Annandale Community Insider - February 20

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

This past week, staff came together to continue our work around our priority of relationships and support. Several staff members  shared their experiences around W4 Check-In conversations with students. I have heard so many stories about what they are learning about students - from celebrations to challenges. We hope that these conversations help deepen students’ sense of connection and belonging. 

Tomorrow, February 21, marks the beginning of the spring sports season and is another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. The benefits of participating in athletics in high school is well documented. Students who participate in athletics, for example, perform better academically than their peers. In fact, most recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) called countries to include sport in their recovery plans post COVID-19 saying, “In this time of hardship, despite our many urgent priorities, sport and physical activity remain essential for our well-being. They benefit both our physical and mental health and help mitigate stress and anxiety.” 

Spring sports include tennis, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, baseball and softball. To learn more about Annandale's Spring sports programs, check out this week’s “Atoms Athletics and Activities Newsletter,” that includes required paperwork and tryout information.

Finally, Mulch Madness, the PTSA’s biggest and most critical fundraiser of the year, is here! Proceeds from the mulch sale go directly to support the PTSA's All Night Graduation Celebration and Senior Scholarships. Order now through March 1 online! Mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 12, from 8:00am-12:00pm or delivered to your location. For more information, email angcmulch@annandalehsptsa.org.

As always, please reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 21 - Spring Sports Begin

February 21 - Holiday (Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day)

February 22 - Second Chance Breakfast Resumes

February 23 - Pyramid Pre-Assessment Band Concert

March 1 - Winter Sports Banquet

March 2 - Orchestra Concert

March 3 - 2 Hour Early Release

March 4 - Staff Development Day (No School for Students)

March 11 - Just World Festival

March 11 - Heritage Night

March 31 - 2 Hour Early Release; End of 3rd Quarter

April 1 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

April 4-8 - Spring Break 

February 21 - Spring Sports Begin: Next Monday marks the start of our Spring sports season, and more than ever, we want to encourage students to participate in after school activities, especially sports. To learn more about Annandale's Spring Sports programs, visit the Annandale High School Athletics and Activities website. Spring sports include tennis, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, baseball and softball.

February 22 - Second Chance Breakfast Resumes: We will begin to phase in the service of Second Chance Breakfast on Tuesday, February 22. Prior to our decision to suspend service, there were concerns about the number of students in the cafeteria during this time. Therefore, we will start phasing in service at satellite locations only. This will give students time to build the habit of choosing the breakfast location most convenient to their classes. Soon after, we will reopen limited service in the cafeteria.

February 23 - Pyramid Pre-Assessment Concert, 7pm: Our annual pyramid pre-assessment concert will be held on February 23 at 7:00pm in the AHS auditorium. The concert will feature the top bands from Poe Middle School and Holmes Middle School. The concert will feature both middle school bands, and conclude with the Annandale High School Wind Ensemble. 

March 11 - Just World Festival: Just World Festival & Heritage Night: Annandale High School leadership students are excited to join the Just World Interact Club for the 16th annual Just World Festival and Heritage Night on March 11. The festival will take place from 4:00-6:30pm at Annandale. The Heritage Night performance will begin shortly after at 7:00pm in the auditorium. More information can be found on our website.

This year's theme for the Just World festival is "Reconnecting." By coming together, we hope to inspire others to take action and be active in their local and global communities. The festival aims to inspire youth to not only take part in their local community, but a global one as well. Just World strives to educate the community about global and environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, equality, and most importantly, social action. 

The Heritage Night performance will take place directly after at 7:00pm and is another opportunity for Annandale students to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Tickets are available for purchase here. The cost is $5. This event has been incredibly popular in the past so we highly recommend pre-purchasing a ticket to ensure a spot at this incredible performance!

Awesome Atoms!

Three Annandale Students Selected for All-Virginia Chorus! Annandale placed three students in the SATB choir and two alternates for the All-Virginia Chorus. This prestigious choir selects the top vocal students from across the entire state of Virginia. Once selected, the students will attend the state event at the end of April, prepare repertoire and present a concert in Richmond.

Congratulations to the following students: Jessup Gravitt (2nd Chair – Tenor Section), Tim Hurd (1st Alternate – Tenor Section), Esteban Rambal-Pinero (1st Chair – Tenor Section), Jasson Rodriguez-Regalado (4th Chair – Tenor Section) and Ramzy Tabbah (1st Alternate – Bass Section).

30 Annandale Students Selected for District Chorus! The Annandale Choir Department placed seven freshman and sophomore students in the Treble Choir and twenty-three students in the Mixed Choir. The students spent two and a half days preparing their music with their clinicians and then presented a concert on Saturday, February 12 at Meridian High School. Way to go, Singing Atoms!

Welcome Alejandra Navarrete, New Administrative Assistant! Annandale High School is excited to welcome back Alejandra Navarrete. She will be working in the main office as an administrative assistant. Alejandra graduated from Annandale High School and previously worked in the Special Education department right after graduation. Born in El Salvador, Alejandra moved to the U.S in 2001. Most recently, she worked at Holmes Middle School in the main office for the past three years.

Important Information

SEL Screener Update: Earlier this year, students took the SEL Screener. The SEL Screener measures student skills, strengths, and needs across three domains. It is heavily informed by CASEL’s nationally recognized framework for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Screener results were recently mailed home. To assist families in discussing the results of the SEL Screener, check out this “Talking with your student about the SEL Screener” guide.

Opportunities

Thursdays 3:00-4:00, Room 90 - College Help Workshops: These workshops are open to Juniors and Seniors, who want information on applying to college. Students who need individual assistance with college applications can ask questions about the Common Application, Transcript Request Forms, Scholarships, SAT/ACT exam registration, or anything else related to college.

Now through March 1 - Mulch Madness PTSA Fundraiser: It may be chilly outside but Spring is just around the corner. So order your mulch now! Mulch Madness is the PTSA's biggest and most critical fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the mulch sale go directly to support the PTSA's All Night Graduation Celebration and Senior Scholarships. All Night Graduation Celebration provides a fun, safe, alcohol and drug-free parent-chaperoned celebration for our seniors.

Order now through March 1 online! Mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 12, from 8am-12pm or delivered to your location. Each mulch bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs about 60 lbs. $6 per bag delivered (10 bag minimum and within five mile radius of AHS). $5 per bag self pick-up. For more information, email angcmulch@annandalehsptsa.org  

Now Through March 24 - Annandale Student Artwork on Display at NVCC: Congratulations to Annandale students Abbie Lee, Samuel Ceballos Loaiza, Richard Zheng, Laura Escobar Chanez, and Noah Hush who were recently recognized by the Regional Scholastic Art Awards program. A distinguished panel of judges awarded winners in the following categories: Honorable Mention, Silver Key and Gold Key. Visit this website for a complete list of winners including work category and award information.

The Gold Key and Silver Key artworks will be displayed at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from now to March 24, with an award ceremony on February 23. Updates and announcements about the exhibition and award ceremony are available at the affiliate website for the Fairfax County Art Region.

February 22 - George Mason Library Family Tour: George Mason Library invites Annandale families to tour the public library on Tuesday, February 22 from 7:00-8:00pm. Families will be able to register for a library card and learn about library services which include English classes and free tutoring. All are welcome and student interpreters will be onsite. Learn more by visiting the library's website.

February 21-22 - Annandale Baseball Night at Loopy’s: Stop by Loopy’s Eatery in the Bradlick shopping center tomorrow, February 21 or Tuesday, February 22 and mention the Atoms to support Annandale Baseball. 

March 1 - Summer Institute for the Arts Program Registration Opens: Does your child have plans for this summer?  If they love the arts, then the Institute for the Arts is for them! Check out this video for more information. More information can also be found on their website. Registration begins March 1.

Save the Date! June 6 - Sports and Band Physicals for the 2022-23 School Year: Students who would like to participate in sports or band next year will need a valid VHSL physical dated after May 1 2022. On June 6 at 6pm we will be hosting Sport and Activity Health Screenings. This physical will be good for all of next school year. There will be a sign-up genius available soon. The cost is $30 pre-registration and $40 dollars walk-in. This is a donation to the Athletic Training Program so that we can continue to provide state of the art care for our athletes and band members. For information about financial assistance for this event, please contact Kathy Ayers.

Academic Advising

Rising 10th-12th Grade Students: Counselors continue to meet individually with students through English classes to discuss course selection for the 2022-23 school year. Our Academic Advising page has the grade level information presented by counselors, videos made by teachers describing our elective and IB options, and the course selection Google forms that must be completed by students. We encourage both students and parents to visit this site and discuss course selections for next year.

Students are asked to complete the appropriate grade-level course selection Google form prior to meeting with their counselor. All course selection forms are due no later than February 25. Please reach out to your student’s counselor, or Erik Healey, Director of Student Services, if you have any questions.

Rising 9th Grade Students: Thank you to those of you who attended our Rising 9th Grade Open House last Thursday. Many parents shared with me how grateful they were for the opportunity to meet teachers, counselors, administrators and current Annandale students. This was our first in-person event for future Annandale students in two years! It was especially important because we know that many of our students have been disconnected from school and from our community. This event was one of the many ways we are rebuilding that connection.

If you have not done so already, we want to encourage students and families to access all the information needed for course selection on our Academic Advising website. This site has grade level information that will be presented by counselors, videos made by teachers describing elective and IB options, the 9th grade course catalog, and the course selection Google form that will need to be completed by each student. 

In addition, on the website you will find the recording from our Virtual Course Registration Night on January 18 that provides guidance for when students meet with their middle school counselor. If you have any questions, please contact Erik Healey at ejhealey@fcps.edu.

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.

Welcome Back Fans! We are excited to welcome back our spectators and fans to all events at Annandale High School and across FCPS. Good luck to our basketball teams who begin postseason play this week. In addition, you can still watch FCPS high school sporting events online. Here’s how:

1. Go to www.NFHSnetwork.com.
2. Search for (school name) and go to its page.
3. Subscribe and follow.

This service is free for the rest of this school year. You do not need to purchase anything if you are watching FCPS hosted events.

This Week’s Athletics and Activities Schedule

Monday, February 21

Student Holiday

First Day of Spring Sports

Region Playoffs Boys' Basketball vs. Alexandria City - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Region Playoffs Girls' Basketball at Robinson - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Tuesday, February 22

Region Playoffs Boys' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Region Playoffs Girls' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Wednesday, February 23

AA LEAD - 3:00 - 4:00pm - Bistro

Atoms Scholar Program - 3:00 - 4:00pm - Library

Atoms Writing Center - 3:00 - 4:00pm - Room 274

French Honor Society - 3:30 - 4:30pm - Room M-18

National Art Honor Society - 3:00 - 4:00pm - Room 148

Gay/Straight Alliance - 3:15 - 4:15pm - Room 107

Outdoor Track Meeting - 3:15pm - Room 346

Band Pyramid Pre-Assessment Concert - 7:00pm - Auditorium

Thursday, February 24

Region Playoffs Boys' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Region Playoffs Girls' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Friday, February 25

Indoor Track State Championship - 11:00am - Virginia Beach Sports Center

Saturday, February 26

Special Olympics Basketball vs. Marshall - 8:00am, vs. Broad Run - 11:45am

Indoor Track State Championship - Noon - Virginia Beach Sports Center

Region Playoffs Boys' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Region Playoffs Girls' Basketball at TBD - 7:00pm - $5/$7

Spring Sports Begin - February 21: Below is important information about the first day of practice for spring sports. If you have any questions, please email the head coach of that sport. Students must turn in their physical form to the Activities Office and register online now!  

Monday, February 21

Boys' Lax - 8:30-10:30am - Stadium - Bill Maglisceau

Girls' Lax - 10:30-12:30pm - Stadium - Cindy Hook 

Baseball - 11:00-2:30pm - Baseball Field - Chris Bagot

Boys' Tennis - 2:00-4:00pm - Tennis Courts - Steven Zaret

Boys' Soccer - 3:30-5:00pm - Stadium - Tejas Patel

Girls' Soccer - 3:30-5:00pm - Track Field - Jake Vaughn

Softball - 4:00-6:00pm - Softball Field - Mark Crabill

Girls' Lax - 4:00-5:30pm - Ossian Park Field - Cindy Hook

Tuesday, February 22

Girls' Tennis - 3:30 - 5:00pm - Tennis Courts - Kelley Brown

Tuesday, March 1

Outdoor Track - 3:30 - 5:30pm - Track - Phil Harris

News from the PTSA

Now through March 1 - Mulch Madness PTSA Fundraiser: It may be chilly outside but Spring is just around the corner. So order your mulch now! Mulch Madness is the PTSA's biggest and most critical fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the mulch sale go directly to support the PTSA's All Night Graduation Celebration and Senior Scholarships. All Night Graduation Celebration provides a fun, safe, alcohol and drug-free parent-chaperoned celebration for our seniors.

Order now through March 1 online! Mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 12, from 8am-12pm or delivered to your location. Each mulch bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs about 60 lbs. $6 per bag delivered (10 bag minimum and within five mile radius of AHS). $5 per bag self pick-up. For more information, email angcmulch@annandalehsptsa.org  

PTSA Membership - Join Today! On behalf of the Annandale High School Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA), we hope that the 2021–2022 school year is going well. The key ingredient to our success as a school is YOU. Please dare to make a difference, be better informed and join the PTSA today by filling out the online 2021–2022 Membership Form. For more information about membership, visit our Membership page.

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 3:00-4:00pm in Trailer 8 at the rear of the school. The pantry distribution schedule for the school year can be found here. 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 make a donation to the Pantry here. To ease the distribution process, we always need donations of both paper grocery bags (preferably with handles) and reusable grocery bags (for families and students who walk home).  Grocery 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 Is Always Restocking and Needs Your Help! The following items are always needed to restock. Items can be dropped off in the main office. All donations to the AHS PTSA Pantry are tax deductible.