Annandale Community Insider - February 12

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

Each week, I highlight the learning opportunities, experiences and growth of our students. However, I believe that students learn in schools that learn. And, if we are going to meet the increasing needs of our students post pandemic, then we, as a school, must also learn and grow.

One of the many ways we support the professional growth of our staff is through Environmental Scans. These scans are a cycle of observation, feedback, and reflection. This week, I wanted to highlight just a few of our English teachers’ reflections as a result of feedback they have received:

• “I am seeing the positives of group work and collaboration. I think I came into the role thinking that it was effective to just give an assignment and have students work on it individually. Now I see the positives that come from group work, such as accountability, more positive engagement, and more inclusivity.” - English 12 Teacher
• “Usually I would struggle with walking around to help students one at a time because I could never get to everyone. Small group instruction is better because I can simultaneously help a group of students and have the same or better results.” English 11 Teacher
• “I have become more intentional about incorporating student talk into every class, every day.” English 10 Teacher
• "I have been more aware of how much time I am spending on teacher modeling and have been making an effort to give students the most crucial pieces of information they need so that they can engage with the material on their own and in small groups. I have also been more consistent in pulling small groups and I have started to form these groups based on in class data." English 9 Teacher

This deep reflection on our practice is just one way that we live our vision that Annandale High School is a community that “finds strength in diversity, fosters belonging, and inspires lifelong learning.” I am incredibly proud to work with such a dedicated, thoughtful, and fun group of educators. The work we do is not easy, and we work together to accomplish incredible things in service of our students.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 13 - W4 Activities Day

February 13-16 - Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo for High School Students

February 14 - Singing Valentines

February 16 - Orchestra Concert

February 20 - Presidents Day (No School)

February 20 - Spring Sports Begin

February 21 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

February 22 - Student of the Month Celebration

February 26 - Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

February 28 - Meet the Coaches Night

March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release

March 3 - Student Holiday

March 11 - Fanquest

March 24 - Heritage Night

February 13 - W4 Activities Day: Tomorrow, February 13 is our next W4 Activities Day, a time set aside for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests. Students received email reminders this weekend with their assignments. If you have any questions please reach out to Bryan Harris at bcharris@fcps.edu.

February 14 - Singing Valentines: On Monday, February 14, the Annandale Singers will deliver “Singing Valentines” throughout the day. Students were able to purchase a song for another student last week during all lunches.

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.

February 20 - Presidents Day (No School): As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.

February 20 - Spring Sports Begin: Spring sports begin on Monday, February 20. Tryout information is posted in the “News from the Student Activities Office” section below. Before a student-athlete can 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.

May 20 - Senior Prom, 8-11pm: Prom will be held on May 20 from 8:00-11:00pm at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks. Seniors are able to purchase tickets beginning Monday, April 17 via MySchoolBucks.com. Tickets are $50. Each student may purchase up to 2 tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door. If students would like to bring a guest who doesn’t attend Annandale High School, they must pick up a guest form from the front office and return it to Jonathan Carbutt or Chrystal Wood for approval. Students should not purchase tickets until their form is approved. No middle school students or guests 21 or older will be permitted. IMPORTANT: Students must pay their senior obligations before purchasing a prom ticket. Students will not be allowed to enter prom if they have outstanding obligations.

Awesome Atoms!

Annandale Awarded Grant to Continue Afghan Relief and Resettlement Program: Annandale High School has been awarded another grant to continue to support our Afghan Relief and Resettlement Efforts. This program funds initiatives during the school day and after school. At school, we work on language and academic support. The students are eager to learn more about the United States and post-secondary educational options, so we have planned college visits and a cultural field trip. We also have a member of our staff who works with student-leaders to run an after-school club specifically for Afghans which meets on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm and during monthly activity days. Another staff member, and volunteers, provide English Club once a week after school with learning materials and refreshments. If you would like to be involved in our efforts please contact Laura Rothe or Meredith Hedrick.

WiDA Testing Continues: WiDA testing continued this past week with 1,656 tests administered, 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 Attend Leadership Conference: Last week our Leadership students were invited to Woodson High School to participate in the FCPS Leadership Conference. There, students from seven FCPS Schools gathered to share ideas about how leadership and Student Government works across schools. Students enjoyed a wonderful day of learning and networking.

Important Information

New Course Offering - Teachers for Tomorrow: During the 2023-24 school year, Annandale is hoping to offer Teachers for Tomorrow. This course introduces juniors and seniors to a career in teaching and education. Students will learn the fundamentals of teaching practice, how to engage with learners, and the organizational context of schools. In addition to the fundamental curriculum components, all students are required to observe and participate in an internship outside the Teachers for Tomorrow classroom, which may involve the preschool level through grade 12. Any student interested in taking this course should complete this Annandale Teachers for Tomorrow Interest Form. Students who complete the form will be contacted by their counselor to discuss enrollment for the fall.

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.

Opportunities

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. 

AWC IB STEM IA Workshop: The Atoms Writing Center will be hosting a workshop on the Internal Assessment for IB science and math courses. This workshop will be held on February 22 in Room 274 during PRIDE Time and after-school. To get a pass for the PRIDE Time students must complete this form by midnight on February 19.

AWC New Tutor Interest Meeting: We are now taking tutor applications for the 2023-24 school year! The interest meeting will be held February 23 after-school in room 274. New tutors will receive training now through the end of the year and be full-time in the fall. Tutor applications are due by midnight on March 3. We are no longer taking applications in the fall, so if you miss this round you will have to wait for the spring of 2024 to apply.

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 are 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, 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

At Annandale we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. Tomorrow, students will have an opportunity to participate in our monthly W4 Activities Day, and next Monday, February 20, marks the beginning of the spring sports season.

The benefits of participating in athletics in high school is well documented. Sports benefit both our physical and mental health and help mitigate stress and anxiety. Moreover, students who participate in athletics perform better academically than their peers. 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. 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.

Highlights from the Annandale Athletics: Boys basketball finished the regular season with four straight wins to clinch the #3 in the upcoming district tournament. They will host Lewis Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Girls basketball finished their season falling in the final two games vs the #1 and #2 seeds in the tournament. The team now travels to Mount Vernon Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Wrestling competed in the Region Tournament Wednesday and Thursday. Marcelo Pozo and Jordy Lopez Funes qualified for the State Tournament in Virginia Beach next weekend. Indoor Track had multiple district champions and many personal best performances. Miles Lanham and Noah Williams came away with District Championships in their respective events. The athletes now gear up for the Region meet this week. Swim/Dive competed in the region meet last weekend with relay teams and individuals coming away with their best times of the year. Colin McGee finished third in the breaststroke and qualified for the state meet next weekend.

Annandale Advances to VHSL Regional One Acts: Good luck to the theatre students who are competing tomorrow, February 13, in the VHSL Regional One-Act competition after taking 2nd at the district level with their play Burglars, Bunglers, and Neighborhood Thieves by Daniel Munson. REgional competition will be at Fairfax HS and begin at 7:15pm. Doors will close at 7:15pm sharp, so don’t be late! The show runs approximately 20 minutes.

This Week: 

Monday, February 13

VHSL Regional One-Acts - @ Fairfax High School, 7:15pm 

Tuesday, February 14

National District Tournament Quarterfinals - Varsity Boys Basketball vs Lewis - 6:30pm

National District Tournament Quarterfinals - Varsity Girls Basketball @ Mount Vernon - 6:30pm

Wednesday, February 15

National District Tournament Semifinals - Varsity Boys Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

National District Tournament Semifinals - Varsity Girls Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

Thursday, February 16

Occoquan Region First Round - Varsity Boys Basketball vs TBD 

Occoquan Region First Round - Varsity Girls Basketball vs TBD

Friday, February 17

National District Tournament Finals - Varsity Boys Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

National District Tournament Finals - Varsity Girls Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

Occoquan Region Second Round - Varsity Boys Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

Occoquan Region Second Round - Varsity Girls Basketball vs TBD (if necessary)

Spring Sports Begin February 20: Spring sports begin Monday, January 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

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.

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

February 21 - PTSA Meeting: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. We encourage everyone to attend in person. The meeting will also be available virtually through WebEx. The link will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. 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.

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 and College and Career Specialist need two additional people to join this year’s Scholarship Committee. The Committee works with Annandale’s College and Career Specialist to advertise scholarship opportunities, collect applications, and determine the 2023 scholarship recipient(s). Additional information about PTSA scholarships is available here: https://annandalehsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Please contact Brian Yeagley if you are interested at byeagley@fcps.edu