Annandale Community Insider - April 23

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

Outside of the rain on Saturday afternoon, I hope you were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend. I cleaned out the gutters, followed by my weekly trip to Costco and then spent the remainder of the day cleaning the garage and yard. I took a break from all that excitement to bid on a number of great items on the All Night Grad Party Online Auction, which is now accepting bids through April 26. 

Spring SOL and IB Exam season begins tomorrow! Yesterday, in preparation, English and Math teachers, as well as admin and coaches, welcomed students for this year’s first of three Super Saturdays. On top of the support students are getting during class, PRIDE Time, and ASAP, the goal of Super Saturdays is to provide students one more boost before they take their SOLs. Thanks to the efforts of teachers, admin, coaches, and the coordination of Meg Anderson, our Assessment Coach, and Megan Ferris, students have the opportunity to participate in this last push before their test. Students took full advantage of this last learning opportunity and enjoyed breakfast and lunch with their classmates and teachers!

On Tuesday, senior parents are hosting our annual Senior Breakfast, an event that kicks off senior celebration season. Prior to the breakfast, seniors will gather in the auditorium where they will receive important information about end of year events including prom and graduation. Thank you to all who have donated to this event and to Annamaria Nields and Kimberly Bellem for coordinating the efforts.

Finally, on Friday, we hold our annual Autism Acceptance night. Please join us on the baseball and softball fields as we cheer on our Varsity Baseball and Softball Teams and celebrate Autism Acceptance. Our special guest stars Josselyn Cortez Cedillos and Brian Ruiz will be throwing out the first pitch for each game. Our CAT B classes have been working hard and will be selling various items that they have created. We will also have baked goods and Inclusion Revolution Autism Acceptance t-shirts for sale. All proceeds go to our Special Education Department.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

April 24 - SOL Testing Begins

April 25 - Senior Breakfast

April 28 - IB Testing Begins

April 28 - Autism Acceptance Night, 6pm

April 29 - Super Saturday (Algebra 1) 

April 29 - Taste of Annandale

May 4-7 - Spring Musical

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

May 6 - Inclusion Track Meet, 9am

May 11 - Band Concert, 7pm

May 18 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm

May 22 - Rising 9th Grade Activities, Athletics and Clubs Night

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

April 24 - SOL Testing Begins: SOL testing begins tomorrow with the Reading SOL. See detailed testing schedule below.

April 25 - Senior Breakfast, W4/PRIDE Time: This Tuesday, we will be hosting a Senior Breakfast 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. Register here 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 if you have questions.

April 28 - IB Testing Begins: IB testing begins tomorrow with the IB Business Exam. See detailed testing schedule below.

April 28 - Autism Acceptance Night, 6pm: Please join us on the baseball and softball fields with your students and families as we cheer on our Varsity Baseball and Softball Teams and celebrate Autism Acceptance. Our special guest stars Josselyn Cortez Cedillos and Brian Ruiz will be throwing out the first pitch for each game. Our CAT B classes have been working hard and will be selling various items that they have created. We will also have baked goods and Inclusion Revolution Autism Acceptance t-shirts for sale. All proceeds go to our Special Education Department.

April 29 - Taste of Annandale: The Taste of Annandale is on April 29 from 10am-4pm 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.

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!

May 6 - Inclusion Track Meet, 9am-2pm: Annandale’s first ever Inclusion Track Meet will be held on May 6 from 9am to 2pm on the track field. Come out to support your Annandale Special Olympics team and enjoy a fun filled day of Inclusion. Vendors will be on sight with music, face painting, yard games, and food. Fun for the whole family!

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.

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. Check out the amazing items up for auction! Highlights include:

• Principal's VIP Parking Spot for 2023-24 School Year
• Graduation VIP Reserved Seating and VIP Parking
• Washington Commanders Tickets
• Glory Days Gift Card
• North Springfield Swim Club Membership
• Lincolnia Park Recreational Club Membership
• Kilroy's Gift Card
• AHS Spirit Pack
• OMNI Wellness and Performance Gift Card
• AHS Sports Camp Pass
• Perfect Pita Gift Card
• Erin Nicole Brown Photography 30 Minute Session

Awesome Atoms!

Linda Chen, Biology Teacher, Appointed Assistant Principal for Summer Academy: Congratulations to Linda Chen, Biology teacher, who has been selected as the Assistant Principal for the Credit Recovery Academy this summer at Marshall High School! In this role, Ms. Chen will be supporting students from Annandale HS as well as Marshal HS, McLean HS, Justice HS, and Falls Church HS students in recovering credits and getting one step closer to graduation!

Super Saturday Preps Students for Upcoming Geometry, English SOLs: On Saturday, we hosted our first of three Super Saturdays, when students scheduled to take the Geometry or Reading SOLs this week received additional support. Thank you to students who were able to attend on a Saturday, to our Math and English teachers for supporting students, and to our admin, coaches, and other staff for coordinating breakfast, lunch, transportation, and other logistics.

Welcome Larry Cooper, Clinic Aide! Please join us in welcoming Mr. Larry Cooper Sr., our new Clinic Aide. Larry was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. He relocated to the DMV recently with his wife of 18 years and their 3 children. Larry’s  passion for supporting youth brought him to Annandale where he will be supporting the clinic. He is happy to be at Annandale High School and excited to see what the future brings!

Important Information

Super Saturday SOL Preparation: Annandale will continue the tradition of success that was established prior to, and even during COVID, by supporting students with Super Saturday SOL prep prior to testing. Math, English and Science teachers will work with students the Saturday prior to each of these SOLs - April 29, and May 6 from 8:30-11:00am. Students will receive breakfast and lunch. Invitations to students and families have been sent out and reminder emails will be sent out this week. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).

IB Exam Early Release/Late Arrival Study Forms: IB Exams run from April 28-May 20. Students that are testing can request early release or late arrival on the days they take IB exams. The early release/late arrival form can be picked up outside the IB office or at the attendance office. The testing schedule with room locations and start times can be found on the AHS website, student portal, posted in the library and outside student services. If you have any questions, please email Linda Bradshaw, IB DP Coordinator.

Class of 2023 News: Graduation is quickly approaching and we wanted to share important information and dates that will assist seniors, parents and community members in preparing and planning for the end of the school year. Last week we sent out important information in our latest Class of 2023 Newsletter. In addition, information is also posted on the Senior Page of the Student Portal (must be logged in to your FCPS Google account).

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 7:00am and 10:00pm. Click here for more information on the program. 

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.

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.

Opportunities

Now Open through April 26 - All Night Grad Party Online Auction: The All Night Grad Party Online Auction is back and now posted up in “preview mode”. Check out the amazing donations now through April 15, and bidding will go live April 16 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.

April 26 - Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options Session: This Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30pm, students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families are invited to this event that provides an introduction to options available after high school. This event takes place at Woodson High School. Register here.

Sign up for a writing conference with the AWC in 4th Quarter: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class during the 4th quarter. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference during 4th quarter. 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.

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!

May 3 - Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Member Application Due: The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the 2023-24 term. EQAC makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement and administers the Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year the EQAC appoints one student representative. The student member application is open to all interested Fairfax County high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. All applications must be received by Wednesday, May 3. For more information, check out their website.

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: Another short week of athletics for the Atoms as Thursday and Friday were designated as no play dates for FCPS schools. Girls soccer got a 1-0 win over Herndon for their lone game of the week while boys soccer fell in a hard fought game in the last few minutes 3-2. Varsity softball played hard but came up short against two very good opponents in Hayfield and Meridian. Girls lacrosse gave full effort in games against the defending district champion (Falls Church) and runner-up (Justice) from last year but were unable to pull out a victories.

Boys Lacrosse continues to improve but fell in their two games for the week. Boys and Girls tennis played well in their three matches for the week but came up short in each. Track continued their season with more personal best accomplishments by many athletes in their event at Hayfield on Wednesday evening.

May 22 - Rising 9th Grade Activities, Athletics and Clubs Night: The Activities Office will be hosting an information night for rising 9th grade Activities/Athletics/Clubs Night on May 22 at 6:30pm. During this session, we will share information about the sports/seasons that we offer, how to sign up for a sport, and when try-outs for each sport begin. A coach, director, or student representative for each program will be available to answer any questions. Email basutphin@fcps.edu if you have any questions.

This Week: 

Monday, April 24

Girls Tennis vs Falls Church - 4:00pm

Boys Tennis @ Falls Church @ Jefferson District - 4:00pm

Boys Lacrosse vs TJ (SENIOR NIGHT) - 5:45/7:15pm

Girls Lacrosse @ TJ - 6:00/7:30pm

Varsity Baseball vs Mt. Vernon - 6:30pm

Tuesday, April 25

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

Girls Soccer @ Falls Church - 5:45/7:15pm

Varsity Boys Lacrosse @ Tuscarora - 7:15pm

JV Baseball vs Falls Church - 6:30pm

Varsity Baseball/Softball @ Falls Church - 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 26

Boys Tennis vs Justice - 4:00pm

Girls Tennis @ Justice @ Mason District Park - 4:00pm

Boys Soccer vs Meridian - 5:30/7:00pm

Outdoor Track @ Justice - 5:00pm

Thursday, April 27

Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs Mt. Vernon (SENIOR NIGHT) 7:00pm

Boys Lacrosse @ Mt. Vernon 5:45/7:15pm

Friday, April 28

Girls Tennis vs TJ (SENIOR NIGHT) - 4:00pm

Boys Tennis @ TJ - 4:00pm

Girls Soccer vs Justice - 5:45/7:15pm

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

Varsity Baseball/Softball vs Justice - 6:30pm

JV Baseball @ Justice - 6:00pm

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.

2023-24 Course Request Verifications: As we finalize plans for the 2023-2024 school year, please check your student’s course requests in ParentVUE. These can be accessed by selecting the Course Requests item in the left-hand menu when you login to your ParentVUE account. Throughout January and February, each student met with their counselor to make their course selections. 

If there are any changes or corrections that need to be made to your student’s schedule, you must contact their counselor prior to May 5, 2023. The counselors’ contact information can be found below. Due to budget constraints, any requests to change courses after this date cannot be honored. Requests to change electives may not be honored due to course availability. We will do our best to keep you informed of any changes to your student’s schedule due to scheduling conflicts. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s counselor.

NOVA Help Sessions: Are you planning to attend Northern Virginia Community College next year or take classes this summer through the Jump Start program? Ms. Acosta, Admissions Counselor from NOVA will be at Annandale during lunch on April 27, May 4, and May 18 to help students apply to NOVA, register for classes and help get academic holds removed. If you would like to attend please reach out to your counselor or Mr. Yeagley and they can register you for the date and time you would like. All sessions will be held in the College and Career Center (Room 103). 

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.

News from the PTSA

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.

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. Check out the amazing items up for auction! Highlights include:

• Principal's VIP Parking Spot for 2023-24 School Year
• Graduation VIP Reserved Seating and VIP Parking
• Washington Commanders Tickets
• Glory Days Gift Card
• North Springfield Swim Club Membership
• Lincolnia Park Recreational Club Membership
• Kilroy's Gift Card
• AHS Spirit Pack
• OMNI Wellness and Performance Gift Card
• AHS Sports Camp Pass
• Perfect Pita Gift Card
• Erin Nicole Brown Photography 30 Minute Session

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.