Annandale Community Insider - August 4

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

I would like to thank the parents and students who stopped by Chick-fil-A Annandale this past Thursday to learn about the magic that is happening at Annandale High School. I enjoyed your insightful questions and hearing the stories about your school experience. This is one of several community events we will be hosting as we prepare to welcome students back to school. Our next event is this Wednesday, August 7. In the morning, I will be at Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington from 8:30-9:30am and again that afternoon from 4:00-5:00pm. Later that evening, I will be at the Wedgewood Community Center at Wedgewood Apartments from 6:30-7:30pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

We achieve incredible things here in Atom Nation and we know that the only way we can do this is when staff, students, families, and the community work in partnership. Moreover, research shows that one of the most impactful things parents can do to support their students’ academic success is to talk to them about their school experience. Hopefully, this newsletter serves as a conversation starter between you and your student. 

Another indicator of a student's success is their connection to school and sports are one way we help students feel connection and belonging. It is well documented that students who participate in athletics in high school perform better academically than their peers. 

Tomorrow marks the beginning of fall sports, which include cheer, cross-country, football, field hockey, golf, and volleyball. We have an incredible coaching staff that is committed to ensuring we are working together to support every student, every day both on and off the field. No experience is necessary. All are welcome, so come try out! To participate, students need to complete a VHSL physical form and register online to play. See tryout information below.

Looking ahead, I am excited to welcome all of you on Thursday, August 15 to our Freshmen & New Student Orientation from 1:30-3:30pm, as well as our Open House for all students from 3:30-4:30pm. Additionally, on this day, students and families can access schedules in StudentVUE and ParentVUE starting at 6:00am. 

Finally, below you will find a Parent To-Do List with important items that will ensure your student is ready to go on August 19. Enjoy your last days of summer break, Atom Nation. I look forward to seeing you all soon. As always, please reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

August 5 - Fall Sports Tryouts Begin

August 7 - Meet & Greet

August 8 - Our Voices, Our Future Event

August 14 - Meet the Coaches Night

August 15 - Student Schedules Available

August 15 - Parent Information Session

August 15 - New Student Orientation/Open House

August 16 - Marching Band Showcase

August 17 - INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fair

August 19 - First Day of School for Students

August 30 and September 2 - No School (Labor Day Holiday)

September 19 - Back to School Night

September 23-27 - Homecoming Week

September 28 - Homecoming Dance

Tomorrow - Fall Sports Begin: Fall sports, which include Cheer, Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, and Volleyball will begin, Monday, August 5. No experience is necessary. All are welcome! Students who wish to participate in fall sports must complete a VHSL physical form and register online to play. Here is the link to the physical form that must be completed by a doctor. To register online, click here. Directions can be found here in English and in Spanish. Once you have completed the Physical Form, turn it into the Activities Office inside Door 10. The office is open every day from 8:00am-2:00pm. Questions, email Brandon Sutphin.

August 7 - Meet & Greet with Principal DeRose: Join Principal DeRose this Wednesday at our next Meet & Greet event. The purpose of the event is to answer any questions students or families may have about the upcoming school year. In the morning, he will be at Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington from 8:30-9:30am and again from 4:00-5:00pm. Later that evening, he will be at the Wedgewood Community Center at Wedgewood Apartments from 6:30-7:30pm.

August 8 - Our Voices, Our Future: Inspiration for Multilingual Learners: Jose Luis Zelaya will share his motivating life story at an event for middle and high school multilingual learners. Born in Honduras, he migrated to the United States and was the first in his family to graduate from high school, attend college, and earn a doctorate degree. Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit will take place on Thursday, August 8 from 5-8:30pm at Annandale High School. Information will be available on colleges and career planning. Registration is not required, but it will help us plan. Language interpretation services will be available.

August 14 - Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm: The Activities Office will be hosting Meet the Coaches Night on Wednesday, August 14 at 6:30pm. The event will begin with a general session followed by individual team breakout sessions where you can meet your student's coaches and learn about their sports program and the upcoming season.

August 15 - Student Schedules Available: Beginning Thursday, August 15 at 6:00am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is where families can see attendance, grades, and other important information.

August 15 - Freshmen (Grade 9) and New Student Orientation: Annandale High School is excited to welcome rising freshmen and new students to our school orientation on August 15 from 1:30-3:30pm. Students and families will meet administrators, counselors, teachers, and other essential school personnel. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to explore the school building and learn more about student life at Annandale. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin-Taylor.

August 15 - Parent Information Session: We would like to also invite parents to a Family Coffee and Information Session that will be held during New Student Orientation. During this information session, you will learn more about Annandale HS, our values, and what to expect as your student(s) matriculates through high school. Find out about course selections, extra-curricular activities, and more! At the end of the session, families will have an opportunity to visit various stations for additional information from counselors, sports activities, and clubs.

August 15 - Open House: All returning Annandale students and their families are invited to our Open House on August 15 from 3:30-4:30pm. Open House provides students an opportunity to walk through our halls and find their classes for next year. There is no formal program during this time. It is an informal opportunity to get reacquainted with AHS. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin-Taylor.

Parent To-Do Checklist

Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE: Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents should receive an activation code when they register their student. Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.

Join the PTSA: The Annandale High School PTSA is committed to helping our students and community. Together, we sponsor many programs and activities for our students, parents, and staff, including teacher grants, community outreach events, AHS Food Pantry, All Night Grad Celebration, Senior Scholarships, and more! Please consider joining for the 2024-2025 school year by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

Have a Rising Senior? Meningococcal Vaccine Reminder: The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into one of its schools. All students in grade 12 are required to have been immunized with one dose of the Meningococcal Vaccine given at the age of 16 or older. Please review the immunization requirements here. Proof of immunization must be submitted to the school. These documents need to be returned prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. For more information on this requirement, visit this FCPS website.

Transportation Information

Student Bus Route Assignments (Coming Soon!): FCPS Office of Transportation Services will email student bus route assignments the week of August 5. Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage. Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (aka Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (door #1). Parents should drop off their student(s) beginning at 7:45am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:55pm. If you have any questions, please email Phillip Taylor, Safety and Security Specialist.

Student Parking: This year, students will have the opportunity to purchase parking permits to park on the Annandale campus. Information about how to purchase a parking permit for the 2024-25 school year will be shared soon after the school year begins. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, students can park in any designated student parking space until permits are issued. If you have any questions, please email Phillip Taylor, Safety and Security Specialist.

Back to School Information

Bell Schedule: The bell schedule for the 2024-2025 school year is the same as last year. See below for the detailed schedule. Click here for the red/white day calendar and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School.

Student Schedules: Beginning Thursday, August 15 at 6:00am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data. If you have any questions, please email Esther Amenyah, Administrative Assistant.

Student Laptops: We are excited to share that all students who turned in their school-issued computers last year will be issued brand new Chromebooks in their W4 class on the first day of school, August 19. The first day of school will feature a special schedule with all students reporting to their W4 class at the beginning of the school day to receive their laptop.

If your student wishes to use a family-owned device, please ensure the device meets the required specifications. Then, log into your ParentVUE account and select “Opt-out of FCPS device.” This will ensure that your student is not responsible for an FCPS device.

Student Lockers: Student lockers will be available by request only beginning on Tuesday, September 3. Students will receive information about how to request a locker during W4.

Awesome Atoms!

Marching Atoms Off on the Right (er … Left) Foot! Band camp began Tuesday morning at 8am as upperclassmen welcomed freshmen and new members with games, music, and PRIDE! Two-thirds of the band have never marched before, but they are already ahead of the curve. Each day begins with marching fundamentals, then progresses to learning the drill for our 2024 show, “The Art of Revolution.” The show features favorite musical selections from Les Mis, Twisted Sister, Elton John, and Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” After lunch, the band splits into sections to learn music with professional coaches. Finally, the band comes together for group rehearsal and ends the day with student awards for service to others, leadership, most improved, and outstanding achievement.

Band camp continues with full days next week, 8am-6pm; and then the following week from 3:30pm-6pm. Next Sunday, August 11, the Marching Atoms travel to the Richmond Raceway to perform “God Bless America” on the infield at the start of the NASCAR Cup Series “Cookout 400.” Be sure to tune in!

Annandale High School Wrestling Camp: Annandale High School hosted a wrestling camp for all ages, where attendees spent time developing skills in all three styles of wrestling, dedicating one style to each of the first three days. In addition to technique training and engaging in various games, the last two days of camp featured a takedown tournament and an individually bracketed tournament, providing campers with competitive and practical experience.

Congrats Annandale Summer School Graduates! Congratulations to our summer school students who recently graduated at West Springfield High School on Tuesday, July 31.

Important Information

Emergency Care Form, Health Information Form and Medications: The goal of the health room is to ensure your student experiences a healthy and safe school year. To proactively plan, we ask that parents/guardians complete the Online/Verification Update packet in SIS ParentVUE to include emergency contact information, Health Information Forms, and Emergency Care Forms. The Online Verification Update (OVU) packet allows parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations). Please note: only the enrolling parent will be able to access the OVU. More information can be found on the FCPS website.

Digital Consent Now Available Online: Parents can now log in to the Parental Digital Consent (PDC) system using your SIS ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to your child. Digital Resources Consent will be available starting August 7. Forms available include School Counseling Opt-Out, SEL Screener Opt-Out, and more.

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.

Purchase Your 'Atoms Pass' for 2024-2025! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are back! The "Atoms Pass" provides you general admission access to all regular season home football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass! To purchase your Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass! 

Add Your Name to the Atoms Legacy Wall: The Annandale High School history of success, community support, and strong alumni base stretches back to its creation in 1954. To help commemorate and preserve that legacy, students, alumni, and community members have the opportunity to purchase an acrylic block on the Legacy Wall as a graduation or birthday gift, or to simply share a legacy with the Annandale community. Each acrylic block can be purchased for $100 and will be displayed along the stadium field wall. To purchase a block, visit myschoolbucks.com. *Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks* For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin or Bryan Harris.

Fall Sports Physicals and Registration: To participate in marching band or any fall sport, students need to complete a VHSL physical form and register online. Here is the link to the physical form that must be completed by a doctor. To register online, click here. Directions can be found here in English and in Spanish. Once you have completed the physical form, turn in the form at the Activities Office. The office is open every day from 8:00am-2:00pm. See detailed tryout information below and if you have any questions, email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

For last minute physicals, visit local CVS minute clinics and urgent care facilities below.

CVS Minute Clinic Locations 

• 3921 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 
• 7205 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA

Progressive Urgent and Primary Care

• 7306 Maple Pl, Annandale, VA

News from the PTSA

PTSA Membership for the 2024-25 School Year: The Annandale High School PTSA is committed to helping our students and community. Together, we sponsor many programs and activities for our students, parents, and staff, including teacher grants, community outreach events, AHS Food Pantry, All Night Grad Celebration, Senior Scholarships, and more! Please consider joining for the 2024-2025 school year by filling out the membership form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website. 

Support the PTSA Welcome Back Breakfast! As we gear up for another exciting school year, we invite you to contribute to the PTSA Welcome Back Breakfast for our dedicated teachers and staff on Thursday, August 15. This special event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment to our students. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate breakfast items, or make a financial contribution, your support will make a huge difference. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming start to the new school year for our amazing educators. Sign Up here!

Annandale PTSA Pantry: Throughout the summer, Annandale High School pantry families are invited to attend a fresh produce pop up on Sunday afternoons at Luther Jackson Middle School from 3:00-3:45 (may close earlier if all the produce has been distributed). 

Atomic Shout Out to the donors who contributed to our fundraising goal to plug in a new refrigerator.  Thanks to your generosity we reached our goal and will be plugging in a new refrigerator to start the new year! THANK YOU!

Are you signed up to be a Red Bag donor?  We are again partnering with Food for Neighbors and participating in their Red Bag drives.  This is an invaluable resource for our pantry.  We are a direct recipient from these collections which help stock our shelves and provide student centered snacks. Please sign up to be a red bag donor. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Just sign up to be a red bag donor.
2. Fill the red bag with the list provided
3. Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.