Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
This past week was a great demonstration of our priority of relationships and support in action. On Monday, we held our first W4 Activities Day, which was a tremendous success for our students! It was so fun to see students connect with each other and staff through activities such as making lanterns, playing games and sports, starting the college application process, and working in our courtyard garden. Few other schools the size of Annandale manage to organize an event like this, which we hold once a month. A huge thank you to our Activities Department for taking on this complex planning! Our next W4 Activities Day will be on Wednesday, November 8. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school.
This week, we also launched PRIDE Time. Held during the second half of each W4 (4th period), students attend a class for targeted intervention based on their academic or attendance needs, or attend a study hall, where they can complete assignments or be requested for support from other Study Hall teachers. In November, our instructional coaches and teachers will reevaluate students’ needs and determine their new PRIDE Time placements. The planning required to provide such intentional school-wide targeted support for students is incredibly complex, and I am so proud of our staff for all the ways they work together to support our students’ needs. Student’s PRIDE Time assignments can be found in SIS, as their period 11. Please reach out to your student’s teacher with any questions.
Tomorrow is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and a school holiday for students. Annandale staff will come together for donuts and coffee, sponsored by a local real estate agent. We will spend the morning engaging in equity-centered professional learning. Then, staff we will have lunch, catered by an Annandale family! We are so grateful to our families and community members, who support us in so many ways - thank you!
Finally, on Wednesday, October 11 we will be administering the PSAT to sophomores and juniors, and the SAT to our seniors who registered for the exam. Freshmen and Seniors not taking the SAT will not not report to school on Wednesday. Instead, they will complete a catch up day lesson on the Annandale Schoology Page. Students who report to school will be dismissed at 12:55pm with a grab n’ go lunch.
As always, please reach out with any questions you have. Have a great week, Atom Nation.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Awesome Atoms
Seven AHS Students Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Congratulations to Annandale students Semir Ali, Bram Johnson, Adam Michelman, Bridget Murray, Keane Byron Ong, Anh Tim Phan, and Jazlyn Tang for their outstanding achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT and recently being names as a Commended Scholar by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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Norma Foti, AHS PTSA Pantry Coordinator, Featured in Patch.com Article! Norma Foti and the Annandale PTSA Pantry was recently featured in a Patch.com article, “Annandale Area Students Need Your Help!” The AHS Pantry is partnering with Food for Neighbors to help stock their 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.
Paula Prettyman, Food For Neighbors' Falls Church Area Manager, is equally excited about the partnership. "I've been amazed by the commitment of the Annandale High School PTSA in recent years to support their food insecure students and families," shared Prettyman. "Even through the pandemic, the Annandale HS Food Pantry was open. I'm looking forward to working with the PTSA and Annandale HS Principal, Shawn DeRose, to bring even more of the community in to support their high school. I hope every household who can will become an FFN Red Bag Donor."
Kathleen Mathis Receives Fulbright Award: Kathleen Mathis of Annandale High School in Virginia has received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award. As a Fulbright recipient, Mathis will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad. Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their classrooms in the United States, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars and educators to their school or campus and encouraging their colleagues and students to go abroad. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world.
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Tag Day A Huge Success! On Saturday, September 16, our Performing Arts Department came together for our annual Tag Day. This is one way we support the performing arts at Annandale High School and build connections with our community. Over 125 students from band, choir, orchestra and theatre came together to walk specific routes to seek help from the community and spread awareness of the many performance opportunities that are scheduled for this school year at AHS. Funds raised from this effort will be divided among the disciplines and will be used for uniforms, clinician costs, marching band competitions, costumes, new string instruments, etc. If you haven’t had the opportunity to give to the performing arts efforts, you can do so on the Boosters webpage.
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Celebrating Annandale Custodians: Custodian Appreciation Day was October 2. Over the past two years we have made significant investments in our building. Thanks to our custodians, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. Across the division, Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors. We appreciate everything our custodians do to make Atom Nation a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and community!
Important Information
Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers three (3) late bus transportation days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.
2023-24 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees.
FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam. The IB exam calendar can be found here. When IB scores are released in July 2024, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out.
To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Opt-Out forms are due by October 20. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.
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Important Dates
Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
October 9 - Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School for Students)
October 10 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day (No School for Freshmen, 2 Hour Early Release)
October 13 - W4 Check Ins Begin
October 15 - FCPS College Fair
October 16 - Fall Band Concert
October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night
October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6pm
October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes
October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day
October 19 - Fall Orchestra Concert
October 23 - Annandale Parade
October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes
November 3 - End of 1st Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)
November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)
November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)
Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, FCPS and Annandale High School recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 9 - Indigenous Peoples' Day: Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.
October 10 - PTSA Meeting: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available.
October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day: Annandale High School will offer access to PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day for rising 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments. See below for more information.
October 13 - W4 Check-Ins Begin: Over the next several weeks W4 teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with each W4 student. These W4 check-ins are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships with students, and identify student needs.
October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6:00pm: Join us on Wednesday, October 18 at 6:00pm for a Virtual Fall Principal Check-In, where I will share information about our practices as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Check your email for a link to join.
October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes: Seniors can schedule retakes after school from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Visit this link to schedule.
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Adjusted Schedules for Wednesday, October 11
Annandale High School is hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 11. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 11, as follows:
- No school for students in Grade 9 and Seniors who did not register for the SAT
- Students in Grades 10 & 11, CAT B students, and Seniors who registered for the SAT will have a 2-hour early release.
- Academy classes and shuttles are canceled.
Grade 9 - Catch Up Day: Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments.
Grades 10 and 11 - PSAT School Day: All students in Grades 10 and 11 will participate in the PSAT. No registration is required. The test is offered at no cost to families. All FCPS students have access to Khan Academy’s free online test preparation, whether they are taking the PSAT for the first time or preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship Qualification. The Khan Academy online curriculum is customized for students based on any previous PSAT or SAT scores. In addition, the website offers general test preparation tips for students.
For PSAT day, all students MUST bring their school assigned school laptops and chargers as tests are virtual this year. Students will be using the BlueBook App for all PSAT testing. Students are allowed to bring a calculator for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review.
Grade 12 - SAT School Day: Grade 12 students who registered will have the opportunity to take the SAT. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. Students are responsible for bringing their own calculators and pencils for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at Annandale High School, please contact Brian Yeagley.
Seniors who did not register for the SAT School Day will use this as a catch-up day and are not expected to be present on testing day.
CAT B Students - Two Hour Early Release: Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.
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Opportunities
Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.
Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID students will be assisting students with various topics: Making a College List; Transcript Request Form; Common App; Recommendation Requests. Students are welcome to drop in with questions about any aspect of the process.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.
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Honor Societies
Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.
Due October 13 - Science National Honor Society: Juniors or Seniors enrolled in an IB Science course with a GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply to be a member of the Science Honor Society. Members of SNHS are recognized for excellence in encouraging and recognizing scientific and intellectual thought. Application link is available here.
Due October 16 - Computer Science Honor Society: All students who are interested in learning and sharing information related to computer science topics and who will participate in community service to teach others in the community about CS. Meetings will be held one or two times per month where students can learn about Computer Science topics and also receive support if they are currently enrolled in a Computer Science course. Apply here!
Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.
Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.
Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.
Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.
FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.
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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!
October 15 - FCPS College Fair: High school students and their families are invited to attend the FCPS College Fair at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7pm. The fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. Register here!
October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will offer two virtual events on Monday & Tuesday, October 16 & 17 from 5-8pm. The events will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities.
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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.
This Week’s Schedule:
Tuesday, October 10
JV/V Field Hockey vs Justice - 6:15/7:30pm
Cross Country vs Falls Church @ Burke Lake - 5:00pm
Wednesday, October 11
F/JV/V Volleyball vs TJ - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (DIG PINK NIGHT)
JV/V Field Hockey @ Mount Vernon - 6:15/7:30pm
Thursday, October 12
National District Cheer Competition @ Hayfield SS - 6:30pm
F/JV Football @ Edison - 5:30/7:30pm
Friday, October 13
V Football vs Edison - 7:00pm
Saturday, October 14
Marching Atoms @ Annapolis
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