Annandale Community Insider - September 29

Annandale Students, Parents, and Community:

Homecoming Week was a huge success! It was so much fun to see the school spirit throughout the hallways as our students and staff celebrated Homecoming Spirit Week. There were some very creative pairings on Tuesday for rhyme without reason, and some equally creative “anything but” backpacks on Thursday. 

Friday’s rain brought our pep rally and tailgate indoors, but it didn’t dampen our spirit! Atom Nation turned out for the evening’s homecoming game against Bishop Ireton. Among our most vocal fans were members of the Class of 1974 who took a tour of the campus to celebrate their 50th year reunion.

Homecoming week ended with our Homecoming Dance, “A Night in Hollywood.” Students enjoyed dinner from local food trucks, dancing, and capturing memories at the 360 photo booth. This week was packed with the moments that make high school unforgettable. I love seeing our students embrace these opportunities to connect and celebrate together. It is what makes Atom Nation so special. A huge thank you to our Leadership class, Activities and Student Life Office, and all our staff and students for making it such a spirited and memorable week!

Finally, since August, our teachers have been getting curious about our students, gathering data to determine each student’s individual strengths and needs - both academic, and social-emotional. Last week we began W4 check-ins. These one-on-one conversations are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships, and identify student needs. In addition, teachers and teams have been reviewing assessment and grade data to identify students’ academic needs and assigning them targeted interventions. We will be using this data to place students into specialized PRIDE Time Intervention classes during our advisory block, which will begin on October 7. Be on the lookout for more information about your student’s PRIDE Time assignment.

As a reminder, this is a short week. Schools are closed Thursday for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, and Friday is a teacher work day. Have a fantastic week, Atom Nation! As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

October 3 - Rosh Hashanah (No School)

October 4 - Teacher Work Day (No School)

October 4 - World Language Credit Exam Registration Deadline

October 7 - PRIDE Time Begins

October 7 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

October 7 - IB Middle Years Programme Certificate Celebration, 6pm

October 7 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 7pm

October 8 - Band Concert, 7pm

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

October 9 - No School for Students in Grade 9

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School)

October 15-18 - Senior Picture Retakes

October 16 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

October 17 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm

October 20 - FCPS College Fair

October 21-22 - Virtual Postsecondary Night

October 22 - Chorus Concert, 7pm

October 23 - Fall Principal Check-in

October 24 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day

October 28 - W4 Activities Day

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 4 - World Language Credit Exam Registration 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 reach out to your counselor by Wednesday, October 2 to ensure you meet the registration deadline. 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.

October 7 - PRIDE Time and ASAP Begin: At Annandale, we work together to support our students’ needs. One way we do this is through our approach to targeted intervention through PRIDE Time and our after school academic program, ASAP. This year, PRIDE Time and ASAP will begin on October 7. To support our students’ diverse academic needs, students were assigned to either an Intervention PRIDE Time or a Study Hall PRIDE Time. Students may also have been assigned to one or two ASAP days. Students will be able to view their PRIDE Time assignment in StudentVue as their period 11 class by October 6. We encourage you to talk with your student about their PRIDE Time and how they’re making the most of this valuable opportunity. 

October 7 - IB Middle Years Programme Certificate Celebration: We are excited to celebrate nearly 70 AHS students who earned the FCPS MYP Certificate! Students qualify for this honor by earning an 8 or above on their personal project (completed through their English 10 classes), successfully completing two or more years of language classes, and providing volunteer service hours and reflecting on their experiences. Our celebration, held Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00-7:00pm, will feature a special guest speaker and distribution of certificates. We are so proud of all that our students have accomplished! Please reach out with questions to our MYP Coordinator, Jeniva Miller. 

October 8 - Band Fall Concert: The Annandale High School Bands will present an informal Fall concert on Tuesday, October 8 at 7pm in the auditorium. The program is called "Out of Darkness" with musical themes that portray the changing seasons and Halloween fun. As an informal concert, we look forward to sharing with our friends and family what we are learning in band classes. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:45pm.

October 9 - PSAT & 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.

Adjusted Schedules for Wednesday, October 9

Annandale High School is hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 9. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 9, as follows:

• No School for students in grade 9 and Seniors who did not register for the SAT
• Students in grades 10 & 11, CAT B students, and Seniors who registered for the SAT will have a 2-hour early release.
• Academy classes and shuttles are canceled. 

Grade 9 - Catch Up Day: Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments.

Grades 10 and 11 - PSAT School Day: All students in Grades 10 and 11 will participate in the PSAT. No registration is required. The test is offered at no cost to families. All FCPS students have access to Khan Academy’s free online test preparation, whether they are taking the PSAT for the first time or preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship Qualification. The Khan Academy online curriculum is customized for students based on any previous PSAT or SAT scores. In addition, the website offers general test preparation tips for students. 

For PSAT day, all students MUST bring their school assigned school laptops and chargers as tests are virtual this year. Students will be using the BlueBook App for all PSAT testing. Students are allowed to bring a calculator for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review.

Grade 12 - SAT School Day: Grade 12 students who registered will have the opportunity to take the SAT. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. Students are responsible for bringing their own calculators and pencils for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review. Seniors who did not register for the SAT School Day will use this as a catch-up day and are not expected to be present on testing day.

CAT B Students - Two Hour Early Release: Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.

Important Information

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.

Scoliosis Fact Sheet: Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by scoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing. Learn more here.

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. 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. 

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.

Retake Room is Up and Running! To support students in retaking assessments or making up missed assignments, the retake room is located in room 299 at the end of the Social Studies hall. Retakes are available on Late Bus Days after school, and every White Day during PRIDE Time. Students who would like to take advantage of the retake room must work with their teacher to sign up.

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!

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

Check out all of the updates and opportunities in our Student Services Newsletter!

Earn High School Credit through Work Based Learning Internship: Students can earn 1 business class credit for working the job you’re already doing! Learn skills to get promoted and plan your future career goals! Participants must have employment throughout the school year and be currently enrolled in a CTE class. Interested students should complete this form. For more information, visit Mr. Howard Dwyer in room 214 or Ms. Consumano in 217.

Upcoming College Visits – Register Now! Our College & Career Center hosts 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.

College Application Help: Annandale High School offers free college application support twice each week. Wednesdays during Lunch in the Career Center (Room 103) and Thursdays 3-4pm in Trailer 14. In addition, the Atoms Writing Center will be available to help students with their college essays and supplemental application questions during PRIDE Time and Wednesdays after school from 3-4pm in room 274.

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.

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! 

October 7 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us at our next Atoms Booster Club meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7pm in Room 43.

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.