Annandale Community Insider - May 5

Important Dates

May 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting

May 6 - 10 - Staff Appreciation Week

May 8 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving 

May 9 - Parent Orchestra Concert, 7pm

May 10 - Senior Art Show

May 11 - Super Saturday: Reading

May 11 - Class of 2025 Fundraiser

May 14 - PTSA Meeting

May 14 - Band Concert

May 16 - Orchestra Concert

May 21-24 - Senior Exams

May 21 - Sports and Band Physicals

May 21 - Rising 9th Grade Activities/Athletics/Clubs Night

May 23, 24 - Broadway Desserts

May 27 - Memorial Day (No School)

May 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, May 6 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our spring sports activities and support plans.

May 8 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PTSD), 6:30pm: Annandale High School will be hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving on Wednesday, May 8 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.

May 9 - Parent Orchestra Concert, 7pm: Our Parent Orchestra, led by Annie Ray, will be performing on Thursday, May 9. Designed to encourage families to learn a new instrument or dust off long unused playing skills, our Parent Orchestra has become a popular and fun way to deepen school-family-community connections. Come out and see the show!

May 10 - Senior Art Show: On Friday, May 10, our Annandale Art seniors will showcase their portfolios in our annual Senior Art Show in Clausen Hall 6:00-8:00pm. This show is the capstone for IB Art and our level 4 art students in Studio Art, 3D Art, Digital Art, and Photography. The show also includes our esteemed seniors in upper level classes. Come check out the 27 individual exhibitions, celebrate our seniors, and even purchase artwork! Some pieces include adult content, viewer discretion is advised.

May 11 - Super Saturday SOL Prep: Annandale will continue the tradition of success that was established prior to, and even during COVID, by supporting students with Super Saturday SOL prep. This week we will host students preparing for the Reading SOL. Students will receive breakfast and lunch. Invitations were sent to students and families. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher(s).

May 11 - Class of 2025 Fundraiser at Chipotle, 5-9pm: Do good with Chipotle! The Class of 2025 will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday 5/11 from 5-9pm at Chipotle on Little River Tpke in Alexandria. Order online for pickup using code ZNV6NXG or show the flyer posted in the hallways/mention the fundraiser when ordering in the restaurant. Chipotle will donate 25% of sales to the Class of 2025. Valid only at 6242 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria VA.

Awesome Atoms

ATC Students Perform at Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program: The Annandale Theatre Arts 2, 3, and 4 students performed a scene from Macbeth as part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program. The students studied themes of power, fate, free will, and the supernatural. Then students had an opportunity to perform with nine other area schools. 

Atoms Athletes at the Next Level: We recently recognized our Atoms athletes who have committed to play athletics at the collegiate level. Ros McClendon will play Field Hockey at Goucher College, Colin McGee will Swim at College of the Holy Cross, Zachary Plank will play Baseball at Susquehanna University, and Amaya Sutton-Antezana will play Soccer at Marymount University. We are proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to hear of their future success!

Rossy Soto Selected for Virginia Space Grant Consortium: Congratulations to Rossy Soto for being selected to attend a seven day Commercial ReSupply Academy in August at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Rossy completed an online course that began last summer and ended in April through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Based on her success in the course, she was invited to attend the academy.

AHS Grad Earns Remarkable Futures Scholarship: Congratulations to Youssef Girgis, a former AHS student in the ESOL program, who pushed himself to graduate early before his class of 2024. Youssef was recently awarded the “Remarkable Futures Scholarship” from Chick-fil-a. He is now studying Mechanical Engineering at NOVA and wants to open his own company one day.

Spanish Teacher, Miles Meijer, Published in Education Blog, Edutopia: Mr. Meijer’s article, Using Task-Based Lessons to Enhance World Language Classes, was published on the blog Edutopia. The article shares the approach his team takes towards designing assignments based on real-world scenarios that ask students to communicate in the target language. Congratulations to Mr. Meijer and the entire Spanish 2 team for being featured for their outstanding work.

Students Participate in Global Classroom Project: The Annandale High School Global Navigators had a wonderful time attending and hosting a stand at the FCPS Global Classroom Project showcase. The students shared their study abroad experience and spotlighted how it connected to the UN Sustainable Development. Our AHS students represented the Annandale Atoms in this county-wide event filled with inspiring leaders.

Important Information

SOL Retake Support: At Annandale, we are proud that we have many systems in place to support our students. To that end, when students do not pass their first-attempt SOLs, we double down on our academic support during class time and through PRIDE Time and ASAP to ensure students are successful with additional testing opportunities. Students who qualify for a retake (and their families) will receive an email with information about the retake date as well as the additional support we will provide. Please reach out to your student’s teachers with any questions you may have.

Class of 2024 News: Graduation is quickly approaching and we wanted to share important information and dates that will assist seniors, parents and community members in preparing and planning for the end of the school year. Last week we sent out important information in our latest Class of 2024 Newsletter. For more details on any of these events or to stay up-to-date, check the information shared in our Schoology group. Use the join code K8K2-FV6B-PBZCJ. If you have any questions about upcoming senior events, Jeff Smith, Pat Brown, and Jane Scharankov, or our senior administrator, Aaron Schneider.

Parent Volunteers and Donations Needed! 

The final 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. 

Now through 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. 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. 

All Night Grad Celebration Volunteers Needed: Annandale High School’s All Night Grad Celebration is June 4 from 11:00pm-5:00am at Audrey Moore Rec Center! Parents can join the fun by volunteering to help! It takes a lot of volunteers to make this a successful night for our seniors. Please look at the sign-up and find a shift that works for you.

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.  

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. 

How to Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA: According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters. Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free.

Opportunities

May 11 Class of 2025 Fundraiser at Chipotle, 5-9pm: Do good with Chipotle! The Class of 2025 will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, May 11 from 5-9pm at Chipotle on Little River Tpke in Alexandria. Order online for pickup using code ZNV6NXG or show the flyer posted in the hallways/mention the fundraiser when ordering in the restaurant. Chipotle will donate 25% of sales to the Class of 2025. Valid only at 6242 Little River Tpke, Alexandria VA.

Now through May 19 - Yearbooks for Sale: Commemorate the 2023-2024 school year by pre-ordering a yearbook! AHS Yearbooks are now for sale at www.yearbookforever.com. Yearbook distribution begins Monday, May 20. 

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.

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students: Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as, mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss, anxiety, worry, fears, social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships, and academic stress. In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE and provide consent. Students can then be referred to therapy by a guardian or school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting your student’s counselor. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors! More information on signups upcoming!

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net. 

Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below (When paying online, there is an additional small fee for processing). Save the dates for our camps below!

Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 17-21 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. To pay online for the Multi-Sport Camp: Click Here.

Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 24-27 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach. To pay online for the Olympics Camp: Click Here.

Basketball - Rising 4th-9th Graders - July 8-12 ($200): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy, Camp Director and Varsity Coach. To pay online for the Basketball Camp: Click Here.