Annandale Community Insider - October 6

Annandale Students, Parents, and Community:

At Annandale, we are committed to working together to meet our students’ needs. Two of the most effective ways we do this are through our PRIDE Time and ASAP programs, which provide targeted support to address the diverse academic needs of our students.

On Monday, we will begin PRIDE Time. Held each White Day, this dedicated time during the school day allows us to deliver focused academic interventions. Instructional coaches and teachers collaborate to identify students for subject-area interventions based on their academic data. Students identified for PRIDE Time will receive targeted support to help them succeed. Those not identified for intervention will attend Study Hall, where they can check grades, complete assignments, and connect with teachers as needed. Students have received an email with their PRIDE Time teacher and room number, and can also view their PRIDE Time assignment in StudentVue as their Period 11 class.

Additionally, our After School Academic Program, or ASAP for short, will also begin on Monday. ASAP provides extra support for students who need assistance in more than one subject area. Students assigned to ASAP will work with a teacher after school from 3:10 to 4:10pm. A free, pre-packaged Super Snack will be provided to those participating, and late buses will be available at 4:45pm for transportation home.

Families of students assigned to ASAP should have received an email outlining the details, including the day, subject, and teacher assignment. Students also received a letter from their teacher with their specific ASAP details. Please note that students are expected to attend ASAP before any other extracurricular activities, and are expected to attend all assigned sessions. If you have any questions about your student’s ASAP assignment, please contact our ASAP Coordinator, Bryan Harris.

We encourage you to have a conversation with your student about their PRIDE Time and ASAP assignments and how they are using this time to their advantage. As always, feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or administrator with any questions or concerns.

As a reminder, Wednesday we will hold the PSAT and SAT School Day exams. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules. See below for detailed information.

Have a great week, Atom Nation!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

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

October 8 - Band Concert, 7pm

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

October 9 - No School for Students in Grade 9

October 9 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

October 10 - Football Game Camp Night

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

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

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!

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

October 16 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving: Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully pass the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME, and remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. Register here for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie McManus. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School: October 16, 2024; December 4, 2024; March 12, 2025; April 2, 2025; and May 14, 2025.

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.

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 9. 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.

Awesome Atoms

Tag Day A Huge Success! Our Performing Arts Department recently came together for our annual Tag Day. This is one way we support the performing arts at Annandale High School and build connections with our community. Over 125 students from band, choir, orchestra, guitar and theatre came together to walk specific routes to seek help from the community and spread awareness of the many performance opportunities that are scheduled for this school year at AHS. Funds raised from this effort will be divided among the disciplines and will be used for uniforms, clinician costs, marching band competitions, costumes, new string instruments, etc. If you haven’t had the opportunity to give to the performing arts efforts, you can do so on the Boosters webpage.

Cheerleaders Support Food for Others at Tysons 5K: Last Saturday the AHS Cheerleading program volunteered at the Tysons 5k – Food for Others! They had a great time cheering on the runners bright and early. Fan favorite runners included a pug and a banana costume. We look forward to volunteering at more events with this group later this year.

AHS Celebrates International Day: Last week, the Just World Club at Annandale High School celebrated the International Day of Peace with its inspiring annual Chalk4Peace event. Students gathered to creatively express their hopes for a more peaceful world by using colorful chalk to write and draw messages of unity, empathy, and harmony on the school’s sidewalks. The event not only showcased the diversity and positive spirit of our school but also reminded us of the power of coming together to advocate for peace across all cultures and backgrounds.

Two AHS Students Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Congratulations to Annandale students Safa Touri and William Allison for their outstanding achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT and recently being named as a Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Important Information

2024-25 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees. FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam. The IB exam calendar can be found here. When IB scores are released in July 2025, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out.

To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Opt-Out forms are due by October 31 to Student Services. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.

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.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students: Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on Tuesday, October 8, 3-7pm, Saturday, October 12, 9am-5pm, and Monday, October 28, 3-7pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

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

Sunrise Activities Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Are you ready to start your mornings with some fun? We’re excited to invite you to Sunrise Activities, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00am on the AHS Soccer Field. We’ll play soccer every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00 AM! This is a great way to get moving, hang out with friends, and energize yourself before the school day begins. This is the perfect opportunity to have fun and connect with fellow students. All skill levels are welcome! No need to sign up—just show up and get ready to play! If you have any questions, please email Student Life Coordinator, Bryan Harris. See you on the field!

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

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!

This Week:

Monday, October 7

Field Hockey vs Hayfield - 6:15/7:30pm

Girls Volleyball @ Hayfield - 4:30/5:30/7:00pm 

Region Golf @ Twin Lakes - 10:00am

Tuesday, October 8

District Cheer @ Thomas Jefferson - 6:30pm

Boys Volleyball @ Justice - 7:15pm

Wednesday, October 9

Girls Volleyball vs Justice - 4:30/5:30/7:00pm

JV Football @ Justice - 6:30pm

Cross Country @ Mason District - 5:00pm

Thursday, October 10

V Football vs Justice - 7:00pm

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.