Annandale Community Insider - February 20

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

Our vision at Annandale states that we are “a community that finds strength in diversity, fosters belonging, and inspires lifelong learning,” and I am always excited to feature great examples of our vision in action. 

First, I am so proud to share that on Wednesday, Region 2 Superintendent, Dr. Zuluaga, visited Annandale to announce that our orchestra teacher, Annie Ray, has been named this year’s Region 2 Outstanding Teacher! Joined by the other Performing Arts department teachers, Dr. Zuluaga visited Annie’s Crescendo Orchestra class, made up of students served by our Cat-B programming, to make this announcement. He shared what we at Annandale already know: what a tremendous impact Ms. Ray has made on our students and community, and how deserving she is of this honor. She is passionate about ensuring every student can play an instrument and make music a part of their lives, and her relentlessness to this pursuit brings our vision to life. As a next step, Ms. Ray will represent Region 2 at the annual FCPS Outstanding Awards celebration this spring. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Ray!

Next, today marks the start of the spring sports season. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. 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, information about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities can be found on their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

Finally, I am looking forward to the 17th Annual Just World Festival and Heritage Night on Friday, March 10. These events make up one of the best evenings of the year at Annandale. The theme for this year’s Just World festival is "Belonging,” and it strives to educate the community about global and environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, equality, and most importantly, social action. Directly after the Just World festival, students will showcase their cultural heritage at the Heritage Night performance in an incredible celebration of our diversity. This event fills our auditorium and tickets go fast, so please see below for more information!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

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 6 - Atoms Athletics Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

March 9 - FanQuest Pep Rally

March 10 - Just World Festival and Heritage Night

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.

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.

February 26 - Special Olympics Basketball Tournament: On Sunday, February 26, Annandale High School will play host to a Unified Special Olympics basketball tournament. Teams from multiple counties will be competing against one another in friendly competition. The Atoms play at 10:00am vs. Woodson and then again at 12:00pm vs. Yorktown. Please come out and support our Unified athletes!

March 1 - SNAP Benefits Supplement Ends: Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement. The Virginia Department of Social Services has created a temporary information line: 1-855-635-4370. If you need food now, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880. For more food resources, visit the Fairfax County Human Service Resource Guide.

March 10 - Just World Festival & Heritage Night: Annandale High School leadership students are excited to join the Just World Interact Club for the 17th annual Just World Festival and Heritage Night on March 10. The Just World Festival will take place from 4:00-6:30pm at Annandale. The Heritage Night performance will begin shortly after, at 7:00pm in the auditorium. 

The theme for this year’s Just World festival is "Belonging." The festival aims to inspire youth that they are not only a part of their local community but a global one as well. We want to educate the community about global and environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, equality, and most importantly, social action.

The Heritage Night performance will take place at 7:00pm and is another opportunity for Annandale students to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Tickets are only available for pre-purchase before the event for $5. This event has been incredibly popular in the past, so we highly recommend purchasing you tickets now to ensure a spot at this incredible performance! NO tickets will be available for purchase at the door!

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!

Atoms for Humanity Clothing Drive a Huge Success! works to help underserved communities both locally and overseas. Founder Uswa Tariq organized a clothing drive at Annandale where students were asked to bring donated clothing items to Mr.Maglisceau’s classroom throughout last week. AFH club members, Sereene Darwiesh and Mariamawit Endalkachew decided to expand the drive and coordinated with other high schools to collect items. Students at Edison, Woodson, and Hayfield participated. The students worked in partnership with Borek G, a local Turkish restaurant and the Turkish embassy. Students collected over 1,500 items of clothing through this drive!

Atoms Pep Band Students Visit James Madison University: Annandale Band students, Tyler Perez, Jack Mielke and Brian Bernard participated in High School Pep Band day at James Madison University in Harrisburg, Virginia. High School Students from Virginia were invited to spend the day and get the college pep band experience, learning from and practicing with the students of JMU. 

AHS Seniors Field Trip to NOVA Medical Education Campus: This past week, 26 Annandale seniors participated in a visit to NOVA’s Medical Education Campus. All students participated in an information session to learn about the application process for the 15 different health science programs there. Students also participated in either an anatomy lab or a phlebotomy lab. Phlebotomy lab students had the opportunity to draw imitation blood from a model arm, while anatomy lab students learned about organ and muscle structure by examining a cadaver. This opportunity was provided with grant funding from Educate Fairfax.

Annandale HS Students Mentor Columbia Elementary Students: In the spirit of building connections across the Annandale Pyramid, we partnered with Columbia Elementary to build a mentor program that pairs their 5th grade students with some of our Annandale Atoms. Last week, our students were able to get a guided tour from their mentees of Columbia Elementary. It has been amazing to see the connections being formed between our students and we look forward to having these future Atoms!

CAT B PACE Program: Our awesome Annandale CAT B PACE (Pathways to Accessing Community Environments) Program was awarded $1500 through the Perkins Grant to purchase furniture and equipment for a life skills lab. Staff and students worked hard to build everything together! The lab will support students in the areas of independent living, fitness and health, creative arts, and career exploration.

Important Information

School Board Approves 2023-24 School Year Calendar: The Fairfax County School Board approved a calendar for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years at their February 9 meeting. Learn more about the approved calendar. The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21, and the last day will be Wednesday, June 12. Developing a school year calendar is a balancing act, involving multiple factors that must be considered. Community input is one of those factors, and we appreciate our community for being involved in the calendar development process.

FCPS Is Hiring Tutors: Looking for a Flexible Position? FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide in-person academic support to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible, and the number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as the needs presented throughout FCPS. Apply now! Contact tutor@fcps.edu for more information. Tutors hired through this program will be strategically placed across the region where there is the most need for in-person tutoring.

New Course Offering - Teachers for Tomorrow: During the 2023-24 school year, Annandale will be offering 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.

Opportunities

February 22 - Atoms Writing Center 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.

February 23 - Atoms Writing Center 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.

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.

Now through June 12 - College Board Recognition Programs Applications Open: The College Board’s National Recognition Programs’ applications for students opened on Wednesday, February 15. You can find information about these opportunities in the student flier. College Board has identified students who are eligible to apply, and students identified by College Board will receive an email invitation from the College Board. Students are also able to nominate themselves by visiting bigfuture.org/NRP.

Now through March 10 - Senior Tribute Ads for Sale: Want to Celebrate Your Class of 2023 Senior?: Senior Tribute Ads for the 2023 Yearbook can be purchased now through March 10 at www.yearbookforever.com.

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. Today, Monday, February 20, marks the beginning of the spring sports season. 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.

Theatre 3 & 4 Students Place at One Act Regional Competition: Students in Theatre 3 & 4 took fifth place in the VHSL One Act Regional competition on Monday, February 13 at Fairfax. Sammetta Worzie was recognized among the top performers of the evening for her role as Christie in our production of Burglars, Bunglers, & Neighborhood Thieves by Daniel Munson.

Highlights from the Annandale Athletics: Boys Basketball won their first round National District game vs Lewis but fell to Edison in the semifinals. Girls Basketball completed their season with a loss to Mount Vernon in the District Tournament and Alexandria City in the Region first round. Wrestling's Marcelo Pozo and Jordy Lopez Funes traveled to Virginia Beach to compete in the state tournament Friday and Saturday. (Results to be posted online). Indoor Track performed well at regions with Miles Lanham being the lone Atom to qualify for the state meet next week. Swim/Dive's Colin McGee traveled to Hampton to compete in the state meet Saturday. Results to be posted online.

This Week: 

Monday, February 20

Spring Sport Tryout begin!  Check the schedule below for times and locations

Sunday, February 26 

Annandale Unified Basketball Tournament at Annandale: Annandale vs Woodson - 10:00am, Annandale vs Yorktown - 12:00pm

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: This week is the last week of scheduled academic advising meetings with counselors. All course selections are due by Friday, February 24. Our counselors will be reaching out to students who either missed their appointment or have yet to select courses. Please reach out to our counselors if you have any questions.

• January 9-19: Juniors met with Counselors
• January 19-February 3: Sophomores met with Counselors
• February 3-17: Freshmen met 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: 

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

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.

Mulch Madness PTSA Fundraiser: Spring is here (we think)… so order your mulch now! Mulch Madness is the PTSA's biggest and most critical fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the mulch sale go directly to support the PTSA's All Night Graduation Celebration and Senior Scholarships. All Night Graduation Celebration provides a fun, safe, alcohol and drug-free parent-chaperoned celebration for our seniors. Order now through February 28! Mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 11, from 8am-12pm or delivered to your location. Each mulch bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs about 50 lbs. $6.50 per bag delivered (10 bag minimum and within five mile radius of AHS). $5.50 per bag self pick-up. For more information, email angcmulch@annandalehsptsa.org.

In addition, there are big and small volunteer opportunities but they all make a difference with our biggest and most critical fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the mulch sale go directly to support the PTSA’s ANGC and Senior Scholarships. All Night Graduation Celebration provides a fun, safe, alcohol and drug-free parent-chaperoned celebration for our seniors the night of graduation. Sign up here to volunteer and help make this event a success!

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