Annandale Community Insider - December 11

Ugly Sweater Picture

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

This week we had several opportunities to showcase the incredible things that are happening in #AtomNation. On Thursday, leaders from FCPS Central Office visited Annandale High School. Along with our coaches and administrators, they visited classrooms to observe evidence of our instructional focus of Learning Targets, Academic Tasks, and Scaffolds. The visitors remarked on the many scaffolds teachers had planned to allow students to access higher level academic tasks. They also noticed that students had several opportunities to collaborate, making connections to each other and their learning.

The musical talents of our students were also on full display this week as our band and orchestra programs held their winter concerts. In addition to showcasing the talents of our students, the show featured guest performances from our Parent Orchestra’s Advanced Ensemble and Crescendo (CAT B) Orchestra’s debut! As I shared on Twitter, it was hard not to get emotional watching our CAT B students perform. Thank you to Annie Ray and the CAT B Department for all of their hard work. Next week, the choirs at Annandale will be performing at various community events. See below for more details about the shows.

I am so proud of the amazing work our students and staff have been doing. As we approach Winter Break, we will finish out the year with our Winter Spirit Week. Students are encouraged to dress for each day’s theme. I am looking forward to another opportunity to show off my ugly sweater wardrobe on Wednesday. We will also 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 connect with family and friends. 

As always, reach out with questions or concerns. Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal


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Important Dates

December 5-15 - Deck the Doors Contest

December 12-16 - Holiday Spirit Week

December 13 - Course Selection Presentations (W4)

December 13, 14 and 16 - Annandale Choirs Concerts

December 14 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm (Canceled)

December 19-30 - Winter Break

January 2 - New Year’s Day Observed (No School)

January 11 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm

January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)

January 20-21 - Winter Musical, Firebringer 

January 25 - 2 Hour Early Release (End of the 2nd Quarter)

January 26-27 - Student Holiday

 

December 12-16 - Holiday Spirit Week: Annandale staff and students have the opportunity to get excited for Winter break by participating in a Holiday Themed Spirit week! Get creative and have fun dressing up with the following daily themes. Annandale Leadership students will be taking photos of participants to be featured on their Instagram! We are looking forward to seeing lots of festive outfits!

Monday, December 12: Pajama Day

Tuesday, December 13: Flannel Day

Wednesday, December 14: Ugly Sweater Day

Thursday, December 15: Holiday Character Day

Friday, December 16: Santa's Workshop: Dress as the following dependent on your grade: Freshman: Snowman, Sophomore: Reindeer, Junior: Elf, Senior: Santa.

 

December 13 - Course Selection Presentations: Counselors will be presenting the 2023-2024 course selection process to students in W4 on Tuesday, December 13. The presentation will cover important information including course options for next school year and the process for how to select their courses. The presentation will be recorded and posted on the student services webpage for students who do not have a W4 class. Students can reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.

 

December 13, 14 and 16 - Annandale Choirs in Concert and Community Caroling: The choirs at Annandale have been busy preparing for a wonderful season of concerts during the last week before break.

Gaudete (Rejoice) - December 13: Our Winter Concert with the Annandale Singers, Atom Chorale, Men's Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. 

Noonday Noël - December 14: Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble sing for the Noonday Noël at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 12:05pm (323 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA)

Caroling at the Willard Hotel - December 16: Join the Annandale Singers in the Lobby for two sets: 5:30-6:15 and 6:45-7:30 at the Willard Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004).

 

December 15 - IB Middle Years Programme Certificate Celebration: We are excited to celebrate 82 AHS students who earned the FCPS MYP Certificate! Students qualify for this honor by earning an 8 or above on their personal project (completed through their English 10 classes), successfully completing two or more years of language classes, and providing volunteer service hours and reflecting on their experiences. Our celebration, held Thursday evening from 6:30-7:30pm, will feature a special guest speaker and distribution of certificates. Please reach out with questions to our MYP Coordinator, Jeniva Miller.

 

January 11 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 11 from 6-8pm Annandale High School will host an Open House for our rising 9th grade students and families to learn more about what high school at Annandale is all about! We will offer short optional sessions on our various Annandale programs, and teachers will be in their classrooms throughout the evening to share all about our core and elective courses for 9th graders. The goal is for students and parents to leave this event excited about all the opportunities our students will have as an Annandale Atom! Breakout Sessions on the following topics will be offered throughout the evening: Welcome to Annandale, Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages Program; Special Education Office and Math Course Placement. If you have any questions, please contact Erik Healey.


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Donate Gift Cards for AHS Staff

At events throughout the year, we recognize staff who go above and beyond with gift cards donated by community members 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: Jen Buchanan. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.


Important Information

Assignments Over Winter Break: We hope you are able to spend the holiday resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain will 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.

 

Winter Break Office Hours: The Annandale administrative offices will be closed from Monday, December 19 through Monday, January 2. Offices will re-open on Monday, January 3 at 7:00am.

 

SIS Access Limited Over Winter Break: SIS, ParentVUE, and StudentVUE will be unavailable for all users from Friday, December 16 at 5:00pm until Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00am for system updates. Weekly progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break; they will resume Tuesday, January 3.

 

PSAT Score Reports Now Available: Recently, College Board released PSAT scores for the October exam. Students who completed the test should have received their score reports at the email address they indicated on their PSAT answer sheet. If they have not yet recieved the report, students should check their junk and spam folders for an email from College Board. Before winter break, students will also receive an email to their school email account from Erik Healey, AHS Director of Student Services. This email will include test scores and an Access Code, which can be used to view the full score report on the College Board website. From this score report, students can utilize a free SAT prep course through Khan Academy, based on their individual PSAT scores.

 

Parent Advocacy Handbook Now Available: The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) has created a Parent Advocacy Handbook to provide information and support to families as they navigate the FCPS system for their children. The handbook is for parents and guardians, and contains answers to the many questions parents may have about the school system and how they can best advocate for their student at the various stages of their school experience. Please click here for more information and a copy of the handbook, which is available in several languages.

 

Free Live Tutoring Service Available to all Annandale Students: To support our students, we are using W4 to equip them with strategies they can use for their continued learning. Our Atoms Agreement of Determination means that we try, even when it is difficult; do our best; are present and engaged; show up on time; and create goals and strive to achieve them. 

To support students in demonstrating Determination, a recent W4 lesson shared detailed information about ways students can take control of their own learning, including preparing for retakes and accessing supports such as Tutor.com. We will continue to use W4 lessons to build students' skills around self-advocacy and determination. Click here to learn more.


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Awesome Atoms!

AHS Students Earn District Honor Orchestra Recognition: Congratulations to four members of the Annandale Orchestra program who were selected for District Honor Orchestra this fall: Shalini Vlcan - Viola; Jazzy Tang - Viola; Thein Phan - Viola; Jenna Saykhamphone - Bass; Melanie Lam - Violin.

 

NABSE

Annandale Senior Mariamawit Endalkachew Awarded (NABSEF) Scholarship: At the recent National Alliance of Black School Educators Conference, Mariamawit Endalkachew was awarded the NABSEF Scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship must be involved with a local community based program, have completed at least 20 hours of community service, and submit a typed essay of 450-500 words on the topic: “The Legacy I Will Leave.” Congratulations to Mariamawit!

 

Annandale Basketball and NHS Kickoff “Readers are Leaders” Program: Shoutout to the Boys and Girls Basketball programs, along with members of the National Honor Society for "Kicking Off" the 5th year of the “Readers Are Leaders” program. Students visited 2nd grade classes at Braddock Elementary School to read with our future Atoms.

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Opportunities

December 12 - AWC Game Night is Back! Come celebrate the Atoms Writing Center’s second game night on Monday, December 12, from 3:15 to 4:45pm in Clausen Hall! During game night, students are able to learn more about the Atoms Writing Center through playing fun games and participating in a Kahoot tournament for prizes! The event is free to enter, but pizza and baked goods will be available for purchase. If you want a fun-filled afternoon with food, games, movies, prizes, and more, come to AWC Game Night!

 

December 12 - Yomie X Orchestra Fundraiser Ends: Orchestra’s first large fundraiser of the year is our partnership with Yomie’s Rice X Yogurt Mochinut to sell mochi doughnuts, Korean corndogs, and yogurt drinks. Students have until Monday, December 12 to purchase goods (pre-sale and digital payments only) with pick-up of all items on Wednesday, December 14 from 3:00-3:30pm in the Orchestra room. You can pre-order food here: Not hungry? We welcome donations to the program here.

 

December 15 - IB Business Internal Assessment (IA) Workshop: The Atoms Writing Center is holding a workshop to help students with their IA for IB Business. The workshop will be offered on December 15 after school and during PRIDE Time in Room 274. To be requested for PRIDE Time, you must complete this google form by midnight tonight, December 11. There is no need to sign up to attend the after school session.

 

December 19-21 - Winter Olympics Camp: Annandale High School will be leading a 3-day Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School during Winter Break. Camp will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30am-3:00pm. Cost is $100. Payment will be accepted during drop off on the first day. Sign up for Winter Olympics Camp here

 

Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is once again hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Sign up for Sunday Skills Camp here. Cost is $120 for all camps or $25 each.

 

Beginning January 10 - Annandale Hosts Family Project For Parents: A 10-session program, designed for parents with children from 10-17 years old. This class is designed to help you improve the communication with your child and boost your student’s self-esteem. Parents will learn to avoid arguments. Classes are held in person in Spanish, beginning Wednesday, January 10, from 6-9pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Questions? Please contact Family Liaison, Rosario Carrasco 703-642-7411.


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News from the Student Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Atoms Athletics Highlights: Girls basketball fell in a close game vs. Hylton and finished the week off against Wakefield (results to be posted online). Boys basketball got some much needed rest after 3 games in their first week and returned to action at Wakefield on Friday evening (results to be posted online). The Grappling Atoms Wrestlers had a successful week on both JV and Varsity with the varsity wrestlers coming away with a win over Alexandria City on Wednesday evening. Swim/Dive fell in a close meet vs. Falls Church but returned to the pool with two meets this weekend (results to be posted online). Gymnastics continue to improve their skills on the mat! Indoor Track looks to be competitive this year with many athletes looking towards potential state berths, including state champion Miles Lanham!

 

Annandale Student Athletes Receive All-District and All-Region Accolades! We have officially finished our fall season with many of our Atoms student-athletes earning postseason All-District and All-Region recognition.  These student-athletes worked hard and their achievements should be acknowledged! Check out the recipients using the link below: Annandale Atoms Fall All-District/Region/State Recognition.

 

This Week:

Monday, December 12

JV Girls Basketball @ Parkview - 6:00pm

Tuesday, December 13

F/JV/Varsity Girls Basketball vs Lewis - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

F/JV/Varsity Boys Basketball @ Lewis- 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Winter Chorus Concert - Auditorium - 7:00pm

Wednesday, December 14

JV Wrestling Jamboree - Upstairs Gym - 6:00pm

Gymnastics @ South County - 6:00pm

Friday, December 16

F/JV/Varsity Boys Basketball vs Hayfield - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

F/JV/Varsity Girls Basketball @ Hayfield - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Swim/Dive vs Lewis @ Audrey Moore - 8:30pm

Saturday, December 17

Wrestling @ Woodson 10:00am


News from Student Services

Check out the latest information from the Student Services Department in their weekly newsletter. The newsletter provides important information, important dates, news from the college & career center and class news.

 

Transcript Requests for College Applications & Scholarships: Seniors need to request official high school transcripts one month prior to application deadlines. For example, if a college application is due on January 17, the Transcript Request Form is due on December 17. We will be receiving a very high volume of requests in the coming months, and our Student Services staff needs adequate time to process them. Early Action and Early Decision application deadlines are quickly approaching. For step-by-step instructions and forms for submitting Transcript Requests, go to the AHS College & Career Google site.

 

Fridays During Lunch - FAFSA/VASA Help! Need help filling out the FAFSA or VASA? Every Friday our Financial Aid Champion, Ms. Mahieu will be offering FAFSA and VASA help to students during their lunch period. If you are interested in registering for an appointment during your lunch period please email Ms. Wells or Mr. Yeagley so they can schedule the appointment for you. Please be sure you include the Friday you would like to come in, as well as what lunch you have that day. You can also email Ms. Mahieu directly with questions about the FAFSA/VASA or to schedule a virtual or in person meeting with Ms. Mahieu.

 

Early Online College-Spring Session: Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors or seniors the opportunity to take up to two tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the spring semester begin on January 31 and end on April 24, 2023. Courses are for college credit only and designed to jumpstart students' college experience. These courses were selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities. For more information, contact NOVA’s Office of Dual Enrollment at dualenrollment@nvcc.edu. Applications are due by December 31.


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News from the PTSA

Canceled - December 14 - PTSA Meeting: Our December PTSA has been cancelled. We look forward see everyone next month. Also, if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

 

Annandale PTSA Pantry Needs Help Restocking! Below is a photo of our shelves before and after each distribution. We need help restocking regularly. Please consider donating, every donation helps. Visit the pantry website here to learn more and about ways to donate.

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Volunteer at the Annandale PTSA - Do you have an SUV or minivan and an hour to help the AHS PTSA food pantry? Our community partner, Food For Others is providing the Annandale High School PTSA Food Pantry with fresh food items and we need help delivering the items twice a month to the pantry for distribution. Please sign up here.

The PTSA sponsored AHS Pantry distributes food to AHS students and families in need. This year, we will be distributing on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. See the schedule below. But, we need your help! Please consider volunteering to help on the distribution dates. Sign up here

Pantry Distributions are in Trailer 8 behind school – schedule changes are in bold. Email Norma Foti, AHS PTSA Pantry Coordinator, at pantry@annandalehsptsa.org with questions.

Pantry Distribution Schedule

 

Donate to the Annandale PTSA Pantry: Donations are always welcome and tax deductible. To make a monetary donation, please click 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. See below for our wishlist. Contact Norma Foti, Pantry Coordinator at pantry@annandalehsptsa.org with questions.

Pantry Wish List

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Support Annandale Booster Organizations!

Gear up with Official Atoms Spirit Wear: Gear up for another action-packed season with official Atoms gear. You can dress in team-spirited garb on game day and every day with the largest selection of Annandale Atoms apparel at the official Atoms Store. Cheer on your Atoms with t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Our online Shop has items for any occasion. Visit spiritwear.atomsboosters.org to see the latest Atoms gear.

 

Join the Annandale PTSA! The key ingredient to our success is YOU. Please dare to make a difference, be better informed and join the PTSA today by filling out the online 2022–2023 Membership Form. For more information about membership, visit our Membership page.

 

Join the Atoms Athletic Boosters! Purchase an Athletic Pass! We need you as an Atoms fan in the stands cheering on our athletes, as well as behind the scenes as an athletics supporter. 100% of your Booster contributions support the many athletic programs, facilities, and athletes at AHS. 

Cost: Student Pass - $30; Adult Pass - $60; Parking Pass - $30; Fan Pass - $25. For more information, visit the Boosters sight at www.atomsboosters.org.

The BENEFITS of purchasing an AHS Athletic Booster Membership/athletic passes include:

  • SAVE MONEY! — Admission for free admission for Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity regular-season home athletic events (not valid for away games or postseason play).
  • Ease and Convenience — Avoid the ticket line, just show your pass at the admissions gate; no need to carry cash.
  • Support the Atoms — 100% of the money goes to AHS athletics. Normal gate fees are split between AHS and the opponent.