Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
I hope you were able to enjoy this beautiful fall weekend. On Saturday, I, along with several staff members, participated in the Monopoly Tournament sponsored by the PTSA. We had over 40 people register for this year’s event. Congratulations to Toby Dienstfrey, Math teacher here at Annandale, who was crowned champion! Correne Bellem, 11th grade student at AHS, finished second, Bill Maglisceau, AHS English teacher, was third and Chris Valentine, brother of AP Brian Valentine earned fourth place. My experience was record breaking as I lasted about 20 minutes into the 1st round before being knocked out.
The winter sports season is off to a strong start. Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about supporting their student athlete tomorrow at Meet the Coaches Night at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. On Tuesday, we will celebrate our athletes who participated in fall sports at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. Immediately following the banquet at 7:30pm, we will host our November PTSA meeting in the library. Participants can also join virtually using this link.
As we approach Thanksgiving break, we will continue our tradition of allowing everyone to relax and refresh over holiday breaks. 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. We want our staff and students to enjoy a mental wellness break and have time to safely connect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday. To that end, you may find this Playtime, Downtime, and Family Time for teenagers a valuable resource.
Finally, at 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 again 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. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.
As always, reach out with questions or concerns. Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
|
Important Dates
November 15 - 1st Quarter Report Cards Distributed
November 15 - Winter Meet the Coach Night, 6:30pm
November 15-16 - Fairfax County Youth Survey Administered
November 16 - Fall Sports Banquet, 6pm
November 16 - PTSA Meeting, 7:30pm
November 17 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins
November 18-21 - AHS Theatre Company Performance
November 24-26 - Thanksgiving Holiday
1st Quarter Reports Cards Distributed During W4 - November 15: 1st Quarter report cards will be distributed to students during W4 on November 15. Additionally, 1st quarter grades can also be accessed via the Grade Book and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.
Winter Meet the Coaches Night - November 15, 6:30pm: Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about supporting their winter sports student athlete tomorrow at Meet the Coaches Night at 6:30pm in the cafeteria.
Fairfax County Youth Survey - November 15-16: The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The survey provides a wealth of information about a variety of topics related to our youth and is given to all students in grades 10 and 12. This year, the survey will be administered through Health & PE 10 and English 12 classes November 15 and 16. For more information, please see the FCPS Youth Survey webpage.
Fall Sports Banquet - November 16, 6pm: On Tuesday, we will celebrate our athletes who participated in fall sports at 6:00pm in the cafeteria.
PTSA Meeting - November 16, 7:30pm: The next PTSA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16 at 7:30pm in the Library. Note the time change to accommodate the Fall Sports Banquet being held the same night. Participants can also join virtually using this link. Meetings are held in Spanish and English. Also, if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online 2021–2022 Membership Form. For more information about membership, visit our Membership page.
PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins - November 17: We are continuing to improve the way we identify students for targeted intervention through PRIDE Time. Additionally, we have revised our approach to how we prioritize interventions and are now using students’ graduation requirements. This week, we will be making changes to the PRIDE Time schedule in preparation for PRIDE Time 2.0 to begin on Wednesday, November 17.
Annandale Theatre Company Presents Puffs - November 18-21: Annandale Theatre Company is proud to present our first live show in two years, Puffs on November 18-21! Overview: For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.
No knowledge of wizards or magic schools required to enjoy this comedic journey! The show will be approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Check out the trailer on YouTube. Tickets on sale now at annandaletheatre.org.
|
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 Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Leader, Professional Employee, and Operational Employee. 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 Friday, November 19. Contact Bryan Molle at BCMolle@fcps.edu with any questions.
|
Awesome Atoms!
Atom Writing Center 1st Quarter Newsletter: The Atoms Writing Center’s first quarter newsletter is now available! During the first quarter back in person, the AWC held over 300 writing tutoring conferences, which is more than all of first semester last year! Read the newsletter to learn about how the AWC served Atom Nation this quarter and what opportunities are available for students to get help with their writing.
Over 60 New EL Students Enrolled Since August: Since August, AHS has enrolled over 60 new English Language Learner (EL) students. With this increase in our EL population, our ESOL department has gone above and beyond not only by welcoming our new students, but also by being flexible with their own teaching assignments. Many of our teachers have taken on additional courses to support our department as we grow. We have hired additional staffing and our teachers have done an amazing job of supporting them as well. Thank you to the Annandale ESOL department for their hard work, dedication, and flexibility this year!
|
Happy School Psychologist Week! This past week we celebrated our School Psychologist, Laurie Ottehenning. Laurie was born and raised in Raleigh, NC before going to undergrad and graduate school at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. She then moved to Northern VA and worked in Loudoun County as a school psychologist for a couple of years before moving over to FCPS. This is Laurie’s fourth year as the school psychologist at AHS. In her free time, Laurie enjoys playing and watching soccer, hiking, and spending time with her husband, 6 month old daughter, and dog.
|
After School Winter SOL Support Program Off to a Great Start! Over 80 students attended the first day of our After School Winter SOL Support Program. This program is designed for students who will be taking an SOL in December or January to address specific academic needs. The targeted intervention will increase the chances that they are successful in their courses and on the SOL test. A huge thank you to the 20 teachers who have volunteered to provide this intervention after school, as well as the staff members who support them.
PTSA Sponsored Monopoly Tournament: Congratulations to Toby Dienstfrey, math teacher, who was crowned this year’s Annandale Monopoly Tournament Champion! Correne Bellem, 11th grade student at AHS, finished second and Bill Maglisceau, AHS English teacher, was third. Special thanks to Brian Valentine and the PTSA for sponsoring this awesome event. This year, we had over 40 people register for this tournament.
Veterans Day Celebration at AHS: This week we celebrated Veterans Day. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the American service members who have sacrificed and served for this country. We can, however, recognize and thank the millions of veterans still living today, especially AHS staff members who served in our Armed Forces: Herb Eggert, Regina Jackson, Melina Merino, Brent Roberson, Mayra Velasco, PJ Taylor and Erica Rivers.
Opportunities
The Bistro is Selling Pies This Holiday Season! With the holidays quickly approaching, Culinary 1 and 2 students will be making pie crust and pies. Please contact Chef Plum at ceplum@fcps.edu with your order. *All orders will be fulfilled November 18 and 19.
- Pie crust frozen, $3 each
- Pie crust rolled into pie tin frozen, $4 each
- Full pumpkin pie, $12 each
- Full pecan pie, $12 each
- Full apple pie, $12 each
Atoms Writing Center Recruiting New Tutors: Are you interested in becoming a tutor for the Atoms Writing Center? The AWC will be holding two interest meetings to provide information and answer any questions you may have about becoming a tutor. Please attend the interest meeting on Wednesday, November 17 from 3:00pm-3:30pm in Room 274. New Tutor Applications are due by midnight on November 19.
OEA Workshop for Students: Students, need help with your OEA (Observation, Evidence, Analysis) writing skills? Come to the Atoms Writing Center's OEA Workshop in Room 274 after school on November 15. Tutors will provide tips on OEA structure, and students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of OEA structure. Then they will get individual feedback on their own OEA paragraphs from tutors. Talk to your English teacher to find out more.
Shark Tank Technology Challenge Open to All Students: Calling all high school students! The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee has announced this year’s Shark Tank Technology Challenge, with a focus on new or improved existing technology that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, wounded warriors, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to consider projects that offer assistance in the following areas: 1) Active free time activities, 2) Participation in the arts, and 3) Caregiving.
Students can submit an innovative or creative project as an individual or a team. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is December 6. Final proposals are due February 22, 2022. The Shark Tank event will be held in April 2022. The winning projects will receive a cash prize. More details are available by visiting the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge webpage.
Yearbook and Senior Tribute Ads: The 2022 Antenna Yearbook and Senior Tribute Ads can be purchased now www.yearbookforever.com. Buy your yearbook now! Price is $85.
|
News from the PTSA
PTSA Food Pantry Distribution: The PTSA sponsored AHS Pantry distributes food to AHS students and families in need. Distribution will take place on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 3:15-4:15pm in Trailer 8 at the rear of the school. The pantry distribution schedule for the school year can be found here. Bags will contain several meals and fresh produce is also available 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. A back to school wish list of needed items can be found here. Also, please consider donating paper grocery bags (preferably with handles) to ease the distribution process. Paper bags and food donations for the Pantry can be dropped off in the main office. Contact Norma Foti, Pantry Coordinator at pantry@annandalehsptsa.org with questions .
PTSA Pantry Needs Your Help! The AHS PTSA pantry is seeking the following items below to restock their shelves. Items can be dropped off in the main office. All donations to the AHS PTSA Pantry are tax deductible.
|
Personal Hygiene
Items
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Razors
Deodorant
Body Wash
Hand Soap
Dental Floss
Chapstick
|
Food
White Rice
Breakfast Cereal
Tomato Sauce
Cooking Oil
Corn Flour
Sugar
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Crackers
Boxes of Granola Bars
Diced Tomatoes
|
Household Items
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Dish Detergent
Dishwasher Detergent
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Sponges
Uber/Lift Gift Cards
|
|
News from the Activities Office
Check out this week's Atoms Athletics and Activities newsletter. You can also check out important information from the Activities Office on the Annandale High School Athletics and Activities website or AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email John Ellenberger at jellenberger@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
This Week's Events:
Monday, November 15
Winter Sports/Band Pictures
Atoms Writing Center - OEA Workshop - 3:00 - Room 274
Indoor Track - First day of practice - 3:15pm
Winter Sports Meet the Coach Night - 6:30 - Cafeteria
Tuesday, November 16
Winter Sports/Band Pictures
Fall Sports Banquet - 6:00pm - Cafeteria
PTSA Meeting - 7:30pm - Library
Wednesday, November 17
Atoms Writing Center - New Tutor Interest Meeting - 3:00pm - Room 274
AA LEAD - 3:15 - 4:30pm - Room 234
Ethiopian/Eritrean Association - 3:15 - 4:15pm - Room 266
Varsity Wrestling Scrimmage vs. WTW, W-L, Madison, West Po - 6:00pm
Band Concert- A Tribute to Rocky - 7:00pm - Holmes Middle School
Thursday, November 18
AVID Club College Application Workshop - 3:00 - 4:00pm - Room 90
Girls' Basketball Scrimmage vs Centreville - 5:00/6:15/7:30pm
Theatre - Fall Play - Puffs - 7:00pm - Auditorium
Friday, November 19
Boys' Basketball Scrimmage vs Chantilly - 5:00/6:15/7:30pm
Theatre - Fall Play - Puffs - 7:00pm - Auditorium
Saturday, November 20
Theatre - Fall Play - Puffs - 7:00pm - Auditorium
Sunday, November 21
Theatre - Fall Play - Puffs - 3:00pm - Auditorium
|
|
