Annandale Community Insider - August 27

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

It has been an incredible start to the new school year. Our students came back to school with lots of energy and excitement, ready for their new classes and routines. It was touching to see so many students and staff helping our new students find their classes. Seeing all of this has filled me with optimism for the months ahead.

However, the highlight of the week was undoubtedly our first home football game. Atom pride was palpable. The excitement was evident as our football team, cheerleaders, and marching band all entered the stadium through a tunnel of smoke, greeted by a cheering crowd.

The night was not without its twists, as the game was temporarily delayed due to lightning. What could have been a moment of frustration turned into a heartwarming demonstration of our students' character. As students gathered in the main gym, their energy and positive interactions truly impressed everyone, including visiting parents from the opposing team.

Congratulations to Coach Bagot on his first game as varsity football coach. Despite our eventual loss, our team's tenacity and fighting spirit were undeniable. Annandale's comeback, and our team's response, showcased their sportsmanship and resilience, lessons that extend far beyond the field.

Then came the best part of the night. After the band finished playing, the football team rushed the field again, this time to celebrate with the band. The unity displayed by the fans, students, athletes, staff, and families, even in the face of inclement weather, exemplified what it means to be Atom Nation.

For me, personally, Friday night was one of the best experiences I've had as a principal. As we move forward this year, I encourage each of you to carry the spirit of Friday's events with you. Let it remind us all that our journey is not defined only by our individual and collective victories but by the bonds we form, the resilience we show, and the support we offer one another.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

September 1 & 4 - Labor Day (No School)

September 5 - Activities Fair (During W4)

September 5 - Senior Student/Parent College Night 

September 6 - SAT School Day Intent Form Due

September 11 - Late Busses Begin

September 11 - Public Safety Cadets Open House

September 12 - PTSA Meeting

September 16 - Annandale Performing Arts Tag Day

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

October 9 - Staff Development Day (Indigenous Peoples' Day)

October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day

Labor Day Holiday - September 1-4: Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. As a result, Friday, September 1, is a holiday for students and staff members in addition to the Labor Day holiday, Monday, September 4. See the complete 2023-24 school year calendar.

September 5 - Club & Activities Fair: On Tuesday, September 5, we will be hosting our annual Clubs & Activities Fair during W4. Our goal as an Activities Department is increasing involvement and participation by our students in extracurricular offerings and the Activities Fair is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about everything that Annandale has to offer. For an up-to-date list of clubs currently offered at Annandale, visit this website. 

September 5 - Senior Student/Parent College Night, 6-8pm: Are you planning to apply to college this year or helping your child apply? Please join us on Tuesday, September 5 to hear Lead AVID teacher, Ms. Wells and College and Career Specialist Brian Yeagley give a talk about what Seniors should be doing now to prepare for applying to college this year. After the presentation we will have a panel of admissions representatives from George Mason, James Madison University, and Virginia Tech speak about what they are looking for when reviewing college applications. Students and parents will also be given the opportunity to ask the panel questions. The event will take place in Clausen Hall. Questions? Email Mr. Yeagley.

SAT School Day Intent Form - Due September 6: On Wednesday, October 11, Annandale High School students in grade 12 will have the opportunity to take the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any senior to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

To reserve a seat for your senior to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete this form by Wednesday, September 6. Your student will need to use an @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. A translated version of the form may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. We will share exam day schedules and additional details in the coming weeks. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at Annandale High School, please contact our College and Career Specialist/SAT School Day Coordinator, Brian Yeagley.

September 11 - Annual Open House "First Nighter" for the Public Safety Cadets: The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is hosting their annual Open House for the Public Safety Cadets Unit 505 on Monday, September 11, 2023 beginning at 7:00pm. The event will be held in the AHS rear parking lot with various FCPD assets on display including the mobile crime scene unit, mobile bomb squad unit and robot, mobile command bus, and our helicopter which will land in the parking lot. Displays will conclude around 7:30pm, at which point we will move into the cafeteria for an informational meeting about the Public Safety Cadets program and how young people can join. Find more information on our website.

PTSA Meeting - September 12, 7:00pm: The first PTSA of the 2023-24 school year will be on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00pm. PTSA meetings are bilingual and Spanish translation is provided. Las reuniones de PTSA son bilingües y se proporciona traducción al español. Join us in Clausen Hall or virtually! Visit the Annandale PTSA website for more information.

September 16 - Annandale Performing Arts Tag Day: Tag day is a major performing arts fundraiser where members of the Annandale Bands, Theater Chorus and Orchestra go door to door within the community to ask for donations. The donations assist in funding uniforms, costumes, instruments, scholarships, clinicians, music, supplies, and registration for competitions. Your continued support enables us to proudly represent our school and community throughout the year. 

September 18-22 - Senior Pictures: It’s almost time for senior pictures for the Class of 2024! Students should have received an email from our photography company, Legacy Studios, with instructions to schedule their appointment September 18-22. Pictures will be during school hours in Clausen Hall. If you have any questions, please contact the Legacy Studios Senior Portraits Assistance for Parents/Students line at 716-512-6336.

If you haven’t received an email, don’t worry! You can still register for your senior pictures by going to Legacy's Scheduling Website. Scroll down the page to view and select your sitting level - details of each sitting level are there for you to review. Once selected, scroll down the page a little further and click on your sitting level. Choose "set time zone" and a calendar will pop up. Select the date and times you prefer, then click "continue." Enter your name and payment information (if applicable - note, there is no fee for a yearbook picture). Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email.

Important Information

Student Attendance: In order for our students to get the most out of their education, students 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 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, you should always inform the school. The attendance line is 703-642-4151.

Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the  Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission. Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.

Course Change Process: Our counselors will continue to make modifications to student schedules that have errors. Students seeking a schedule change need to complete the Schedule Change Request Form located in Student Services. This form will only be available until September 8. Counselors will prioritize these requests based on student need and will contact students as necessary. Please reach out to Erik Healey, Nick Zubieta, or your student’s counselor, if you have any questions.

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

Safety Drills During the School Year: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including fire and lockdown drills, each year. 

In the coming weeks we will conduct our first lockdown drill of the school year. Your student may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your student about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Here are some helpful tips for families to use to support their students before and after school lockdown drills. Working together, we create a safe, secure environment for students to learn and grow in our schools.

Academy Students Travel Period Locations: 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. 

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 must be cleared before you may receive a parking permit.

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.

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.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

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

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. 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Monday, August 28

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

JV/V Volleyball vs Park View - 6:00/7:15pm

Tuesday, August 29

Golf vs Lewis @ Pinecrest - 3:30pm

Wednesday, August 30

F/JV Football vs Washington-Liberty - 5:45/7:30pm

JV/V Field Hockey @ Marshall - 6:15/7:30pm

F/JV/V Volleyball @ Hayfield - 6:00/7:15pm

Cross Country @ Mason District 

Thursday, August 31

Varsity Football @ Washington-Liberty - 7:00pm

News from the PTSA

PTSA Membership for the 2023-24 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.