Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
On this Thanksgiving week, one of the things I am most thankful for is our incredible Annandale staff. I have shared over and over that this year may be the most challenging and most important year we have faced as educators. Our priorities of relationships and support, high quality instruction, and strong collaboration are absolutely the right ones as we continue to repair from the impacts of the past year and a half; at the same time, living these priorities each and every day is not easy. The incredible care and dedication that our staff members demonstrate every single day for our students and our entire Annandale community is truly inspiring, and I am proud to work alongside them.
During this season of gratitude, we wanted to give as much opportunity as possible for you to recognize an Annandale staff member who has made a positive impact on your student, your family, or your community. So, we have extended the deadline for nominating a staff member for an FCPS Outstanding Award to Tuesday, November 23. Please take a moment to complete this quick nomination form.
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. If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for clarification and information.
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.
As always, reach out with questions or concerns. Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Donate Gift Cards for AHS Staff
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. Attention: Shawn DeRose. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.
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Awesome Atoms!
Annandale Theater Company's Presentation of Puffs a Success! In their first live performance in over two years, The Annandale Theater Company put on four put on four fantastic live performances of Puffs this past weekend. Bravo to the cast and crew for an amazing performance! There were even some surprise guest performances from staff members Carmen Lucas, Cragin Eres, Bill Maglisceau, and Phillip Harris. The cast had the audience in stitches with hilarious one-liners and smart quips. It was great to see that talents of Annandale students in full display on the stage and behind the scenes.
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  Annandale Students Featured in the Washington Post: The efforts of students at Annandale to support newcomers with a buddy system to help them adjust and navigate the school was featured in this article in the Washington Post. AHS student Sosan Barakzai was quoted, “There is so much to get to know. Anything they have questions with, we want to make them feel comfortable” She and others who settled in the United States before the new arrivals say they would have liked to hear from students like themselves about how to follow class schedules and get around the school, how to ride the bus, which foods are halal, how course credits work, what is needed for graduation.
CAT B Orchestra Build Pre-Instruments: Students in our CAT B Orchestra had the opportunity to build their pre-instruments and learn about the parts of the instrument this week. This hand-on experience helped students to take ownership of their learning, and their instrument, as well as taught students how to take care of their equipment!
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Welcome Charles Campbell! A graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools, Charles has joined our Security Team as a a monitor. Charles previously worked as a groundsman, package handler, and truck driver. He has coached basketball at several levels, including coaching the NOVA Heat. Three years ago, he began coaching at West Potomac High School where he discovered a passion for being a positive role model for young students. Now, Charles has decided to transition to working with students full time.
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Opportunities
Register Your Student for Optional COVID-19 Screening Testing: Parents and guardians can use the secure online portal to register their student(s). If you do not want your child to participate, no action is required. You will have the option to update your child’s vaccination status and/or withdraw consent for testing anytime. Student-athletes do not need to pre-register with the LTS online portal for screening testing, they will use a separate portal provided by our Director of Student Activities.
There will be no student COVID-19 screening testing the week of November 22 due to the Thanksgiving break. For more information on student COVID-19 testing, visit the FCPS website
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Deadline Extended! 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, Operational Employee and Principal. 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 23. Contact Bryan Molle at BCMolle@fcps.edu with any questions.
Last Chance for Senior Pictures! Seniors who haven’t taken their senior pictures yet can sign up to do so December 7-10. Pictures will be taken in the dance room (back of upstairs gym) and are after school (3:00-9:00pm). Seniors can begin book appointments NOW on https://prestigeportraits.com. They can find their name by utilizing the “Search by City & State” feature or using the appointment code they were sent in the mail. If they have any questions, they should contact Lifetouch Prestige at 855-918-2930. This will be the last opportunity to take senior pictures!
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.
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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.
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Personal Hygiene
Items
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Razors
Deodorant
Body Wash
Hand Soap
Dental Floss
Chapstick
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Food
White Rice
Breakfast Cereal
Tomato Sauce
Cooking Oil
Corn Flour
Sugar
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Crackers
Boxes of Granola Bars
Diced Tomatoes
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Household Items
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Dish Detergent
Dishwasher Detergent
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Sponges
Uber/Lift Gift Cards
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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 22
Art Club - 3:00-4:45pm - Room 334
Tuesday, November 23
Boys' Basketball Scrimmage at McLean - 5:00/6:15/7:30pm
Girls' Basketball Scrimmage vs. Garfield - JV 5:30, V 7:00pm
Wrestling Scrimmage vs. Edison, Lewis, South County, McLean - 6:00pm
Wednesday, November 24
No Events
Thursday, November 25
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 26
No Events
Saturday, November 27
No Events
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