Annandale Students, Families, and Community:
I hope you had a great spring break. It is hard to believe, but Wednesday marks the start of the fourth quarter. For many of our students, this is a very busy time. SOLs and IB exams begin in just three weeks. Our continued focus on high quality instruction supported by targeted intervention through PRIDE Time and ASAP means we are doing everything we can to ensure our students are successful.
At Annandale, we work together to support our students. This week, families will receive a personalized student progress report email which includes students’ grades as well as any academic interventions or supports the student is receiving. In that email, we also provide ways families can support their student, including sitting with them to check and discuss their progress, as well as some guiding questions to talk about school. Thank you for everything you do to support us and your students!
Finally, this week is National Assistant Principal’s week. Our team of Assistant Principals do an incredible job every day supporting our students, families, and staff. They serve as instructional leaders, collaborate to make sure every student is receiving the support they need, and ensure our school is a safe place. A huge thank you to our Assistant Principals Sarah Eqab, Kara Franklin-Taylor, Donna Higgins, Hanna Langstein, and Aaron Schneider.
As always, reach out with any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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SOL and IB Exam Schedule
Proctors Needed for IB Exams: Calling all Volunteers! The IB exams are starting soon and we are in need of help to proctor the exams. 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!
Important Dates
April 1 - Teacher Work Day (No School)
April 2 - School Planning Day (No School)
April 3 - PTSA Pantry Distribution
April 4 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show, 6pm
April 8 - W4 Activities Day
April 8 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting
April 9 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
April 10 - Eid Al Fitr Holiday (No School)
April 11 - Options after High School Presentation, 6pm
April 11 - FAFSA Completion Workshop, 6:30pm
April 15 - Senior Breakfast
April 13 - Special Olympics Inclusion Track Meet
April 16 - Junior Parent/Student College Night
April 17 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm
April 22 - SOL Testing Begins
April 25 - IB Testing Begins
April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night
April 4 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show, 6:00pm: The Annandale Pyramid, including Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, Bren Mar Park ES, Columbia ES, North Springfield ES, Weyanoke ES, Holmes MS, Poe MS, and Annandale HS will come together to celebrate our young artists. With the help of the pyramid art teachers, our school’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society helps prep the show, gives awards, and provides activities for kids of all ages. The artwork will feature works from students in grades K-12 and a variety of mediums and will be displayed through April 29. Come check out our incredible artists!
April 8 - W4 Activities Day: Our final W4 Activities Day is next Monday. W4 Activities Day is a time set aside during the school day for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Harris.
April 8 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, April 8 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our spring sports and activities. If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Sutphin.
April 9 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. If you can't attend in person, consider joining us virtually on Zoom. 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 10 - Eid al Fitr Holiday (No School): There is no school on Wednesday, April 10 to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
April 25-May 17 - IB Testing: IB Testing will be held in various locations in the building. Here is the link to the detailed IB Testing calendar with arrival time and test duration. Locations will be added two weeks prior to testing which will mostly consist of the main gym and the library. Students testing in the afternoon should eat A lunch. Students are required to remain in the testing room for the full duration of each exam. Students should bring pens and pencils as well as a calculator. Backpacks and cell phones will be stored in the back of the room and can not be accessed during testing. If the exam is scheduled to continue after the final school bell, students need to arrange for alternative transportation home.
Students with IB approved testing accommodations will be notified prior to testing. Late arrival/early dismissal forms for IB testing dates can be found in the Attendance Office. Contact Linda Bradshaw with any questions.
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Awesome Atoms
Debate Team Reaches Round 5 of Regionals: The Annandale Debate Team traveled to Wakefield High School for the 2024 regional tournament. Rebeka Balibuno and Cecilia Marigliano participated in the Lincoln-Douglas 1v1 debates and made it through 5 rounds of competition despite this being their first ever competition. This is also the first time in many years that Annandale has fielded a debate team. We are so proud of these young ladies! For more information on how to get involved with Annandale Debate reach out to our incredible sponsors, Kimberly Falvey and Megan Mooney!
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Senior, Husna Basiri, Recognized at Fairfax Peace Awards: Husna was one of 27 recipients of a 2024 Student Peace Award of Fairfax County who were honored at a reception on March 10. Representative Gerry Connolly introduced a Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives listing all the recipients and recognizing them as “active in promoting peace or removing the causes of conflict.” Husna founded the Dunya Club, which organizes field trips, college visits, and advocates for the needs of refugees with local media stations. In addition she has served as a Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL), and Co-President of the SEALS. In this role, she established a Mental Health Committee within the organization. Congratulations, Husna!
Performing Arts Students Visit NYC: This past week, Annandale Performing Arts took their annual combined Spring Trip to New York City. Students got to tour Lincoln Center, see the Broadway show Hadestown, participate in a workshop with the cast, and see Sterling Elliot's cello recital at Juilliard. Prior to the trip, they had masterclasses with members of the National Symphony Orchestra and The United States Army Band. Students walked away from the trip with a greater appreciation for their peers' performing arts discipline, a deeper understanding of their craft, and a discovery of different career paths they might consider.
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Atoms Writing Center Tutors Present at Annual Conference: Atoms Writing Center tutors Safa Touri and Margaret Tran were selected to present at the Secondary Schools Writing Center Association's annual conference this year. On Saturday, March 16th, they delivered a presentation entitled "Straying Away from Paper and Pencil: Understanding Minimalist Tutoring to Encourage Self-Regulated Writing Inside and Outside the Center." Tutors and Writing Center Directors from across the country attended their session to learn how to help tutees thrive by teaching them the skills they need to improve their writing on their own after working with a writing center tutor.
ATES Students Hold Dance Night at Annandale: This past weekend Annandale High School hosted Annandale Terrace Elementary School for their annual Dance Night. Each year the Annandale Terrace P.E. and Music departments collaborate to teach students different dances throughout their dance unit. Dance Night is an opportunity for the students to perform dances for their families and showcase their achievements.
Annandale English Leaders to Present at WiDA Annual Conference: Congratulations to Assistant Principal Dr. Sarah Eqab, and Instructional Coaches Jeniva Miller and Mary Johnson who will be presenting a workshop at 2024 WIDA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Their 2.5 hour workshop, titled From All to Small: Empowering Our Students through Small-Group Instruction, has been accepted for presentation at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC).
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Atoms Writing Center Game Night a Success! Thank you everyone for a successful AWC game night! There was a lot of games and snacks for everyone to try, and it was a lot of fun seeing so many people enjoy it.
AHS Celebrates Students of the Month: Congratulations to Ami Bernard, Josue Bonilla-Gomez, Tien Bui, Sophie Chavez, Ryan Hunt, Thomas Nields, Sylar Simmavong, Asmeret Tekle, and Abel Yeneneh for being selected as our March Students of the Month. Each month, Annandale teachers nominate one student who exemplifies one of our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. In March, our focus was on Safety. Congratulations to all for being selected as our Student of the Month winners! Our next round of Students of the Month for April will focus on students that exemplify the Atom Agreement of Empathy.
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Important Information
Principal Evaluation Survey - Now Open! Annandale HS parents/guardians recently received an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school. The questionnaire is open now through April 5. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
April 8 - Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8 and will be viewable, depending on weather, in the Fairfax County area. This timing overlaps with some dismissal times and it is crucial that schools reiterate the importance of safe viewing practices. FCPS safety guidelines do not permit direct viewing of the sun even with protective eyewear and encourages indirect (projection) viewing, including solar boxes and pinhole projectors. FCPS has created a Solar Eclipse Resources website to access resources that include safe viewing practices and a NASA link for the eclipse live stream.
Mid-April - Super Saturdays Begin: 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. Invitations will be going out to students to attend these events beginning in late March/early April. Below is the tentative Saturday School schedule: April 20 - Biology and Earth Science; April 27 - Algebra 1 and Chemistry; May 4 - Algebra 2 and Geometry; May 11 - Reading.
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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 2 at the River View in Occoquan, 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. Stay tuned for the announcement for our grand opening and we look forward to helping you find a perfect look for Prom 2024. For further information reach out to Mr. Henceroth or visit him in room 210. We "Promise" Annandale Prom 2024 will be a night to remember!
April 13 - Special Olympics Inclusion Track Meet: Annandale’s 2nd Annual Inclusion Track Meet will be held on April 13 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. Clubs, sports teams, and vendors will be on sight with music, face painting, yard games, and food. Fun for the whole family!
April 17 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PTSD), 6:30pm: Annandale High School will be hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving on April 17 at 6:30pm. The state of Virginia requires students and their parents to attend one session of Partners for Safe Teen Driving in order to receive their Pink Card (DEC-8). If the parent and student are not in the auditorium at 6:30pm then they will be asked to attend another session. If you have any questions, please email Lizzie McManus.
April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night: Please come join us this Thursday at 6:30pm as we cheer on our Varsity Baseball Team and celebrate Autism Acceptance. Our special guest stars Kevin Maldonado-Lopez and Andy Ocloo will be throwing out the first pitch for the game. Our classes have been working hard and we 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 will go to our Special Education Department. We will be selling Autism Acceptance gear at the game!
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Academic Support
Sign up for a writing conference with the AWC: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference. 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. Contact Mrs. Crowley with any questions.
Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) 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.
Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-4:00pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Michelle Lukacs, AVID and History teacher, with questions.
Work with Live Tutors for Free! Does your student need help getting up to speed in math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor. Find out more here.
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College Admission & Financial Aid
April 10 - NOVA Regional College Fair: The Office of Admissions at George Mason University is holding its annual Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF) on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30pm at EagleBank Arena. Students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities. This will be a great opportunity to get students motivated and excited about their post-secondary plans while equipping them with the tools and information necessary to successfully navigate the college search and application process.
April 11 - Options After High School (Postsecondary Planning): On Thursday, April 11 from 6pm - 8pm Annandale High School Student services will be presenting on various options for students after high school. Topics to be covered are four year universities (Bachelor’s Degree), Northern Virginia Community College “NOVA” (Associate’s Degree with option to transfer to a four year university), apprenticeships (Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, HVAC), military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force), and Edu-Futuro (To empower immigrant and underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, and workforce development.)
There will be a brief presentation followed by breakout sessions to speak in further detail and answer your questions about the various options. The presentation will be held in Clausen Hall and will have Spanish, Vietnamese, Amharic, and Arabic translators. All Junior and Senior students and parents are invited to attend!
April 11 - FAFSA/VASA Completion Workshop: On Thursday, April 11 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Annandale High School Student Services will be hosting a FAFSA/VASA completion workshop in the Parent Liaison Office. If you would like help completing these forms in order to be considered for financial aid please attend this event. Students and parents/guardians should both attend and please make sure to bring 2022 tax information.
April 16 - Junior Parent/Student College Night: Please join us on Tuesday, April 16 from 6:00-7:30pm. Our Lead AVID teacher Ms. Wells, and College & Career Specialist, Mr. Yeagley, will talk about how Juniors should prepare for the college application process. After the presentation we will have a panel of admissions representatives from George Mason, Marymount, and Virginia Tech speak about what they look for when reviewing college applications. Students and parents will also have the opportunity to ask the panel questions. The event will take place in Clausen Hall. We hope to see you there! Email Mr. Yeagley at Byeagley@fcps.edu, if you have questions.
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.
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.
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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, AHS Athletics Twitter or Instagram page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.
Booster Membership Fee Reduced! The cost of Booster Memberships is now 50% less! The new low price will be Adults $30 and Students $15 (including Elementary, Middle, and High School Students). The Booster pass allows Free Admission to all regular season Freshman, JV, and Varsity games. This price drop will include the last 3 games of the basketball season and include ALL Spring season sports: Baseball, Soccer, and Lacrosse. Check Atoms Athletics schedules and buy your Booster Pass here.
This Week:
Monday, April 1
JV Baseball vs Osbourn - 6:30pm
Tuesday, April 2
Varsity Baseball vs Lewis - 6:30pm
JV Softball @ Lewis - 6:00pm
JV Girls Soccer @ Unity Reed - 5:30pm
Track @ Lewis - 4:00pm
Wednesday, April 3
Girls Tennis vs Edison - 4:00pm
Varsity Softball vs Oakton - 6:30pm
Varsity Baseball vs Langley - 6:30pm
Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs Mt. Vernon - 6:30pm
Boys Tennis @ Edison - 4:00pm
JV Softball @ Oakton - 6:00pm
Thursday, April 4
Boys Soccer vs Falls Church - 5:45/7:15pm
Girls Soccer @ Falls Church - 5:45/7:15pm
Friday, April 5
Girls Tennis vs Mt. Vernon - 4:00pm
Varsity Baseball/Softball vs TJ - 6:30pm
Boys Lacrosse vs Falls Church - 5:45/7:15pm
Boys Tennis @ Mt. Vernon - 4:00pm
JV Baseball @ TJ - 6:30pm
Girls Lacrosse @ Falls Church - 6:00/7:30pm
Concession Stand Coverage - Help Wanted! Click on a link below to sign up and support our Atoms Booster club! If anyone has trouble with the above links, please email odessapmurray@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!
Varsity Softball: Sign Up Here
JV Softball: Sign Up Here
Varsity Baseball: Sign Up Here
JV Baseball: Sign Up Here
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News from the PTSA
Upcoming Events - Mark your calendars!
April 6 - Annual Mulch Sale
April 9 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
April 14-21 - Silent Auction
May 4 - Flea Market
June 4 - All Night Grad
PTSA Nominating Committee: Each year the PTSA forms a committee to identify people interested in serving as PTSA officers. The Nominating Committee advertises the opportunities available and explains how to
apply, receives nominations and identifies potential candidates, and presents a slate of nominees at the April PTSA general membership meeting. Contact Angela Torres at atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.
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.
AHS Pantry Distribution Every Second Wednesday: We offer bi-monthly family distributions as well as twice weekly student distributions and emergency needs and gift cards for emergency situations that are tracked and distributed with our AHS clinical staff. We have partnerships with Food for Others and Fairfax Diaper as well as other Community businesses, neighborhoods, girl scout troops and churches.
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