Annandale Community Insider - May 19

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

SOL test results began coming in last week and we are excited to see that we continue to build upon our success from previous years. We continue to provide responsive, targeted intervention for the small number of students who need to retake their SOL. Teachers and teams have been pulling small groups during class and supporting students during PRIDE Time and after school through our After School Academic Program (ASAP). 

In most of our classes, teachers have shifted their focus to reviewing material to prepare for final exams, which, for seniors, begin this week. In each class, the final exam or culminating activity counts for 10% of a student’s grade. Unlike in years past, the final exam can lower a student’s final grade and per FCPS policy, if a student is absent from their exam, they will receive an “F.” Final exams are not eligible for retakes.

This week, seniors should report to school at 8:10am and attend all of their scheduled classes. On these days, seniors may leave after the last class for which they have an exam. After their W2 exam on Friday, seniors will be dismissed to attend the Senior Picnic at Ossian Hall Park, where they will enjoy a light breakfast and have an opportunity to sign yearbooks. If you don’t have a yearbook yet, it’s not too late! They can be purchased at www.yearbookforever.com or with cash in room 262. The cost is $85.

Finally, tomorrow, our boys soccer team will compete for Annandale’s first district championship since 1993. We invite you to join us at Lewis High School at 6:00pm to root on our boys and show your Atom Nation spirit!

Have a great week. As always, reach out with questions. 

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

May 20 - Boys Soccer District Finals @ Lewis, 6pm

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 28 - Year End Athlete Ceremony

May 28 - Senior Sunset

May 29 - Senior Awards Ceremony

May 30 - Senior Obligations & Cap and Gown Distribution

May 30 - Annandale Dance Clinics

May 31 - Graduation Rehearsal

June 3 - Graduation, 9:30am

June 4 - All Night Grad Celebration

June 6-11 - Final Exams (Dismissal 11:25am)

June 12 - Last Day of School (Dismissal 10:10am)

May 21 - Sports and Band Physicals for the 2024-25 School Year: Students who would like to participate in sports or band next year will need a valid VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2024. 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.

May 21 - Rising 9th Grade Activities/Athletics/Clubs Night: The Activities Office will be hosting an information night for rising 9th grade Activities/Athletics/Clubs Night on May 21 at 6:30pm in the main gym. During this session, we will share information about the sports/seasons that we offer, how to sign up for a sport, and when try-outs for each sport begin. A coach, director, or student representative for each program will be available to answer any questions. Email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

May 23 & 24 - Broadway Desserts, 7pm: Broadway Desserts will feature all five of the AHS Choirs performing songs from the stage and is a Broadway Review of sorts. Both group and individual acts will be featured from auditions held earlier in the semester. The students prepare the music, pick their costumes and coordinate their choreography for a fantastic evening of entertainment. Please join us on either Thursday, May 23 or Friday, May 24 at 7:00pm in Watson Auditorium! Get your tickets here!

May 27 - Memorial Day (No School): All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Finish Strong!

End of Year Attendance Requirements: The last day of school for underclass students is Friday, June 12. While SOL testing is coming to an end, there is still much going on in our classrooms. Teachers and teams are continuing to plan high quality instruction that will prepare students to be successful not only on final exams, but in the coming years. In some cases, students are working on certifications or other requirements for graduation. All students are expected to attend school each day to complete these activities and finish the year strong.

June 6-11, school will be held from 8:10-11:25am. During this time, students will complete their end of course exams. These culminating activities assess students’ mastery of the standards and skills they have been learning throughout the year. 

Final Exams: In each class, the final exam or culminating activity counts for 10% of a student’s grade, regardless of the impact on the final grade. Per FCPS policy, a student whose absence from the final examination or activity is unexcused will receive an F for that examination. Exceptions to this must be approved by the principal. Final exams are not eligible for retakes.

It is important for students to recognize the impact their final exams will have on their grades, and take steps to prepare so they can do their best. In W4 Advisory, we will be holding one-on-one check-ins with each student, reviewing their current grades, and helping them create a plan to prepare.

Awesome Atoms

IB Film Studies Student VHSL Film Festival Finalist: Congratulations to senior Abbie Lee for being a state finalist for the VHSL Film Festival. She has two films in contention for being the best in the Experimental and Commercial categories. Abbie is one of eight students statewide to reach this stage in each category. State champions will be announced at the VHSL Film Festival in Charlottesville on June 1.

Annandale AVID Program Graduates 45 Students: The Annandale AVID Program held a ceremony on Monday to celebrate the 45 graduating AVID seniors in the Class of 2024. The AVID Class of 2024 will be attending the University of Virginia, George Mason, VCU, Christopher Newport University, Marymount University, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, University of Mary Washington, and Northern Virginia Community College in the fall.

Ale Ramos Awarded Scholarship to Washington Adventist University: Annandale Senior, Ale Ramos was awarded a full scholarship to Washington Adventist University where she will play on their women’s soccer team. We are so proud of Ale and this incredible accomplishment!

Performing Arts Visits Kings Dominion! On Saturday, May 25, the Performing Arts Department traveled to Kings Dominion and enjoyed one last activity together to finish off the 2023-24 school year. This year has been very successful for our entire department. Students from Band, Choir, Guitar, Orchestra and Theatre will enjoy this collaborative day together. Many thanks to our administration for making this day possible!

Sophomore, Fatmata Musa Awarded Golden Key Honorable Mention: Congratulations to Fatmata Musa who was awarded a Golden Key Honorable Mention in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition for her poem, Because; I'm tired. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio. 

Macnor Gonzalez-Rodriguez Receives Edison Academy Achievement Award: Congratulations to Mancor Gonzalez-Rodriguez for being awarded the Edison Academy Achievement Award for the HVAC Academy quarter four. The end of year Academy Awards program was held on May 16 in the Edison High School Auditorium.

Annandale Student Earns All-Virginia Concert Band: In February 2024, hundreds of band and orchestra students from throughout the Commonwealth traveled to James Madison University to compete for highly-select seats in the All-Virginia band and orchestra. Students were eligible to audition based on a prior successful audition at the district level.

Tyler Perez, a senior band member and the Drum Major for the Marching Atoms was the singular Annandale band member to earn a spot, ranking as the #1 euphonium player of 25 in District 10, then ranking 9th out of 76 across the Commonwealth. Tyler participated in the All-Virginia Concert Band in Richmond from April 18-20, culminating in a gala concert at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Tyler will continue to play euphonium while he studies aviation at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Congratulations, Tyler!

Journalism PRIDE Time Project Celebrates Results: Annandale journalists welcomed back guests from national news outlets to celebrate the results of their 6-month collaboration. Students devoted their free period to work with journalists from national outlets on stories they cared about. Stories center around the challenges of resuming social connections after the pandemic and concerns about the future and their place in it. After students shared what they'd learned in the auditorium. They talked about the importance of going into a story with an open mind, as well as the value of listening, time management, preparation. Veteran DC journalist Al Hunt and fellow alumni of the Wall Street Journal Jerry Seib, Barb Rosewicz, John McKinnon, the L.A. Times' Jackie Calmes, and NPR's Michel Martin and Morning Edition colleague Mohamed ElBardicy encouraged the students and highlighted their achievements.

Annandale Theater Student Nominated for Cappies: Cappies nominations were posted recently, and one of our very own students is nominated for an award representing Annandale High! The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) is an international program which was launched in FCPS. It recognizes, celebrates, and provides learning experiences for high school theater and journalism students, and teenage playwrights. In the National Capital Area, a Gala awards ceremony is held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. every June. Among Cappies’ nominees is our very own Haru Hernandez, a junior whose electrifying performance as Karen Smith in the Spring musical has earned them a nomination for Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Musical. Haru's dedication to the theater program is unparalleled, serving as Assistant Technical Director, Costume Designer, Sound Designer, and Wardrobe Supervisor, while also impressing with exceptional singing, acting, and dancing talents.

End of Year Mentoring Program Celebration: At Annandale our Mentoring program focuses on pairing staff, community members, and students with like interests to build and cultivate positive relationships. Mentors check-in with their mentees on a weekly basis to help connect to school and navigate challenges. This past week, Mentors and Mentees celebrated another successful school year with a pizza party! If you are interested in becoming a staff or community mentor, please reach out to Jae Lee.

The A-Blast Students Visit The Washington Post: Journalism students visited The Washington Post Springfield printing plant, to see the full operations of the Post on Wednesday last week. The plant managers led them through the 315,000 square feet factory and saw the four giant presses operate. The A-Blast is the only high school newspaper that enjoys a printing partnership with the Post, which began in 2000 and will continue indefinitely.

Important Information

PTSA Silent Auction Ends Tomorrow! Tomorrow marks the final day of our PTSA Annual Silent Auction. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure wonderful items while supporting the All Night Grad Celebration and our Senior Scholarships. Don’t miss out on exclusive items such as the Principal’s Parking Spot or VIP 2024 Graduation Packages. This package ensures you have the best seats in the house for graduation on June 3 and includes one (1) VIP parking pass, and up to eight (8) VIP Reserved Seats.

Other items include Doyle’s Outpost packages of two (2) Mission Cards, each with two hours of arcade games plus two games of laser tag and a Family Membership at North Springfield Swim Club – Valued at $650. Explore these and many other fantastic items available for bidding by visiting https://new.biddingowl.com/AHSPTSA. 

Medication Pickup: The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 12. Medications left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian, however, with parent or guardian written permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the health room. If you have any questions, please contact the School Health Aide Larry Cooper at 703-642-4110 or the Public Health Nurse Michelle Dierkes.

Class of 2024 Information

We are two weeks away from celebrating the graduating Class of 2024 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. 

Check out the latest Class of 2024 Newsletter that was sent out last week (May 15). This week we announced that Orchestra Teacher, Annie Ray, has been selected as the graduation speaker by the Class of 2024 Officers. Annie is the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Winner and FCPS Secondary Teacher of the Year. In addition, the newsletter includes  important information and dates that will assist seniors, parents and community members in preparing and planning for the end of the school year. 

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.

May 21-24 - Senior Exams: In each class, the final exam or culminating activity counts for 10% of a student’s grade. Unlike in years past, the final exam can lower a student’s final grade and per FCPS policy, if a student is absent from their exam, they will receive an “F.” Final exams are not eligible for retakes.

May 23-24 - Senior Laptop and Book Collection: Beginning Tuesday, May 23, students who no longer need their FCPS issued laptop can return it at the Main Gym Lobby after each senior exam block. Once students have turned in their laptop and any school-issued books or supplies, they are dismissed from school. May 23: 12:00pm- 3:30pm; May 24: 9:30am- 10:00am

May 24 - Senior Picnic, 9:30am: Immediately following the W2 exam, seniors will be released from their last day of school at 9:35am. Members of the Class of 2024 will gather in the Senior parking lot or Ossian Park to enjoy a light breakfast, and sign yearbooks. The event will end at 11:30am.

Opportunities

All Night Grad Celebration - Tickets on Sale Now! As we close this school year out we are so excited for our graduating Seniors. We are once again holding our All Night Grad Celebration, on June 4, 2024. All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC) provides a safe, fun, chaperoned, alcohol-free, and drug-free event for the Class of 2024 to celebrate together one last time. It will be held at the Audrey Moore Rec-center. ANGC goes from 11pm until 5am the following morning. There will be swimming, dancing, a photo booth, prizes, loads of food and more! Tickets are on sale for only $45 now through May 31. After May 31 tickets are available at the door for $60.

Apply to be a Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL)! The SEALs Team is a leadership program that amplifies student voice and provides an increased understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion through leadership development, projects and relevant experiences. The goal is to empower students to take an active role in fostering a school culture of inclusiveness and creating a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for students, families and staff. The students selected will meet monthly with the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team and they will also serve as student members of the AHS Equity Team. If any student is interested in becoming a Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL) please complete this form by May 24. Don't know much about SEALs? Read more here or check out this video.

Yearbooks Are Here! Yearbooks are available for pick-up and cash purchase in room 262 after school on Monday, May 20 and during all Red day lunches. If you pre-ordered a yearbook, bring your student ID when you come pick up your book. In-person sales must show purchase confirmation or bring cash. Use yearbookforever.com to purchase. Yearbooks are $85.

Graduation Flowers Available Now! Want to purchase flowers to give to your graduate on graduation day and support the Class of 2025 at the same time? Click here to pre-purchase a red and white carnation mini bouquet for just $5 to be picked up at Eagle Bank Arena the morning of graduation. Proceeds support the Class of 2025. All orders must be placed by May 29.

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.

The Atoms Moving On in Postseason Play! Boys soccer will play for the district championship Monday, while girls soccer will host a region game. Baseball and softball play Tuesday and boys soccer will get their regional tournament underway Wednesday. Our track athletes go to Robinson Wednesday and Thursday to compete for a chance in the state meet. A lot of exciting action happening this week, so make sure to get out and support the Atoms!

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

2024-2025 PTSA Board Slate: The Nominations Committee recommends the slate below for PTSA approval at its June meeting. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve on a committee. We will be circling back to get you engaged. We are always looking for more volunteers and there are roles that can fit every time commitment and interest. 

• President: Angela Torres
• Vice President Programs: Sarah Henken
• Vice President Membership: Hanh McPherson
• Treasurer: Renate Thompson
• Secretary: Jennifer Ellis

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.

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.