Annandale Community Insider - April 16

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

It is hard to believe, but Monday marks the start of the 4th quarter. SOLs and IB exams begin next week, starting with Reading, Geometry and Algebra 2 SOLs, as well as Physics, Anthropology and Business IB exams. Our focus on high quality instruction supported by targeted intervention through PRIDE Time, After School Academic Support (ASAP), and Super Saturdays means that we are doing everything we can to support our students’ success on these important assessments. 

On Tuesday, the PTSA will meet at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. While we encourage everyone to attend in person, the meeting will also be available virtually through WebEx. The PTSA sponsors our All Night Grad Celebration. To raise money for this event, the All Night Grad Online Auction is now live! Check out the amazing donations now through April 26. Auction winners can pick up their items at Annandale High School on Friday, April 28 from 4:00-6:00pm, at the main entrance of the school. We are still actively soliciting donations, so check back frequently to see what’s new. If you have a small business or goods/services/gift cards that you would like to donate, please contact Angela Torres.

Finally, senior end-of-year events also begin soon, starting with our Senior Breakfast, held during W4 and PRIDE Time on April 25. During the breakfast, students will receive important information about end-of-the-year events, including senior exams, senior activities, graduation, and the All Night Grad Celebration. Parents, we need your assistance making this event a success. Please sign up here to support this event through donations of food and/or money to purchase breakfast items, as well as volunteer on event day!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

April 17 - 4th Quarter Begins

April 18 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

April 19 - Purple Up for Military Families

April 20 - Atoms Writing Center Game Night

April 21 - Eid al Fitr (No School)

April 22 - Super Saturday (Geometry, Reading) 

April 24 - SOL Testing Begins

April 25 - Senior Breakfast

April 28 - IB Testing Begins

April 29 - Super Saturday (Algebra 1) 

April 29 - Taste of Annandale

May 4-7 - Spring Musical

May 6 - Super Saturday (Biology, Chemistry, Geosystems) 

May 11 - Band Concert, 7pm

May 18 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm

May 26 - Broadway Desserts, 7pm

May 31 - Sports and Band Physicals for the 2023-24 School Year

Now - April 21 - Ramadan: Ramadan is underway and will end at sunset the evening of April 21. During this time, many of our Muslim students may be fasting and it is important for those students to have a quiet, alternative location to go to during lunchtime. Therefore, the library will be open to students who would prefer to go there during lunch rather than the cafeteria. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Eqab at seqab@fcps.edu.

April 18 - PTSA Meeting: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, April 18 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.

April 19 - Purple Up for Military Families: April is the Month of the Military Child! FCPS is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. On Wednesday, April 19, all FCPS employees, students, families, and community members are encouraged to “Purple Up” to show our support for all military-connected families. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.

April 20 - Atoms Writing Center Game Night: The Atoms Writing Center's Last Game Night of the Year! Come to Room 274 on Thursday, April 20 for an afternoon filled with free fun, games, and snacks, with a chance to win prizes! All students and staff are welcome. We hope to see you there!

April 21 - Eid al Fitr (No School): FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Thursday, April 20, is an "O Day", and Friday, April  21, is a holiday.

April 22 - Super Saturday (Geometry, Reading): Annandale High School will be administering the Standards of Learning (SOL) exams beginning in mid-April. All student in English 11 and Geometry are invited to participate in our Super Saturday April 22 from 8:30-11:00am to better prepare for the upcoming SOL exams. Invitations have been sent out students and families.

Students should go to the cafeteria upon arrival. Breakfast and lunch will be provided before and after the session on that day. In addition, transportation will be available for students at a nearby elementary school. We will be sending out a detailed bus schedule prior to the Super Saturday sessions. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).

May 4-7 - Spring Musical - The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical: As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure "worthy of the gods" (Time Out New York). Tickets now available on ETIX!

Community/Parent Assistance Needed. Get Involved Today!

As we approach the end of the year, we need your continued support. Specifically, we need volunteers to assist with proctoring IB exams and gift card donations for Teacher Appreciation Week. See below for detailed information.  

Volunteers & Donations Needed for Senior Breakfast: We will be hosting a Senior Breakfast on Tuesday, April 25 during W4/PRIDE Time. During the breakfast, students will receive important information about end-of-the-year events, including senior exams, senior activities, graduation, and All Night Grad Party. 

Parents, we need your assistance making this event a success. Please click on the Sign Up Genius for opportunities to donate food and/or money to purchase breakfast items, as well as volunteer on event day! This is a parent-sponsored event so any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. Please email senior parents Annamaria Nields and Kimberly Bellem with questions. 

Proctors Needed for IB Exams: Calling all Volunteers! The IB exams are starting soon and we are in need of proctors. Volunteers are needed to walk around the testing room occasionally and sit/monitor students. No special training is needed ahead of time. Each testing room will have at least one experienced proctor that will be in charge of administering the test. We just need additional adult supervision. Volunteers must be 21 or older. Bring your driver’s license to check-in at the main office. Dress casually with comfortable shoes!

Check out this Sign Up Genius. Questions? Please email Linda Bradshaw, IB DP Coordinator. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated! Thanks for supporting our IB students!

Help Recognize our Amazing Teachers! Seeking $5 Gift Card Donations: This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 8-12. As a gesture of our appreciation of all the hard work and flexibility our teachers have demonstrated this year, we would like to offer a small gift to teachers. We are asking that you please donate $5 gift cards, to any establishment of your choice, from now until May 5. If you are able to donate, please drop off gift cards to the Main Office or purchase gift cards via Amazon and have them shipped to Annandale High School. We appreciate your support in celebrating the amazing work our teachers are doing this year.

Awesome Atoms!

Junior Student/Parent College Night a Huge Success! On Thursday more than 90 Annandale students and family members attended an informative meeting to prepare students to begin the college application process. Laura Wells, AVID Coordinator, gave a presentation on how the college application process works at Annandale and how juniors can begin preparing now. Director of Student Services, Erik Healey facilitated a panel discussion with admissions representatives from George Mason University, Marymount University, and Virginia Tech. Students left with insight on the importance of different components of the application and choosing application deadlines wisely. School Counselor, Jessica Benitez provided simultaneous translation in Spanish for the event. Thank you to all of the staff members and participants who made this event possible!

Welcome Jonelle Sweet, Dean of Students: Johnelle Sweet is a graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools who is proud to have served the county for her entire career. She started with the county as a social studies teacher at Longfellow Middle School before transitioning to the role of Instructional Coach at Key Middle School. Since then she has held a variety of school based resource and leadership positions, most recently having worked as the MTSS Lead and On-Time Graduation coordinator at Centreville High School and Acting Assistant Principal at Centreville Elementary School. She holds degrees in Educational Policy from The George Washington University and Educational Leadership from The American College of Education. Johnelle resides in Clifton, VA with her 3 energetic boys – ages 6, 8, and 11 – whose sports, extracurricular and community activities keep them all busy. When she gets a break she takes every opportunity she can to travel, experience live music/theater and stick her toes in the sand.

Correne Bellem Accepted into Pathways Flight Academies: Congratulations to Correne Bellem who was recently accepted into the Pathways Flight Academy. Academies immerse students in learning to fly as a first step to becoming a pilot. Students admitted to this intensive program will undertake ground school and flight training that can potentially culminate in their first solo flight. Correne will be attending Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall.

Nhi Nguyen Accepted into Governor’s World Language Academy: Congratulations to junior, Nhi Nguyen, for her acceptance to the 2023 Governor's World Language Academy, a highly-competitive full immersion summer residential program for Virginia's most motivated and talented world language students. The French Academy takes place this summer, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. Nhi is currently studying IB French.

Seniors Have Fun at Kings Dominion! Seniors had a blast visiting Kings Dominion this past Saturday. Students left Annandale Saturday morning via bus and spent the day at the park. Special thanks to staff members Hannan Langstein, Kara Franklin-Taylor, Crystal Wood, Kaitlyn Clark, and Esther Kim for chaperoning the trip!

Important Information

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for Students: FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Parents/caregivers can connect students virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy services for students are short-term, evidence-based, and culturally-responsive. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday from 7am-pm. Hazel Health’s licensed therapists can help students who are experiencing: Mood/behavior changes, lack of motivation, academic stress, grief/loss, anxiety, worry, fears, bullying, sexual identity challenges, challenging peer and family relationships. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.

Return to Normal Enrollment Process for Medicaid Recipients: If you have Medicaid/FAMIS/CHIP health insurance, the normal Medicaid Enrollment Processes began March 2023. The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (Virgina Medicaid) has started to review Medicaid members’ health coverage to determine whether members are still eligible for coverage. DMAS will not cancel or reduce coverage for members without asking for updated information, but they need your help to make this a smooth process. Make sure your current mailing address, email, and phone numbers are up to date so that important information about your coverage gets to you.

Update your contact information today online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282, or by calling your local Department of Social Services.

Free Student Bus Pass Program: Did you know that middle school students and high school students attending FCPS are eligible to participate in our Free Student Bus Pass Program. This allows students to ride the Connector, Metro (Falls Church HS, Justice HS, Annandale HS, Davis Ctr and Marshall HS), and Cue buses for free, seven days a week between the hours of 7am and 10pm. Check out their website for more 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 FCPS offers free live, online tutoring. Click here to learn more.

Opportunities

Free Prom Dresses and Suits at Promise: Do you need a dress or suit for Prom? Do you know someone that might need one? We got you! Prom is coming up on May 20, at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, and Annandale’s premiere prom fashion shop has you covered. Promise offers gently used, yet stylish dresses, suits, shoes, clutches and accessories for you to wear to prom – and to keep! Check out our updated inventory that offers a style for everyone’s taste. Please request a pass to visit Mr. Henceroth’s marketing classroom (210) during PRIDE Time. For further information reach out to Mr. Henceroth. We "Promise" Annandale Prom 2023 will be a night to remember!

April 17 - Community Feedback Forum on Updated Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan: FCPS is excited to share the most recent version of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Join us for a virtual community forum and see how your survey feedback has helped inform the latest draft of the plan. Community forums are open to parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Please register here.

April 24 - Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl: On Monday, April 24, 6:30-8:00pm FCPS will hold a Community Conversation about the dangers of Fentanyl at Woodson High School. During the event, audience members will hear testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learn facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives. Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details. Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information or the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.

April 29 - Taste of Annandale: The Taste of Annandale is on April 29 from 10:00am-4:00pm and features live performances, food trucks and restaurants, children’s programming and activities, a 5K race, a best-dressed pet contest, vendors, a chili cookoff, beer garden, and the police helicopter. Check out the Taste of Annandale website for more information.

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. To learn more about Annandale's Spring sports programs, check out this week’s “Atoms Athletics and Activities 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.

Activities Office Update: It has been an exciting first week back from spring break for our Atoms! Baseball finished the week with wins over district foe Edison and road game at Park View. Boys and girls soccer took care of business in their lone game of the week over Lewis. Girls Lacrosse went 1-1 with a come from behind win to beat Lewis on Monday but fell to Hayfield on Wednesday while boys lacrosse came up just short in both games vs Lewis and Hayfield. Boys tennis lost to Edison Monday, but came back to dominate Mt. Vernon Wednesday! Girls tennis completed the week with two convincing wins over Edison and Mt. Vernon. Track athletes competed Wednesday evening at Edison, with many athletes coming away with personal best for the year to date!

This Week: 

Monday, April 17

Girls Tennis vs Hayfield - 4:00pm

Boys Tennis @ Hayfield - 4:00pm

Boys Soccer vs Herndon - 5:45/7:15pm

Girls Soccer @ Herndon - 5:45/7:15pm

Varsity Baseball vs Langley - 6:30pm

Varsity Softball @ Meridian - 6:00pm

Tuesday, April 18

Girls Tennis vs Lewis - 4:00pm

Boys Tennis @ Lewis - 4:00pm

Boys Lacrosse vs Falls Church - 5:45/7:15pm

Girls Lacrosse @ Falls Church - 6:00/7:30pm

Wednesday, April 19

Girls Tennis vs Justice - 4:00pm

Boys Tennis @ Justice - 4:00pm

Girls Lacrosse vs Justice - 6:00/7:30pm

Boys Lacrosse @ Justice - 5:45/7:15pm

Varsity Softball @ Hayfield - 6:00pm

Outdoor Track @ Hayfield - 5:00pm

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.

Northern Virginia Community College Offering Free Classes for Graduating Seniors: Qualified seniors graduating this spring who are considering coming to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) after high school may take one 3-credit course and NOVA’s 1-credit College Success Skills course, SDV 100, at no tuition, as part of the JumpStart2NOVA program. Since these classes are all online, students will need access to a computer and the Internet.

The application is now open and will close at 5pm on April 28. All students will be required to upload a high school transcript and any qualifying test scores if they do not have a 3.0 grade point average. Courses begin May 30 and end August 9. More information about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, materials, and details on how to apply, is available online.

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.

News from the PTSA

Now Open through April 26 - All Night Grad Party Online Auction: The All Night Grad Party Online Auction is now live through April 26. Pick up will be at Annandale High School on Friday, April 28 from 4:00-6:00pm, at the main entrance of the school. We are still actively soliciting donations, so check back frequently to see what’s new. If you have a small business or goods/services/gift cards that you would like to donate, please contact Angela Torres. Direct link: https://www.biddingowl.com/AHSPTSA.

All Night Grad Celebration - Tickets Now on Sale: The All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC) provides a safe, chaperoned, alcohol-free and drug-free event for the Class of 2023 to celebrate together one last time. Buy your tickets now for this fun and memorable event. Parents can join the fun by volunteering to help: Sign-Up is Coming Soon! Please contact the ANGC Chair Rheanna Bernard if you have questions or concerns about the All Night Graduation Celebration.

In addition, we want all graduating seniors to have the opportunity to attend the ANGC. Click here to sponsor a senior. All students attending ANGC in the Class of 2023 MUST submit a parental consent form that can be found here. If you purchase your ticket online you do not need to submit a paper copy of the consent form - it is part of the online checkout process.

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.

Camp Information

Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net. 

Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 20-23 8:30am-3pm ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot.

Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 26-29 8:30am-3pm ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot.

Basketball - Rising 4th-9th Graders - July 10-14 9am-3pm ($250): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy.

Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse - Rising K-9th Grade - July 10-14, July 17-21, & July 24-28 8am-3pm ($120): For new athletes and those who have been playing for years, camp will be a fun-filled day of training, group competition, and surprise activities. Campers should bring their lunch each day except Friday when lunch will be provided. Hours are 8:00am-3:00pm. For questions about Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse Camp please reach out to Janan Gokturk.