Annandale Students, Families, and Community:
It was great to see so many of you out at Nats Park Friday night to watch Annie Ray and the Annandale Orchestra perform the National Anthem! These opportunities for us to come together as a community to see Atom Nation being recognized bring me such pride. Students played for the entire stadium, then stayed to watch the game. The musicians were featured on the jumbotron as they performed, then again as they showed their spirit during the “Jump Around” challenge. Congratulations to our Orchestra. They knocked it out of the park! 😀
Spring SOL and IB Exam season begins tomorrow! Yesterday, Biology and Geosystems teachers, admin, and coaches welcomed over 120 students for Super Saturday. On top of the support students are getting during class, PRIDE Time, and our After School Academic Program (ASAP), Super Saturdays provide students one more boost before they take their SOLs. In addition to the academic support they receive on this day, students enjoy breakfast from Anita's and lunch with their teachers and classmates.
Our next Super Saturday, for Algebra 1 and Chemistry students, will be held on April 27. Please reach out to your student’s teachers for any questions about SOLs and ways you can support your student.
Come join us this Thursday, April 25 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.
Finally, I encourage you to come out this Friday or Saturday to enjoy the Annandale Theatre Company’s production of Mean Girls! Our students have been hard at work rehearsing and are excited to showcase their talents in this fun teen comedy. You may not know, but I am a big fan of musicals and am excited to bring my children to this performance!
As always, reach out with any questions. Have a great week Atom Nation!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Important Dates
April 22 - SOL Testing Begins
April 22 - Signing Day for Future College Athletes
April 25 - Healthy Relationships Advisory Lesson
April 25 - IB Testing Begins
April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night
April 26, 27 and May 3, 4 - Spring Musical
May 2 - Senior Prom
May 3 - Teacher Work Day (No School)
May 9 - Parent Orchestra Concert
April 27 - Super Saturday: Algebra 1 & Chemistry
May 4 - Super Saturday: Algebra 2 & Geometry
May 11 - Super Saturday: Reading
April 22 - May 31 - SOL Testing: SOL testing will begin tomorrow, April 22 and continue through May 31. Students and families have received email notification of test schedules. Students will also receive email reminders the day before their scheduled test. Please encourage students to check their email to find their test information. If you have any questions about your student’s testing schedule, please contact Meg Anderson.
April 22 - Signing Day for Future College Athletes: The Activities Office will be hosting a signing day for our future college athletes on April 22 at 3:15pm in the main gym to honor our student athletes who will be continuing their athletic career in college. Parents, teachers, and coaches will also be invited to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of our athletes. If you have any questions, please email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.
April 25 - Healthy Relationships Advisory Lesson Part 2: Students will continue with part 2 of the Healthy Relationships lesson in which they will learn how consent is a component of establishing boundaries, identify red and green flags in relationships, and identify resources for getting help and staying safe. Counselors will work with the W4 teachers of any students who have been opted out of participating in this lesson. If you have any specific questions, please contact Laurie Ottehenning.
April 25 - May 17- IB Testing: IB Testing will be held in various locations in the building beginning this Thursday. 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 after spring break. Contact Linda Bradshaw with any questions.
April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night: Please come join us Thursday, April 25 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 CAT B classes have been working hard and will be selling various items, baked goods and Inclusion Revolution Autism Acceptance t-shirts. All proceeds will go to our Special Education Program.
April 26, 27 and May 3, 4 - Annandale Theater Company Presents The Mean Girls Musical! The Mean Girls Musical: High School Version brings the beloved teen comedy to life on stage. Follow Cady Heron as she navigates the treacherous world of high school cliques, led by the infamous Plastics: Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith. With catchy tunes, sharp humor, and a timely message about the perils of gossip and social hierarchy, this musical adaptation captures the essence of adolescent drama and the quest for acceptance. Join Cady and her classmates as they learn valuable lessons about friendship, betrayal, and the true meaning of being "fetch." Tickets on sale now! Check out the Hype Video on TikTok.
April 27 - Algebra 1 & Chemistry Super Saturday: 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. This week we will host students preparing for the Algebra 1 & Chemistry SOLs. Students will receive breakfast and lunch. Invitations to students and families were sent out last week. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).
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Parent Volunteers and Donations Needed!
The final two months of school include a number of exciting events and many opportunities to donate or volunteer at Annandale High School. Your support is not just appreciated; it's essential.
Volunteering or donating is a testament to the strength and unity of our school community. Your willingness to contribute not only enriches our school culture and supports our students’ success, but also serves as a powerful model of community engagement for our students. See detailed opportunities below.
Prom Chaperones Needed! Prom is on Thursday, May 2 and we are looking for chaperones! This is a great way to connect with students and ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone. If you would like to chaperone, please use this link to sign up for a shift or the entire night. Thank you for considering being a part of this special event!
April 25 - May 17 - Proctors Needed for IB Exams: 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. 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.
Help Recognize our Amazing Teachers! Seeking $5-$10 Gift Card Donations: This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 6-10. 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-$10 gift cards, to any establishment of your choice, from now until May 3. 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.
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
Donate to the All Night Grad Party Online Auction! Do you own a business or love a local business? We’re gathering donations for our Annual Silent Auction, which benefits our All Night Grad Celebration. All donations are tax deductible and the business that donated will be advertised in our auction. If you would like to donate, please contact ANGC Chair Rheanna Bernard at annandale.angc@gmail.com.
PTSA Nominations for the 2024-25 School Year Are Now Open! If you are interested in serving as an officer or would like to volunteer on a PTSA committee please complete the engagement form. Officer training is provided and committees will be supported by an experienced Board. There are roles for all talents and experience levels. Committee roles range from communication, social media, fundraising, scholarships and awards, All Night Grad, running an online auction and so much more. We need you to make the PTSA successful. The officer application deadline is May 1. Committee interest is ongoing.
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SOL and IB Exam Schedule
April 27, May 4 & 11 - Super Saturdays: 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. Students will receive breakfast and lunch. Invitations to students and families will be sent out beginning this week. Below is the Saturday School schedule: April 27 - Algebra 1 and Chemistry; May 4 - Algebra 2 and Geometry; May 11 - Reading. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).
April 22 - May 31 - SOL Testing: SOL testing will begin tomorrow, April 22 and continue through May 31. Students and families have received email notification of test schedules. Students will also receive email reminders the day before their scheduled test. Please encourage students to check their email to find their test information. If you have any questions about your student’s testing schedule, please contact Meg Anderson.
April 25 - May 17- IB Testing: IB Testing will be held in various locations in the building beginning this Thursday. 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 after spring break. Contact Linda Bradshaw with any questions.
Important Information
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon: One of the ways Annandale supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In March, students took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. The screener will review these skills, as well as students’ relationships, feelings of belonging, feelings about their school environment, and mood. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
Families will soon be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail. For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your student’s counselor.
April 26 - FCHD School Health Services Survey Closes: The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in FCPS. A survey has been developed by the FCHD to provide feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health Services provided to the school community. The survey will be distributed electronically via FCPS This Week, and can be found here. The survey window is now through April 26.
Summer Arts Camp Registration Now Open: Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! The Institute for the Arts camp is for students currently in grade 6-11. Students design their own schedules and select from art, music, theater, and dance classes. Learn more on the IFTA webpage. Email IFTA@fcps.edu with any questions.
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Awesome Atoms
April 20 - Biology and Earth Science Super Saturday: 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. This week we will host students preparing for the Biology and Earth Science SOL. Students will receive breakfast and lunch. Invitations to students and families were sent out last week. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).
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Annandale Students Support ATES Multicultural Night: Students from both schools worked together to collaborate on Annandale Terrace Elementary School’s Multicultural Night. Thanks to family liaisons Maria Mateus, Gisela Sanchez, and Rosario Carrasco for connecting our students and school communities. Our 11 Atoms demonstrated their leadership as they helped set up, greeted families, and manned stations at the photo booth and the “Taste of ATES.” Huge thank you to all who supported this event!
Annandale Orchestra Perform National Anthem at Nats Park! Our Orchestra students performed the National Anthem at the Nationals game against the Houston Astros! Students performed for the entire stadium, then stayed to watch the game. The musicians were featured on the jumbotron as they performed, then again as they showed their spirit during the “Jump Around” challenge. Congratulations to our Orchestra. They knocked it out of the park!
AHS Hosts Parenting Partnership Class: Annandale High School has partnered with Stop Child Abuse Now to bring Fortaleciendo La Familia (Strengthening Families) to Atom Nation. Strengthening Families is an evidence-based program focusing on building positive relationships between parents and their children. Based in Northern Virginia, SCAN aims to stop child abuse by focusing on the child first with a deep understanding of the complexity of child development, abuse, and trauma.
Annandale Hosts World Languages Teachers: This week, World Languages teachers from FCPS spent the day visiting classrooms at Annandale and collaborating with our World Languages team to learn with and from each other around best practices in the World Language classroom.
Opportunities
Students Can Register to Vote at AHS: To support students as citizens, Virginia code now requires schools to hold voter registration opportunities during school: “Each student who is eligible to register to vote shall be provided the opportunity to complete an application form during the normal course of the school day.” Located around the school and near each Social Studies classroom is a flyer to encourage our students to register to vote. There will also be an announcement in the W4 lesson to remind students of this opportunity. Flyers include a QR Code to the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal to register to vote.
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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!
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College Admission & Financial Aid
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.
This Week:
Thursday, April 25
Varsity Baseball vs Justice - 6:30pm
Varsity Softball vs Justice - 6:30pm (SENIOR NIGHT)
Boys Tennis vs Justice - 4:00pm (SENIOR NIGHT)
Boys Lacrosse @ Edison - 5:45/7:15pm
Girls Tennis @ Justice @ Mason District Park - 4:00pm
Track @ Mt. Vernon - 5:00pm
Friday, April 26
JV Baseball @ Justice - 6:00pm
LITTLE RIVER RIVALARY - Jubilee schedule of game at TJ
Boys/Girls Tennis Soccer @ TJ - 2:30pm
Varsity Boys/Girls Soccer Doubleheader @ TJ - (B) 4:30/(G) 6:30pm
Varsity Girls/Boys Lacrosse Doubleheader @ TJ - (G) 5:45/(B) 7:15pm
Varsity Baseball/Softball @ TJ - 6:30pm
May 21 - Sports and Band Physicals for the 2023-24 School Year: Students who would like to participate in sports or band next year will need a valid VHSL physical dated after May 1 2023. On May 21 at 5:30pm we will be hosting Sport and Activity Health Screenings. This physical will be good for all of next school year. The cost at Annandale is $50 pre-registration and $60 dollars walk-in. This is a donation to the Athletic Training Program so that we can continue to provide state of the art care for our athletes and band members. Click HERE to sign up. You may pay by credit card on myschoolbucks or cash/check at the door. For information about financial assistance for this event, please contact Ryan Hughes.
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News from the PTSA
PTSA Nominations for the 2024-25 School Year Are Now Open! If you are interested in serving as an officer or would like to volunteer on a PTSA committee please complete the engagement form. Officer training is provided and committees will be supported by an experienced Board. There are roles for all talents and experience levels. Committee roles range from communication, social media, fundraising, scholarships and awards, All Night Grad, running an online auction and so much more. We need you to make the PTSA successful. The officer application deadline is May 1st. Committee interest is ongoing.
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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