Annandale Community Insider - September 22

Important Dates

September 23-27 - Homecoming Week

September 26 - Senior Student/Parent College Night, 6-8pm

September 27 - Homecoming Pep Rally

September 27 - Homecoming Tailgate

September 27 - World Language Credit Exam Interest Form Deadline

September 28 - Homecoming Dance

October 3 - Rosh Hashanah (No School)

October 4 - Teacher Work Day (No School)

October 7 - PRIDE Time Begins

October 7 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

October 8 - Band Concert

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day, 2hr Early Release

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School)

October 15-18 - Senior Picture Retakes

October 17 - Orchestra Concert

October 18 - W4 Check-Ins Begin

October 22 - Chorus Concert

September 26 - Senior Student/Parent College Night, 6-8pm: Are you undecided about what path to pursue after high school? Please join us on Thursday, September 26 to learn about various postsecondary options and what seniors can do now to prepare. Representatives from 4-year universities, community college, trade, and military will speak about their opportunities. Students and parents will be given the opportunity to ask questions. The event will take place in Clausen Hall. Questions? Email College and Career Specialist, Viri Acosta. 

September 27 - Homecoming Pep Rally: Our fall pep rally will be held on Friday afternoon. We will follow a special red day pep rally schedule. Students will be released from class at 1:55pm to attend the single pep rally in the stadium from 2:10-2:55pm. Students will be dismissed from school immediately following the pep rally.

September 27 - Homecoming Tailgate: Our annual Homecoming Tailgate is a way to bring our entire community together before our homecoming football game from 4:00-6:00pm. Join us in the front parking lot to learn about different clubs at AHS, enjoy food from local food trucks, and have fun playing outdoor games. It’s a great place to connect with other Atoms and get into the school spirit and ready to cheer on our Atoms Football Team!

September 27 - World Language Credit Exam Interest Form Deadline: Does your student speak, read, and write in a language other than English? If so, they may be eligible to earn high school credit through the World Languages Credit By Exam. This exam allows students to earn credits to help fulfill requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma and Virginia's Seal of Biliteracy. If your student would like to register for the World Languages Credit By Exam, please complete this form by September 27 and your counselor will reach out to you to schedule your registration. Students need parent permission to take the test. Please print and sign the testing permission form and return it to your student’s counselor. If you have any questions, please contact Jacquelyn Costa.

September 28 - Homecoming Dance: Get ready to travel back in time to the glitz and glamor of Old Hollywood! Our Homecoming Dance is Saturday, September 28, from 8:00-11:00pm. Enjoy a night of music, dancing, and delicious bites from a variety of food trucks. Tickets can be purchased via MySchoolBucks for $30. Note: No tickets will be sold at the door so be sure to purchase your tickets soon.

September 30 - Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledgement Due: FCPS’ updated Student Rights and Responsibility (SR&R) booklet is available online and in SIS ParentVUE. The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Each year, FCPS asks parents/caregivers to review and sign the SR&R. The SR&R will be visible upon logging in to SIS ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgment has been completed or the SR&R Signature Sheet is turned into the Main Office. Signatures are due by Monday, September 30. Visit the SIS ParentVUE Account Overview webpage for help logging in to your account. 

October 9 - PSAT and SAT School Day: Annandale High School will host PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 9, for students in grades 10-12. Ninth graders and seniors who did not register for the SAT will have no school that day. Students not attending school should use this time as a “Catch-Up Day” to work on any outstanding assignments. Students in grades 10 and 11, CAT B students, and seniors registered for the SAT will be released two hours early. Please note that all academy classes and shuttles are canceled for the day. Be sure to plan accordingly!

Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, FCPS and Annandale High School recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

June 4 - Class of 2025 Graduation: Mark your calendars! The Annandale Class of 2025 will graduate on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:00pm, at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.

Important Information

Signs of Suicide Prevention Program: The teen years are marked by a rollercoaster ride of emotions that may be difficult for teens, their parents, and educators and it can be easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil. The FCPS Signs of Suicide Wellness Lessons and Screenings are currently under way for grade 9 (September 17, 23, and October 1). Presentations for grade 11 will take place in November. Families of students in these grade levels received a notification with lesson and screening goals, as well as opt out procedures. Please contact Erin Crowley with any questions.

October 11 - Social and Emotional Learning Screener: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in the Digital Parental Consent App. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.

IB Parent Meeting Presentations: IB Coordinator, Linda Bradshaw held presentations at Back to School Night. Families of IB students learned the core requirements of the IB diploma and how to support their students through their IB journey. For those that were unable to attend, please check out the presentations here: IB Junior Parent Meeting Slides (Class of 2026), IB Senior Parent Meeting Slides (Class of 2025). Email Linda Bradshaw with any questions.

Silent Space for Prayer & Reflection: The Annandale High School Reflection and Silent Space is available in the library for students who need to pray, meditate, or engage in silent reflection. This space is inclusive of all students’ religious and non-religious beliefs. Students may access the Reflection and Silent Space before school, after school, and during lunch. Students who need to access this space during class time, will need to have the Parent/Guardian Authorization for Reflection Space Access form completed and submitted to the main office. Forms are available in the main office and the library.

Immunization Requirements: Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records can also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Awesome Atoms

Annandale High School Named Special Olympics Unified Champion School: We are thrilled to announce that Annandale High School is one of nine schools across the Commonwealth which have received recognition as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School! This prestigious honor highlights our dedication to fostering inclusion through Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. By fulfilling 10 rigorous standards of excellence, we’ve proudly created a culture where students with and without disabilities can thrive together. Check out our FanQuest video to see how our Special Olympics team embodies this spirit of unity and inclusion in action.

AHS Kicks Off Visits with VCU and Columbia! AHS kicked off the college visit schedule with VCU and Columbia! Students learned about academic programs, admission criteria, and financial aid opportunities. Sign up for a college visit through Naviance today. 

Writing WorkKeys a Success - 96% Pass Rate! This week almost 70 Seniors participated in the WorkKeys Business Writing assessment. WorkKeys Business Writing is an approved substitute test for the Writing SOL to earn verified credit in Writing. Students have been remediating since the beginning of the school year to prepare for this test. An incredible 96% of students passed this week and are one step closer to meeting their graduation goals! Congratulations to these students! Huge shout out to Mrs. Kapuscinski, Mrs. Welgoss, Mr. Hardy, and Coach Bagot for their hard work preparing these students.

Academic Support & Tutoring Opportunities

Need Help in Your Class? Stay After School With Your Teacher: Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

After School Tutoring Available on Wednesdays: Tutoring is available every Wednesday from 3:00-4:30 pm in Trailer 12. Students can receive help with any class from Honor Society members, IB Diploma students, and AVID students. No sign-up is required—just drop in for extra support!

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost: FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Opportunities

New Speech & Forensics Team! Annandale High School is launching a new Speech and Forensics Team! This exciting new program offers students an opportunity to build communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills through public speaking, debate, acting, and interpretation. With opportunities to compete locally, statewide, and nationally, this team will help students grow in confidence and creativity. To learn more, contact Coach Megan Mooney in Room 334. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new journey!

September 23 - Debate Team Interest Meeting: The Annandale Debate team enters its second year of competition and is excited to welcome new and returning members. The team will have its first interest meeting this Monday, September 23 after school in room 291. For more information email Mrs. Falvey.

September 25 - E-Sports Interest Meeting: Interested in playing Rocket League, League of Legends or Ultimate Smash Brother’s? Annandale’s E-Sports team will hold their first interest meeting of the year this Wednesday, September 25 after school in the health room. For more information email Mr. Ahmad.

September 30 - Student Leadership Development Program Applications Due: The FCPS School Board is accepting applications for the Student Leadership Development Program, open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing with an interest in law, government, or public policy. Twelve students will be selected to work closely with the School Board, participate in advisory committees, and even run for student representative. Applications are due by September 30. For more details and to apply, visit FCPS Student Leadership Development Program.

October 10 - Camp Night at Annandale Football Game: Any camper who wears their camp shirt to the football game gets in free with a payment. Up to four campers per adult. Come watch the Atoms play and reunite with some friends from camp!

Winter Olympics Camp Early Bird Sign-up: Winter Break Camp will again run from 8:30am-3pm, with drop off as early as 8am on Thursday and Friday January 2 & 3. Sign up now for the early bird rate of $60. Regular Rate is $75. Sign up at https://bit.ly/OlympicsCamp25.

News from Student Services

Senior Advisory Lessons: Counselors are currently delivering lessons to the seniors during W4. Topics covered include post-secondary planning, college applications, financial aid, and more. This information will be covered at our Senior Parent Night on Thursday, September 26 at 6pm. In addition, seniors are meeting with their counselors individually to go over their specific graduation requirements and begin discussing college and career options for after high school.

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the Student Services: Annandale High School | Schoology (fcps.edu), 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.

Upcoming College Visits – Register Now! Beginning next week, Our College & Career Center will host visits from representatives for colleges and universities throughout the country. Find out which schools are visiting here. Juniors and Seniors who are interested in attending must log into Naviance to register. Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Once you have signed up, you should receive a confirmation email. Please show the confirmation email to your teacher and get permission to attend.  Passes will be delivered to your first class (R1/W2) the morning of the scheduled visit. If you do not have a first class you may pick up your pass from the Career Center (Room 103). Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry.

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; Academic stress. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

News from the Activities Office

At Annandale, we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. To learn more about Annandale's Spring sports programs, check out this week’s “Atoms Athletics and Activities Newsletter." In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website, AHS Athletics Twitter or Instagram page.

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! 

Purchase a Red Card! Each fall, our sports programs sell a discount “Red Card” to raise money for their teams. The red cards include various discounts at local businesses including: Sweet Frog, Jersey Mike’s, Jet’s Pizza, Kilroy’s, Arby’s, Bowlero, Jiffy Lube, and AHS Sports Camps. Red Cards are only $20 and can be used at any of the businesses through September 1, 2025. If you would like to purchase a Red Card, please reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

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.

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.

PTSA Pantry Is Always Restocking and Needs Your Help! The AHS PTSA Pantry supports current AHS students who experience food insecurity. We are gearing up for the new school year and need your help to restock our shelves! In addition, the pantry distribution schedule for the school year can be found here. All donations to the AHS PTSA Pantry are tax deductible. Contact the pantry with questions.