Annandale Community Insider - February 5

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

February is Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance.” Throughout the month, we will celebrate and honor the experiences, achievements, and contributions made by African Americans and their central role in US History.

Our Social Studies teams are offering students opportunities to make their own connections to curriculum content and providing resources to further their learning. US/Va History classes are completing a month-long project studying the African American experience during the Reconstruction era and analyzing the ways in which African Americans exercised their freedom and fought against unjust policies & actions.

Government classes are researching the Executive Branch and practicing source analysis skills through the study of presidential executive orders which advanced racial equality beginning with the Emancipation Proclamation. In World History, students are focusing their learning on the lasting impact the Haitian Revolution had on the fight for independence throughout Latin America, and how African nations exhibited agency during the Age of Imperialism.

In addition, our African American History students are exploring the African American experience in the Civil War and their fight for freedom, liberty, and justice. These students are creating school-wide lessons to highlight the varied acts of resistance against oppression that African Americans have courageously fought. The lessons created by our students will be shared with the rest of the school during W4. These lessons are a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn from and with each other.

Finally, this week is National School Counseling Week. The purpose of this week is to highlight the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors at Annandale work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS. Students had an opportunity to write a note to their counselor in their W4 class. The notes will be shared with counselors later this week.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 6 - SIS ParentVue & StudentVue available

February 6 - After School Academic Program Begins

February 6 - Atoms Athletics Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

February 7&9 - SR&R Refresher

February 8 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

February 13 - W4 Activities Day

February 20 - Presidents Day (No School)

February 20 - Spring Sports Begin

February 21 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release

March 3 - Student Holiday

April 3-7 - Spring Break

April 13 - End of 3rd Quarter

April 13 - 2 Hour Early Release

April 14 - Student Holiday

April 21 - Eid al Fitr (No School)

Now Thru February 6 - SIS ParentVue & StudentVue Unavailable: FCPS GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed until tomorrow, February 6, at 6:00am.

February 6 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins: Beyond the support we provide during the school day, teachers also stay after school to work with students who need additional help. Our after-school academic support program (ASAP) will begin tomorrow, February 6 and will run each week on our late-bus days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students assigned to ASAP will receive notification of their day, teacher, and location, this week. Parents will also be notified of these assignments. We ask for your support in ensuring students stay after school.

February 6-10 - National School Counseling Week: This week is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Our counselors focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, work with our teachers to provide an environment where students can realize their potential, and work in a partnership with parents to support the needs of our students. We cannot thank our counseling team enough for all of their hard work and dedication to the welfare of our students! 

February 7 and 9 - SR&R Refresher: On Tuesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 9, W4 lessons will be focused in the SR&R. The first lesson on February 7 will review the bulling, harassment, and technology use policies (including cell phones), as well as our Atoms Agreements. Students who still have not turned in their SR&R signature forms will have another opportunity to do so. The second lesson on February 9 will be an opportunity for students to either make up or retake the SR&R test.

February 8 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PTSD): Annandale High School will be hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving on February 8 at 6:30pm. The state of Virginia requires students and their parents to attend ONE session of Partners for Safe Teen Driving in order to receive their Pink Card (DEC-8). If parent and student are not in the auditorium by that time then they will be asked to attend another session. If you have any questions, please email Don Colgan or Bryan Molle.

February 13 - W4 Activities Day: Our next W4 Activities Day is on Monday, February 13. W4 Activities Day is a time set aside for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Harris.

February 13-16 - Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo for High School Students: The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region, are hosting a Career Fair with panel discussions. Industry experts in multiple fields, will be speaking on their professional journeys and providing valuable insight into how to achieve your own success. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students. For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, visit the Instruction 2 Industry Event Page. Event Flyer.

Awesome Atoms!

WiDA Testing Off To Strong Start: WiDA testing began last week with 832 tests completed this week. Only 1,760 tests to go! WiDA testing consists of the following parts: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Students will take the four parts of WiDA over 3 test sessions. This assessment determines a student’s English language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning.

Annandale Students Recognized in Scholastic Art Awards: Annandale Students Recognized in Scholastic Art Awards: Congratulations to Lindsay Garcia-Cajina and Maya Kim for their Honorable Mention in the categories of Painting and Mixed Media. Lindsay’s piece, "In My Head,” and Maya’s, “New Beginnings,” were honored at the 2023 Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program. The program, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Established in 1923 and celebrating 100 years, the awards have recognized teens who have become some of our nation’s most celebrated artists, including Richard Avedon, Robert Indiana, Phillip Pearlstein, and Andy Warhol.

AHS National Honor Society Inducts 50 New Members: On January 30, NHS inducted 50 new members in the presence of their families, friends, and current NHS members.  We are so proud of everything our inductees have achieved so far! We cannot wait to see how they will integrate the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character into their lives at Annandale High School and within the Annandale community.

Important Information

Free Live Tutoring Service Available to Annandale Students: 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.

Eating Disorder Parent Information: Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. To support families struggling with an eating disorder, FCPS, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, has developed a webpage with detailed information and resources for parents and guardians. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, treatment and help are available. 

Opportunities

Chaperones for Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance needed! The class of 2023 needs your help! We are in search of volunteers to chaperone the Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Dance on Saturday, February 18 from 8:30pm-11:00pm at Annandale High School. This dance is a fundraiser event to raise money for the prom and our Senior class would greatly appreciate any support from teachers and parents to help out with the event. Even if you are only able to support us for part of the event, please consider helping out for an hour! Here is the link to a form to let us know you are coming!

Sign Up for a Writing Conference with the AWC: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference. If you haven’t already, you should also join our Schoology group to get important updates and announcements from the AWC all year by going to “Groups” > ”My Groups” > ”Join Group” then putting in this code: 9MSF-KSDM-B7HCP. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AtomsWC. Contact Mrs. Hanson with any questions.

SAT & ACT Test Prep Support: Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests. Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website. 

February 20 - The Capital Youth Empowerment Program Inaugural Conference: The Capital Youth Empowerment Program will hold an inaugural conference and expo at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner. The goals of the event is to 1) Create a platform for Males of Color to learn their history and build self-efficacy. 2) Provide opportunities for networking with Men of Color pre-professionals and professional leaders in education, STEM, medicine, business, sports, and government. 3) Connect participants with companies for near and future career opportunities (jobs, internships, apprenticeships). 4) Provide attendees with awareness around financial literacy and healthy behaviors, and entrepreneurship. Students may register for the conference at www.cyep.org.

March 1 - Global Navigator Scholarship - Deadline Extended! The Global Navigator Scholarship High School Summer Abroad with the Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE) offer programs and scholarships intended to open the world to students, helping them navigate across languages, connect with other cultures, and impact global/local issues in today’s interconnected world. Students still have time to apply, the deadline was extended to March 1. You can view the Summer 2023 Flyer to see what opportunities are available. Reach out with any questions to Meredith Hedrick or Laura Wells.

March 3 - 2023 VDOE Granville P. Meade Scholarship Application Due: The Virginia Department of Education’s 2023 Granville P. Meade Scholarship fund provides scholarships to students who have achieved academically, but who are financially unable to attend one of Virginia’s public or private colleges, universities, or community colleges. Each scholarship is in the amount of $2,000 per year for four years, provided the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements. Students may apply through the online application portal which opens on January 30, 2023. All students interested in applying must create an account to access the application, request letters of recommendation, and upload academic records. 

March 6 - Preparing for Difficult Conversations About Drugs Presentation, 6-8pm: FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board on Monday, March 6 from 6-8pm in the Annandale High School Library as we share knowledge and information that will help parents and caregivers engage in meaningful conversations with their students about drugs.

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.

February 6 - Atoms Athletics Booster Club Meeting: The next Atoms Athletics Booster Club meeting is tomorrow, February 6 at 6:00pm. The meeting is in the Driver's Education Room. Please enter through Door 10. We look forward to seeing you.

Highlights from the Activities Office: Boys basketball got back on the winning track vs Justice and ended the week with another win vs TJ. Girls basketball came away with an upset win over Justice Tuesday evening! They finish their week off by celebrating senior night vs TJ on Friday. Wrestling came away with some hardware during the National District Wrestling Championships on Thursday. Marcelo Pozo took first place in the 120lb weight class! Dominic Vejcik, Jordy Lopez Funes, and Junior Vera Pena all finished third in their respective weight classes!

Gymnastics wrapped up their season at the National District Meet on Monday. Kayla Hayes scored her highest on floor. Kaylee Rivera added new skills to her floor routine. Kate Hanlen scored her highest on vault. Congrats to Annandale Gymnastics on another great season!

Indoor Track District Championship Meet started Friday evening and continued into Saturday afternoon at George Mason University. Swim/Dive had a successful National District Meet last weekend with Colin McGee winning the Breaststroke! Many swimmers qualified for the Occoquan Region Meet Friday and into Saturday.

This Week: 

Tuesday, February 7

F/JV/V Boys vs Mount Vernon - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

F/JV/V Girls @ Mount Vernon - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Wednesday, February 8

Occoquan Region Wrestling Tournament @ Robinson - 5:00pm

Thursday, February 9

Occoquan Region Wrestling Tournament @ Robinson - 12:30pm

Friday, February 10

F/JV/V Boys vs Edison - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

F/JV/V Girls @ Edison - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Spring Sports Begin February 20: The first three days of tryouts are posted below. Before a student-athlete is allowed to tryout they must have three completed items: 1) VHSL physical, 2) completed activity registration, and 3) insurance. You can find more information by clicking the tryout information page on the AnnandaleAtoms.net website. If you have questions, please contact the Activities Office at (703) 642-4170.

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.

Now thru February 24 - Academic Advising: Our counselors began meeting one-on-one with students through their English classes. We began with our rising seniors and then will work through the other grade levels over the next several weeks. Students will be sent an email with their appointment time the weekend before they are scheduled to meet with their counselor. As always, students and families can get more information about course selection on our Academic Advising website. Below is the academic advising timeline:

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

February 6 - 2nd Quarter Grades Posted: Grades for the second quarter and the first semester will be available to students and families through StudentVue and ParentVue by tomorrow, February 6. 

Mid-Year Grade Reports for College Applications: Seniors, if you have submitted Transcript Requests for your college applications, your mid-year grades will be sent automatically in the coming weeks. You do not need to do anything. For step-by-step instructions and forms for submitting Transcript Requests, go to the AHS College & Career Google site.

Early Online College at NOVA - 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. 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.

Thursday NOVA Help Sessions: If you are planning to attend NOVA and need assistance, come to Room 90, from 3:00-4:00pm on Thursdays. Below is the topics for each session: 

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

News from the PTSA

Volunteers Wanted - AHS Pantry: The AHS Pantry needs your help! Each month, the Annandale Pantry distributes bags of food to Annandale families in need. Distribution dates are primarily on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 3:30-5:00pm. Please consider volunteering to assist in a distribution. Volunteers can sign up here.

PTSA Committee Members Needed! The PTSA is seeking members for two important committees: 1) a nominating committee to identify, vet, and nominate a slate of candidates for next year’s PTSA Board; and 2) a scholarship committee to select the 2023 PTSA scholarship recipients. Please contact Annamaria Nields (president@annandalehsptsa.org) if you are interested in serving on either committee.  

• Nominating Committee: Each year the PTSA forms a committee to identify people interested in serving as PTSA officers. The Nominating Committee advertises the opportunities available and explains how to apply, receives nominations and identifies potential candidates, and presents a slate of nominees at the April PTSA general membership meeting.   
• Scholarship Committee: The PTSA needs two additional people to join this year’s Scholarship Committee. The Committee works with Annandale’s College and Career Specialist to advertise the scholarship opportunities, collect applications, and determine the 2023 scholarship recipient(s). Additional information about PTSA scholarships is available here: https://annandalehsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/home.

Annandale PTSA Pantry Needs Help Restocking! We need help restocking regularly. Please consider donating, every donation helps. Visit the pantry website here to learn more and about ways to donate.