Annandale HS Student Services Newsletter

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 01/25/2023 02:12 PM EST

Annandale Student Services

Message from the Director:

Dear Atom Nation,

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of the first semester. Grades for the second quarter and the first semester will be available to students and families through StudentVue and ParentVue by Monday, February 6. 

At Annandale, we utilize a rolling gradebook because we believe students learn at varying paces and a rolling gradebook supports this belief. In a rolling gradebook, the final grade is determined by a combination of all assignments and assessments given throughout the year, not an average of quarter marks. Instead of using nine weeks to mark “the end of learning,” a rolling gradebook records long-term progress as the year goes on, not just short-term achievement in each quarter. It also provides a more accurate reflection of the student grade at any given point in time, and at the end of the year. This philosophy is also supported by the IB programme, which recommends using mastery-based trends to more accurately reflect progress over time. 

I encourage students and families to communicate with teachers about grades and learning progress. Our counselors are also available to support students and answer any questions. 

Erik Healey

Director of Student Services

Important Dates

  • February 1 - FCPS Gap Year Fair at West Springfield HS
  • February 10 - FCPS Parent Project Begins (see flier below)
  • February 10 - NOVA MEC Field Trip (permission forms due January 25)

Course Selection Dates for 2023-2024 School Year

  • January 9 to 19 - Juniors meet with Counselors
  • January 19 to February 3 - Sophomores meet with Counselors
  • February 3 to 17 - Freshmen meet with Counselors
  • February 24 - final deadline to change course requests

Virginia Boys State 2023: Virginia Boys State is a week-long study of government and the operation, laws and procedures of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AHS Student Services is currently identifying Juniors, who are interested in submitting applications for this summer enrichment opportunity. We will recommend outstanding young men, who demonstrate an interest in the Virginia government, to represent AHS at the 2023 Boys State convention. Participants must be United States citizens or legal residents of the United States. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. For more details, go to the Virginia Boys State website.

Boys State will be held at Radford University from Sun. June 18 to Sat. June 24, 2023. You must be able to attend the entire program. No exceptions.

If you are an 11th grader and interested in applying, please complete the Boys State 2023 Interest Form by Friday, February 3: https://tinyurl.com/yfafu77c

Contact: Cheryl Kim

cbkim@fcps.edu

Virginia Girls State 2023: Virginia Girls State is a week-long study of government and the operation, laws and procedures of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AHS Student Services is currently identifying Juniors, who are interested in submitting applications for this summer enrichment opportunity. We will recommend outstanding young women, who demonstrate an interest in the Virginia government, to represent AHS at the 2023 Girls State convention. Participants must be United States citizens or legal residents of the United States. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. For more details, go to the Virginia Girls State website.

Girls State will be held at Longwood University from Sun. June 18 to Sat. June 24, 2023. You must be able to attend the entire program. No exceptions.

 If you are an 11th grader and interested in applying, please complete the Girls State 2023 Interest Form by Thursday, Jan. 26: https://tinyurl.com/5n6etpv6. 

Contact: Cheryl Kim

cbkim@fcps.edu

Last Minute College Help Sessions: Are you still working on completing college applications before the final deadline to apply and need help? Complete this Google form to be requested during Pride Time on Jan. 30 for extra help with your college application(s).

2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and Families: FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at West Springfield High School from 6:30-9:00 pm. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event.

For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs or FCPS Gap Year Fair, or contact Pamela White, Special Projects Liaison, at pcwhite@fcps.edu or 571-423-4431. 

**In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. The Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology from 6:30-9:00 pm.
Gap YearParent Project

College & Career Corner

Thursday NOVA Help Sessions: If you are planning to attend NOVA and need assistance, come to Room 90, from 3:00-4:00 pm. 

  • Choosing a program - February 2, March 9
  • Application and account set up - February 9, March 16
  • FAFSA - February 16, March 23
  • Course Planning - February 23, March 30

Register to Take the ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test measures a young adult’s strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on potential for future career success. Students are encouraged to take the test because it is a valuable career assessment tool which can help identify which career is best for each student. Though the test is developed by the Department of Defense, it is not just for those going into the military. It’s a great start to finding the perfect career for students by highlighting those skills which students naturally have. To sign up for the ASVAB test you may go see your school counselor or contact your local recruiter, Staff Sergeant Meas at 703-424-8923.

NOVA Vision: FCPS and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), are offering a virtual opportunity for students with disabilities to learn about available options at the post-secondary level. The conference will include a presentation from Accommodations and Accessibility Services, a student panel, and a Q & A session.

NOVA Vision 2023 - Virtual Event, April 19, 2023:  4:00–6:00 pm.

  • Click HERE to complete the FCPS registration form
  • Click HERE to register and receive ZOOM link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Transcript Requests for College Applications & Scholarships: Seniors need to request official high school transcripts ONE MONTH prior to application deadlines. Please take into account winter break. Students who have early January application deadlines should have submitted Transcript Requests before the end of November. The Student Services staff needs adequate time to process the large number of requests that we receive. For step-by-step instructions and forms for submitting Transcript Requests, go to the AHS College & Career Google site. 

Fridays FAFSA/VASA Help During Lunch: 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 at lcwells@fcps.edu or Mr. Yeagley at Byeagley@fcps.edu 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.

SAT Help
NOVA info sessionsCTE Summer Academy

Scholarships

Enrichment Opportunities

Follow Us On Social Media

Instagram Twitter