Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
It was great to welcome students, parents and families into the building yesterday at our New Student Orientation & Open House. We are eagerly anticipating the our students' return to the building on Monday morning!
When students arrive, they will report directly to their advisory class. This advisory period, which we refer to as W4, serves as a platform for building relationships, creating community, clarifying expectations, and sharing and cultivating our values. During W4 on Monday, students will receive their laptop and a hard copy of their schedule. Student schedules are also viewable in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. For more information about obtaining a ParentVue account, please click here to access support on the FCPS website.
Below you will find detailed information about the first day of school, transportation, and other important back to school information. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our PTSA for graciously hosting the Welcome Back Breakfast for our staff on Thursday. This is just one of the many examples of the ways they support Atom Nation. 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.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Join the Annandale PTSA!
Thank you to the Annandale High School PTSA for sponsoring breakfast for staff this past Thursday! The Annandale 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.
1st Day of School Logistics
Student Schedules: All students and parents should now 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. In addition, students will receive a hard copy of their schedule when they report to their advisory class (W4) on Monday morning. If a student forgets or does not know their W4 class, staff members will be stationed in the hallways to assist.
Finding Classes: Throughout the year, and especially during the first week of school, all staff members will be in the hallways supporting students during each transition. We realize that a little extra time may be needed as students learn or get reacquainted with the school building. They will get the hang of their new routine sooner than they think and we are all here to help!
Student Laptop Distribution: 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.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Student! We're excited to announce that all Annandale students will receive free breakfast and lunch every day of the school year, thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This USDA program ensures that every student, regardless of their family's income level, can enjoy nutritious meals at no cost. The meal service will remain the same as other schools, with a la carte items available for purchase.
Note: Even though all students receive free meals, families who may qualify for additional benefits, such as fee waivers for lab fees, summer school tuition, and more, should still complete the Consent to Share form. Visit FCPS Free and Reduced Priced Meals website for more information.
Schedule Change Requests: Our Student Services team is working hard to make sure our students have accurate schedules. We recognize that some students will want to request changes to their schedule. At this time, we are only making schedule changes for the following reasons:
- A student does not have a complete schedule or is missing a core class required for graduation.
- A student was registered for a course that they have already successfully passed. The schedule does not reflect a grade change or summer school course that was successfully passed.
If your student has one of the reasons listed above, they should go to Student Services during the class period in which the error occurs. Requests to change schedules based on preference will be considered at a later date. Details on this process will be provided in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Erin Crowley, or your student’s counselor, if you have any questions.
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.
Academy Students: Students taking an Academy course during W4 (mid-day on White Days) should report to the Auditorium during 4th period (W4) when they arrive at school on Monday morning in order to receive their laptop.
All Academy students will be provided an orientation presentation at 9:00am on Monday in the Auditorium during R1. Students will not attend their academy classes until August 20. Students will receive an email with their academy shuttle information and other details.
Starting August 20, when returning from their Travel Period (as indicated on their schedule), students taking Academy courses should report to the Auditorium during the lunch block (R5/W6) where they will eat D Lunch. During all other periods, Academy Students returning to school should report to T-11. Students should be in their designated location during their Travel Periods. If students have a class after returning from the Academy, they should report to the Attendance Office for a pass to class.
1st Day of School Bell Schedule: Students will report to their 4th period or W4 class to pick up their laptop and receive a hard copy of their student schedule. See detailed schedule.
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Transportation Information
Student Bus Route Assignments: FCPS Office of Transportation Services emailed student bus route assignments last week. Parents should have received an email and text message to check their ParentVue accounts for transportation information. 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.
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. In the meantime, students can park in any spaces from the last speed bump, the lot near the track and the first two rows of Ossian Park until permits are issued. If you have any questions, please email Phillip Taylor, Safety and Security Specialist.
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.
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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.
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Important Dates
August 19 - First Day of School for Students
August 30 and September 2 - Labor Day Holiday (No School)
September 19 - Back to School Night 2023
September 23-27 - Homecoming Week
September 28 - Homecoming Dance
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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 Attendance: In order for our students to get the most out of their education, they must be in school and on time to class every day. Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half of the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. If your student must be absent from school, please inform the school. The attendance phone number is 703-642-4151.
In addition, parents will have the option to submit full-day absences through ParentVUE. Parent instructions are available on the Attendance page. The Parent Support Request page now includes under Application “SIS Parent” | Inquiry “Report Absences” option.
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.
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News from the Activities Office
It's Not Too Late To Play a Fall Sport! Last week we welcomed back student athletes from Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Dance, and Band. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces in the gym and on the fields. If you weren’t able to make it to our first week of Fall Sports tryouts and practices, there is still time to join! The following teams are still open to new athletes coming out and no experience is necessary:
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.
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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 online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.
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!
- Just sign up to be a red bag donor.
- Fill the red bag with the list provided
- Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
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