Annandale Community Insider - May 15

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

This week our students enjoyed success both inside and outside of the classroom. The weather was perfect as several of our athletic teams’ celebrated "Senior Nights." I had the opportunity to attend these events and congratulate our senior athletes. It was clear through my interactions with students, parents and coaches how important the past several months of athletics have been, especially for our seniors.

Our boys and girls soccer teams play in the first round of the district championship at Falls Church High School on Monday. In addition, our Baseball and Softball teams won on Friday night and will now advance to the district semifinals on Tuesday. See detailed athletic schedule below.

Participation in extracurricular activities has always played an important role in the development of our students. This summer, Annandale High School will host a series of Summer Sports Camps for students in grades 2-9. Please help us spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!

As we quickly approach the end of the school year, we are doing much to support our students with getting over the finish line. Students have completed their first attempts at Math, Science, and Reading SOLs and this is the final week of IB testing. Teachers are working with students who, with additional support, have the opportunity to retake and pass. They are targeting students’ needs through PRIDE Time, ASAP, and small-group instruction during every period. Our MTSS teams, counselors, and coaches are combing through every senior to ensure they have the course verifications and credits they need to graduate.

Finally, this is a big week for the class of 2022. Seniors will begin taking their final exams on Wednesday and Thursday. The bell schedule will remain the same, however seniors will be dismissed after the last exam period. There will be no exams on Friday, so seniors can prepare for Prom that evening. For the latest Class of 2022 information, check out the “Senior Page” on the AHS Student Portal.

Have a great week, Atom Nation. As always, reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

May 16 - IB Testing: Geography, Spanish

May 16 - Band Concert, 7pm

May 17 - IB Testing: Spanish

May 17 - PTSA Meeting

May 18 - IB Testing: Chemistry

May 18 - Senior Exams: W6, W8

May 18-24 - Senior Laptop Collection

May 19 - IB Testing: French

May 19 - Senior Exams: R5, R7

May 19 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm

May 20 - IB Testing: French

May 20 - Prom, 8-11pm

May 23 - Senior Exams: R1, R3

May 24 - Senior Exams, W2

May 25 - Last Day of Late Busses

May 27-28 - Broadway Desserts, 7pm

May 16 - Band Concert: The Spring Concert will feature the AHS Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Both ensembles will perform musical literature that is complex and on the collegiate level. The concert will begin at 7pm in the auditorium. Programs will be digital via QR code placed outside of the auditorium doors. 

May 17 - PTSA Meeting: The Next Annandale PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00pm in the Library or online. Here is a link to the meeting. You can check out the meeting agenda and notes on the PTSA website. PTSA meetings are bilingual and Spanish translation is provided. Las reuniones de PTSA son bilingües y se proporciona traducción al español. See you there!

May 18-24 - Senior Laptop and Book Collection: Beginning Wednesday, May 18, students who no longer need their FCPS issued laptop can return it at the Main Gym Lobby after each senior exam block.

May 19 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm: Join us for the Orchestra Spring Concert featuring not only our three performing Orchestra groups, but also students from Advanced Guitar, our CAT B Orchestra, and the FCPS Parent Orchestra! We will hold a bake sale to support the Orchestra Boosters after school and before the concert down by the Performing Arts hallway.

May 27-28, Broadway Desserts, 7pm: Our Annual Broadway Desserts concert features all five of the AHS Choirs performing songs from the stage as a Broadway Review of sorts. Both group and individual performances will be featured in two acts with desserts served in the lobby at intermission. Discount tickets on sale now through May 26 for just $10. Tickets can be purchased online. Bring a photo ID to claim your tickets. After May 26, tickets will only be available at the door for $15. All of the seating is General Admission. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Important Information

Crafting our Vision - We need your help! On Tuesday, May 17, Annandale faculty will come together to continue our work around setting the vision for our school. When we met last, staff members collaborated on creating several draft vision statements using input from our students and our community. As we continue this work, we ask that you provide feedback on these draft vision statements using this Google Form.

Yearbooks Have Arrived! On Monday, May 16, yearbooks can be picked up or purchased in room 262 during W4, Pride Time, and W6. If you pre-ordered your yearbook, make sure to bring an ID with you when picking up. If you need to pick up or purchase a book after that date, please contact Ms. Hanneman, the yearbook adviser. Yearbooks are $85 and can be purchased online at  www.yearbookforever.com  or in cash at distribution. 

No Morning Attendance Calls: In order to accommodate the expanded student testing windows for SOLs and IB exams, morning attendance calls, texts, and e-mails will be suspended for all middle and high schools from April 25 through the last day of school, June 10. Evening attendance notification will continue as normally scheduled. If you have any questions regarding your students' attendance, please contact the AHS Attendance Office at 703-642-4151 or via email at AnnandaleHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu. 

Awesome Atoms!

Student Services Delivers Junior Programing: This past Thursday, our counseling team conducted our Junior Program, during which our juniors were able to attend an information session of their choosing based on their post-high school plans. Our College 101 session was streamed virtually for students to get advice on the college search process, understand the nuances of financial aid, and begin preparing for college applications. Our NOVA session covered the benefits of community college, how students can engage with NOVA now, and the relationship between NOVA and four-year universities. Finally, we had a variety of representatives from the military and work apprenticeships to present the options they can provide to students as they think about their future. Thank you to all the counselors and presenters for supporting our students as they begin to think about life after Annandale!

Laura Escobar Chanez Wins Scholastics Gold Medal! Congrats to Laura Escobar Chanez, senior at Annandale High School and currently enrolled in Animation 2 with Ms. Lucas. Her short film is part of a collection of works submitted for the 2022 Scholastics Art and Writing Awards, winning a gold medal, along with one other gold and two silver medals. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/EXtGJG-ZG-0 

10th Grade Students Demonstrate Skills via Middle Years Program Personal Project: As part of our work as an MYP school, each year our 10th graders complete a personal project through their English classes. For their Personal Project, students select a topic they are interested in learning how to do, make, create, develop, or otherwise pursue, journal about this experience, and write a report. The personal project formally assesses students' approaches to learning skills for self-management, research, communication, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration.

Our current 10th graders have completed their projects and presented them to their classes, and over 40 students were selected by their classmates and teachers to showcase their projects to our 9th graders. This is an opportunity for our 10th grade students to celebrate and showcase their success. Additionally, this opportunity will give 9th graders a preview of the personal project and more information about MYP at Annandale. 

Each week we will feature some of our students’ projects through the Insider. Today’s personal project feature is Melanie Lam, in Bill Maglisceau’s class. Melanie’s essential question was, “How can I create a piece of apparel with my mom and incorporate both her and my style?” She chose this topic because she likes art. Over the course of the project, Melanie learned how to sew. Not only was Melanie’s product beautiful, she did an incredible job setting goals, describing her process, and reflecting on what she learned along the way. Check out what Melanie made here!

Annandale Theatre Company Receives Cappies Nominations: The ATC has been nominated for two Cappies for their musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! The following students were voted among the top 5 in their category by a panel of their peers from across the National Capitol Area. Aiden Scarborough is nominated for Comic Actor in a Musical for his role of Panch. Kaya Thomas for her Hair and Makeup Design and her makeup crew, Amelia Mongold and Thanh Tuyen Tran.

Academic Support

Tutor.com Now Available For All Students: We are pleased to announce that students now have unlimited access to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Tutor.com is available 24/7, through online voice or text chat, and in your student’s preferred language. Student participation is optional and parents/guardians can opt their students out of accessing the service. You can learn more about Tutor.com on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services website.

Students will be able to access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology and will help many FCPS students complete assignments, better understand classroom lessons, and be successful. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following secondary instructional video. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu. 

Summer Sports Camps

Annandale High School is offering various summer sports camps for rising 2nd graders through rising 9th graders led by Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!

Camps run each day from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The cost of the five-day camps is only $125 (Olympics Camp is 4 days for $100). Credit cards or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”. Payment is due on the first day of camp. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. 

Click HERE to register for any or all of these camps. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net. If you have any questions, please email John Ellenberger, Director of Student Activities, at jellenberger@fcps.edu. 

Class of 2022 Information

For the latest Class of 2022 information, check out the “Senior Page” on the AHS Student Portal. This site will keep you posted on all of the end-of-year activities and graduation information. This page will be updated if/when we receive new information. Note: You must be signed in to your FCPS Google account to access the Student Portal. In addition, we have also posted this information on the school website for parents to access. If you have any questions please contact our senior class sponsors, Ms. Nicole Ferree and Ms. Allyson Pak, or our senior class administrator, Dr. Sarah Eqab.

Opportunities

Free Prom Dresses and Suits at AHS’s “Promise”: Need a dress or suit for Prom? Prom is on May 20 at the Torpedo Factory in historic Old Town, Alexandria, and Annandale’s premiere prom fashion shop has you covered. “Promise” offers gently used, yet stylish dresses, suits, shoes, clutches and accessories for you to wear to prom – and to keep!

To shop at “Promise,” just request a pass to visit Mr. Henceroth’s marketing classroom (210) during Pride Time or stop by directly after school. For further information or questions, contact Mr. Dayton Henceroth at dehenceroth@fcps.edu. 

All Night Grad Celebration - Purchase Tickets Today! Annandale High School’s All Night Grad Celebration is June 2 from 11:00pm-5:00am at Audrey Moore Rec Center! Tickets are on sale now through May 30. You can order tickets here, or pick up the ticket form in the main office. Questions? Contact Alyssa Getsey at 703.256.8069 or via email at getsey@verizon.net. 

May 22 - TJHSST Ethics Club Competition: The Thomas Jefferson High School Ethics Club is hosting an Ethics Competition for high schoolers around the DMV area. This competition is virtual via Zoom on May 22 between 8:00am to 3:00pm. The competition will consist of teams discussing relevant ethical cases following the format of an Ethics competition with over $100 in prizes! Click here to register. If you have any questions, email club advisors, Mr. Brian Field and Monte Bourjaily. 

June 3 - AWC’s First Ever Game Night! The Atoms Writing Center is holding a brand new event and would like to invite all teachers and students to Clausen Hall after school on June 3 to learn about the AWC, eat snacks, play games, win prizes, and support charity. More details will be provided closer to the event.

Community/Parent Assistance Needed. Get Involved Today!

As we approach the end of the year, we need your continued support. Specifically, we need volunteers to assist with upcoming AHS events. See below for detailed information.  

Proctors for IB Exams Needed! The IB exams are administered now through May 20 and we are in need of assistance to proctor the exams. Volunteers are needed to walk around the testing room and monitor students. No special training is needed. Each testing room will have at least one experienced proctor that will be in charge of administering the test. We just need additional adult supervision. Dress casually with comfortable shoes! Check out this Sign Up Genius to volunteer. Questions? Please email Linda Bradshaw, IB DP Coordinator at lmbradshaw@fcps.edu.

All Night Grad Party - Volunteers Needed! The success of the All Night Grad Party on June 2 depends on parents of all grades helping out! It is truly a memorable night that you won’t want to miss. There are time slots available to accommodate any schedule, but the true magic does happen overnight. Don’t miss out on supporting our Grads! Sign-up to volunteer today. Don’t miss out on supporting our Grads! 

News from the Activities Office

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.

Watch Annandale Sports Online! Annandale sports fans can watch FCPS high school sporting events online. 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. Here’s how:

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

June 6 - Rising 9th Grade Athletics/Band Night: The Activities Office will be hosting an information night for rising 9th grade athletes and future band members on June 6 at 6:30pm. During this session, we will share information about the sports/seasons that we offer, how to sign up for a sport, and when try-outs for each sport begin. The focus will be on our Fall Sports (Cheerleading, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Volleyball and Band). A coach or director for each fall sport/band will be available to answer any questions. Email jellenberger@fcps.edu if you have any questions.

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 6:00pm 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.

Fall 2022 Sports Tryout Dates: Mark your calendars for Fall 2022 sports tryout dates. Golf tryouts begin on Thursday, July 28 and all other fall sports (football, cheer, field hockey, cross-country, volleyball) will begin on Monday, August 1.

This Week’s Events:

Monday, May 16

Girls' Tennis Doubles District Tournament at Jefferson - 3:30pm

Boys' Tennis Doubles District Tournament at Mt. Vernon - 3:30pm

Boys' Soccer - District Tournament at Falls Church - 5:00pm

Girls' Soccer - District Tournament at Falls Church - 7:00pm

Band Concert, 7pm

Tuesday, May 17

Girls' Tennis Singles/Doubles Semi-Finals District Tournament at TJ - 3:30pm

Boys' Tennis Doubles Semi-Finals District Tournament at Mt. Vernon - 3:30pm

Varsity Baseball - District Tournament at Falls Church - 6:00pm

Varsity Softball - District Tournament at Edison - 6:00pm

Girls' Lacrosse - Region Tournament vs Fairfax - 6:30pm

Boys' Lacrosse - Region Tournament at West Potomac - 7:30pm

Wednesday, May 18

Outdoor Track and Field - District Finals at Falls Church - 4:45pm

Boys' Soccer District Tournament at TBD - 6:30pm

Girls' Soccer District Tournament at TBD - 6:30pm

Girls' Tennis Singles/Doubles Finals District Tournament at TJ - 3:30pm

Boys' Tennis Doubles Finals District Tournament at Mt. Vernon - 3:30pm

Outdoor Track and Field District Finals at Falls Church - 4:45pm

Thursday, May 19

Outdoor Track and Field District Finals at Falls Church - 4:45pm

Boys' Lacrosse Region Tournament at TBD - 6:30pm

Girls' Lacrosse Region Tournament at TBD - 6:30pm

Orchestra Concert, 7pm

Friday, May 20

Prom, 8-11 at Torpedo Factory

News from the PTSA

May 17 - PTSA Meeting: The Next Annandale PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00pm in the Library or online. Here is a link to the meeting. You can check out the meeting agenda and notes on the PTSA website. PTSA meetings are bilingual and Spanish translation is provided. Las reuniones de PTSA son bilingües y se proporciona traducción al español. See you there!

2022-2023 PTSA Officers: Membership vote will occur at the May meeting (May 17, 7:00 pm, AHS Library or virtual) and floor nominations for any position will be accepted at the meeting prior to the vote. Any questions, please contact Tammy Murphy, Chair of the nominating committee at teapot292002@yahoo.com. 

President - Annamaria Nields

Vice President Membership - Thurraya Kent

Vice President Programs - Angeleah Jamison

Treasurer - Jose Mercado

Secretary - Andre McGinity

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.