual and concurrent instruction. The headphones along with other items were placed in a “Spirit Bag” and distributed to staff members. If you have not done so already, please consider joining the Annandale PTSA. Here is a link to the site and membership is only $15 for parents/community members and $5 for students.
Finally, I hope you are able to spend the holiday weekend resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways this Thanksgiving holiday. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back.
Everything we do at Annandale is because you give us the tremendous privilege of educating your students. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of their growth and learning.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
Contact Information:
Twitter: @ShawnDeRose
Website: https://annandalehs.fcps.edu/
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Baseball Field Renovated
In partnership with our Athletic Booster Club, we recently renovated our baseball field and “laser leveled” the infield section of the field. Prior to the renovation, the field would not drain properly after even the smallest amount of rainfall and cause the field to be unusable for extended periods of time.
Important Dates
November 24 - Food Pantry Distribution
November 25, 26, 27 - Thanksgiving Break
December 2 - Poetry Slam Info Meeting
December 10 - Return to Play Sports Meeting
December 18 - Poetry Slam
December 21 thru January 1 - Winter Break
January 18 - No School - MLK Day
January 20 - No School - Inauguration Day
January 22 - End of 2nd Quarter - Early Release
January 25 - Teacher Workday
January 26 - Students Return into the Building (*Tentative)
Food Pantry Distribution: November 24 - With Thanksgiving just days away, the PTSA has adjusted its food distribution schedule. The next distribution date is on 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.
Poetry Slam Info Meeting: December 2 at 3:30pm - Students who are interested in participating in the Poetry Slam on December 18 should attend the Info Meeting on December 2 at 3:30pm to learn more about the audition process. Meeting link: https://tinyurl.com/y5xjd25
Return to Play Sports Meeting: December 10 at 6:30pm- Annandale will be hosting a "Return to Play Sports" meeting on December 10. The Athletic Office and Athletic Trainers will review safety protocol, athlete registration, pickup/drop off, try out times, and provide time for questions and answers. Here is the Google Classroom Link to the event.
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New Staff Members
New Softball Coach: Sudie Baynham- Please join us in welcoming Sudie Baynham to Annandale High School as our new softball coach! Sudie is a former assistant softball coach at Forest Park HS. She graduated from Virginia State University and was a member of the VSU softball team. Sudie is also a 4th grade teacher at Annandale Terrace Elementary. If you have any questions about the softball program or are interested in trying out, you can contact her at scbaynham@fcps.edu.
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Important Information
Atoms Social Media Accounts - Want the latest news from around Atom Nation? Follow our Social Media Accounts!
News from the Atoms Writing Center - The Atoms Writing Center’s first quarter newsletter is now available to read! This quarter, the AWC went virtual! During the first quarter, we had 28 writing tutoring conferences, which is an awesome first step! Read the newsletter to hear about how the AWC has adapted virtually this year and what opportunities are available for students to get help with their writing.
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."
Annandale Athletics and Activities: Core Values Survey - The Annandale Athletics and Activities department is developing their Core Values for our students, and we would like your input. Please complete this form by November 29 to share the values that are important to you. If you have any questions, please email John Ellenberger at jellenberger@fcps.edu.
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
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: December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 8.
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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