Annandale Community Insider - August 20

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

It was great to welcome students, parents and families into the building this past Thursday at our New Student Orientation & Open House. We are eagerly anticipating the return of students to the building tomorrow morning!

When students arrive, they will report directly to their advisory class. This advisory period, which we refer to as W4, serves as a platform for building relationships, creating community, clarifying expectations, and sharing and cultivating our values. During W4 tomorrow, students will receive their laptop and a hard copy of their schedule. Student schedules are also viewable in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. For more information about obtaining a ParentVue account, please click here to access support on the FCPS website. 

Below you will find detailed information about the first day of school, transportation, and other important back to school information. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our PTSA for graciously hosting the Welcome Back Breakfast for our staff last Thursday. This is just one of the many examples of the ways they support Atom Nation. Please consider joining by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website. 

Shawn DeRose, Principal

1st Day of School Logistics

Student Schedules: All students and parents should now have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data. In addition, students will receive a hard copy of their schedule when they report to their advisory class (W4) on Monday morning. If a student forgets or does not know their W4 class, staff members will be stationed in the hallways to assist.

Finding Classes: Throughout the year, and especially during the first week of school, all staff members will be in the hallways supporting students during each transition. We realize that a little extra time may be needed as students learn or get reacquainted with the school building. They will get the hang of their new routine sooner than they think and we are all here to help!

Student Laptop Distribution: We are excited to share that all students who turned in their school-issued computers last year will be issued brand new Chromebooks in their W4 class on the first day of school, August 21. The first day of school will feature a special schedule with all students reporting to their W4 class at the beginning of the school day to receive their laptop.

If your student wishes to use a family-owned device, please ensure the device meets the required specifications. Then, log into your ParentVUE account and select “Opt-out of FCPS device.” This will ensure that your student is not responsible for an FCPS device.

Schedule Change Requests: Our Student Services team is working hard to make sure our students have accurate schedules. We recognize that some students will want to request changes to their schedule. At this time, we are only making schedule changes for the following reasons:

• A student does not have a complete schedule or is missing a core class required for graduation.
• A student was registered for a course that they have already successfully passed. The schedule does not reflect a grade change or summer school course that was successfully passed.

If your student has one of the reasons listed above, they should go to Student Services during the class period in which the error occurs.

Requests to change schedules based on preference will be considered at a later date. Details on this process will be provided in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Erik Healey, or your student’s counselor, if you have any questions.

Student Lockers: Student lockers will be available by request only beginning on Tuesday, September 5. Students will receive information about how to request a locker during W4.

Academy Students: Students taking an Academy course during W4 should report to the Auditorium during 4th period (W4) when they arrive to school on Monday morning. All Academy students will be provided an orientation presentation at 9:00am on Monday in the Auditorium. Moving forward, academy students should report to the auditorium before getting on the shuttle. 

When returning from their Travel Period, students taking Academy courses should report to the Auditorium during the lunch block (R5/W6) where they will eat D Lunch. During all other periods, Academy Students returning to school should report to T-11. Students should be in their designated location during their Travel Periods. If students have a class after returning from the Academy, they should report to the Attendance Office for a pass to class.

1st Day of School Bell Schedule: Students will report to their 4th period or W4 class to pick up their laptop and receive a hard copy of their student schedule. See below for the detailed schedule.

Transportation Information

Student Bus Route Assignments: FCPS Office of Transportation Services emailed student bus route assignments last week. Parents should have receive an e-notify to check their ParentVue accounts for transportation information. Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage. Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Student Parking: Parking applications may be picked up in the Security Office, Room 114. Both the “Parking Agreement” and “Parking Application” forms must be turned into the Main Office by Monday, August 28. Parking permits will be issued and money will be collected during all lunches in the cafeteria on Tuesday, August 29. The parking fee of $200.00 will be collected when the parking permits are distributed. Students must have a parking pass to park in AHS student parking spaces beginning Tuesday, September 5. If you have any questions, please email Phillip Taylor. Note: All financial obligations need to be cleared before you may receive a parking permit.

Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (Door 1). Parents should drop their student(s) off beginning at 7:45am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:55pm. If you have any questions, please email Phillip Taylor, Safety and Security Specialist.

Parent To-Do Checklist

Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE: Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents should receive an activation code when they register their student. Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.

Have a Rising Senior? Meningococcal Vaccine Reminder: The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into one of its schools. All students in grade 12 are required to have been immunized with one dose of the Meningococcal Vaccine given at the age of 16 or older. Please review the immunization requirements here. Proof of immunization must be submitted to the school. These documents need to be returned prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year. For more information on this requirement, visit this FCPS website.

Important Dates

Tomorrow - First Day of School for Students

September 1 & 4 - Labor Day (No School)

September 18-22 - Senior Pictures

September 21 - Back to School Night

September 25 - Yom Kippur (No School)

September 26-29 - Homecoming Week

September 30 - Homecoming Dance

Back to School Information

Bell Schedule: The bell schedule for the 2023-2024 school year is the same as last year. See below for the detailed schedule. Click here for the red/white day calendar and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School.

Student Attendance: In order for our students to get the most out of their education, they must be in school and on time to class every day. Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half of the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. If your student must be absent from school, please inform the school. The attendance phone number is 703-642-4151.

Updated Cell Phone Use: FCPS has revised its cell phone policy. Complete information can be found in the Student Rights & Responsibilities document. Phones and accessories must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phone for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

If you have an emergency and need to be in touch with your student, please contact the front office.

Updated Dress Code Policy: FCPS has revised its Dress Code policy. Complete information can be found in the Student Rights & Responsibilities document. Students must wear a shirt and bottom or a one-piece garment, regardless of gender identity, that serves the same function as a shirt and bottom, and must wear shoes.

Prohibited clothing includes anything that depicts illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, or promotes the unlawful possession or use of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, paraphernalia, or other controlled substances. Also, students shall not expose underwear or undergarments, whether due to transparency, length, or have lack of coverage of genitalia, breast, or buttocks. Thank you for reinforcing appropriate school attire with your student.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Now Available: Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications are now available. Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, FCPS class fees, and Parktakes classes. To take advantage of those benefits, complete this form. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced Price Meal application numbers. Visit the FCPS Free and Reduced-Price Meals website for more information.

New Epinephrine Authorization Form: FCPS has updated its Epinephrine Authorization form and will be requiring the new form for 2023-24 school year. This form aligns with updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Health. If you have any questions about this new form, please contact the school public health nurse, Katherine Estrada.

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

Atoms Spirit Gear: Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Order Fall Sports Pictures: Fall sports pictures were taken on August 10. If you would like to order pictures, go online to Legacy Studios Events and enter the school code, 4542E24. Here you may view and order team and individual pictures of your athlete. Please allow 5 days after picture day before trying to access your images. If the images have not been uploaded to the site yet, when entering that code you'll receive a 'Gallery not found' notification. For more information, please reach out to your coach.

Purchase an All-Season Athletic Pass! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season home football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass! To purchase your Atoms Pass, click here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass. 

Events This Week: 

Monday, August 21

First Day of School! 

Tuesday, August 22

Fall Athletes Meeting - 3:00pm

Wednesday, August 23

JV/V Field Hockey vs McLean - 6:15/7:30pm

Thursday, August 24

F/JV/V Volleyball vs Falls Church - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Golf vs Justice @ Pinecrest - 3:30pm

F/JV Football @ Marshall - 5:45/7:30pm

Friday, August 25

Varsity Football vs Marshall - 7:00pm

News from the PTSA

PTSA Membership for the 2022-23 School Year: The Annandale High School PTSA is committed to helping our students and community. Together, we sponsor many programs and activities for our students, parents, and staff, including teacher grants, community outreach events, AHS Food Pantry, All Night Grad Celebration, Senior Scholarships, and more! Please consider joining for the 2023-2024 school year by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

Annandale PTSA Pantry - Food for Neighbors Partnership: This year, we are partnering with Food for Neighbors to help stock our shelves. Please sign up to be a red bag donor. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just sign up to be a red bag donor. Fill the red bag with the list provided by email of full-sized items needed. Then, put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.