Annandale Community Insider - November 24

Dear Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,

I am excited to announce, the launch of the Atoms Games! For the first time ever, we’re hosting a school-wide competition designed to unite students and staff through friendly rivalry, school spirit, and a shared commitment to giving back to our community.

Here’s how it works. Students in W4 classes have been grouped into 14 Nations, each represented by a unique color. Throughout the Games, Nations will compete in a variety of fun and impactful activities to earn points. The Nation with the most points at the end will win the ultimate prize—a breakfast party! Every member of Atom Nation counts. To earn points for your Nation participate in the Atoms Games Challenges:

• 🎁 Winning 4 Giving (Now–Dec. 18): Support local families by bringing in items for the AHS Pantry.
• 🎨 Deck the Doors (Dec. 4–18): Decorate classroom doors in your Nation's theme.
• 👕 Show Your Colors (Dec. 6 & 12): Wear your Nation’s color to show your spirit and earn points.
• 📚 Toys & Books Drive (Dec. 6, 12 & 18): Donate new or gently used toys and books to help Annandale families.
• ❄️ Winter Spirit Week (Dec. 16–20): Participate in themed dress-up days for even more points!

Whether it’s through donating, decorating, dressing up, or cheering on your Nation, every contribution makes a difference. Let the games begin!

As a reminder, this is a short week. Schools will be closed November 27-29 for Thanksgiving Break. Once again, we will continue our tradition of allowing everyone to relax and refresh over holiday breaks. Teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. We want our staff and students to enjoy a wellness break and have time to connect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday.

As always, please reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Annandale Winter Performances

The Choirs, Band, and Orchestra at Annandale have been busy preparing for a wonderful season of concerts and outreach events during the month of December.

December 9 - Caroling for the Retired Teachers Luncheon, 1pm: The Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble will be providing a program for the Retired Teachers Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church in Alexandria (2932 King St., Alexandria)at 1:00pm.

December 10 - Orchestra Winter Concert, 7pm: Orchestra will be having their Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm partnered with Falls Church High School! The challenging program has pushed students to the next level and spotlights sections in several of the ensembles. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or wearing a festive hat!

December 12 - Caroling for the Shepherds Center Luncheon, 12pm: The Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble will be providing a program for the Shepherds Center Luncheon in Wright Hall of the Annandale United Methodist Church (6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA) at noon.

December 12 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm: The Annandale High School Bands will present Winter Winds, their annual winter concert on Monday December 12 at 7:00pm in the AHS auditorium. The concert will feature all of the AHS band students in a collaborative presentation of Holiday favorites, including our traditional “Sleigh Ride.” Doors open at 6:45pm; admission is free.

December 17 - Winter Chorus Concert: Deck the Halls, 7pm: Our Winter Concert with the Annandale Singers, Atom Chorale, Men's Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. 

December 18 - Noonday Noël, 12:05pm: Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble sing for the Noonday Noël at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 12:05pm (323 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA)

December 19 - Caroling at the Willard Hotel (DC), 6:00-6:45 and 7:15-8:00pm: Join the Annandale Singers as they spread holiday cheer with two mini-concerts at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, DC (1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC).

Important Dates

November 25 - W4 Activities Day

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)

December 2-6 - Academic Advising

December 4 - Federal Impact Aid Forms Due

December 4 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

December 4 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

December 5-6 - Winter Sports Pictures

December 9 - ASVAB Testing

December 9 - Student Experience Survey

December 10 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm

December 11 - Immunization Clinic

December 12 - Boundary Review Community Meeting, 6:45pm

December 12 - Band Concert, 7pm

December 16 - W4 Activities Day

December 16-20 - Holiday Spirit Week

December 17 - Chorus Concert, 7pm

December 18 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

December 23-January 3 - Winter Break

November 25 - W4 Activities Day: On Monday, November 25, Annandale will host W4 Activities Day. Students will have an opportunity to attend club meetings or join in on a variety of other activities. Students selected their preferred activity via a Google form shared through their W-4 lessons and on Schoology and an email was sent out this weekend sharing their assigned session for Wednesday. We are excited to offer this experience for our students and look forward to offering more ways to help our students feel connected to school.

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break: At Annandale, we hope you are able to spend the holiday break resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for information and clarification.

December 2, 4, and 6 - Course Selection Presentations: Counselors will be presenting the 2025-2026 course selection process to students in W4 Advisory on December 2, 4, and 6.  The presentations will cover important information including course options for next school year and the process for how to select their courses. The presentation will be recorded and posted on the Student Services Webpage for students who do not have a W4 class. Students should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.

December 4 - Federal Impact Aid Survey Due: On Friday, Federal Impact Aid Survey forms were distributed during W4 to students who have not completed the form electronically. Federal funding for our school is tied to this form so it is important that it is returned as soon as possible. Please complete the form, sign it, and return it to school with your child by Wednesday, December 4. We appreciate your efforts in this task.

Fall Sports Recap

The 2024 season was a testament to the resilience, growth, and spirit of Atoms Athletics. Teams across all sports demonstrated remarkable improvement, celebrated personal bests, and achieved milestones that will inspire future athletes. From thrilling playoff runs and championship victories to standout individual performances, the Atoms showed grit, determination, and teamwork at every turn. With seasoned leaders graduating and promising young talent returning, the future of Atoms Athletics looks brighter than ever. Click here for the full story!

Awesome Atoms

Celebrating Writing Success at Annandale! This week, 430 students in English 11, IB Language & Literature, and IB English Lit 1 classes took the ACT WorkKeys Business Writing test as a pathway to earn verified credit in Writing. We are thrilled to share that 97% of our students passed! A huge congratulations to these students and our incredible English 11 team: Herman McClain, Julia Hanneman, Stephanie Hanson, Evelyn Hsia, Tricia Kapuscinski, Kathleen Mathis, Chris Bagot, Nina Avedissian, and Beth Nank. Their hard work and dedication to preparing students for this assessment have brought them one step closer to graduation!

Debate Team: The AHS Debate Team attended their first Policy Debate competition last weekend with Freshmen Rowan Readinger and Isabella Izaguirre representing the Atoms! While it was a long day, the two had a fantastic showing and won their very first debate. Coaches Vera and Falvey are quite proud of the hard work that they have put in so far this season and are excited to see what they can do during the upcoming November tournament.

Veteran Visits Social Studies Class for Veterans Day: Earlier this month, Social Studies classes took time to honor those who serve in our military. In Ms. Wright’s W4 class, her husband, who is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, visited her class to talk about his role in the military. Other classes held academic discussions on Veterans Day, using a variety of sources to learn more about the day to honor those who serve.

Annandale Singers Shine at VCU Invitational! After wrapping up their fall concert, the Annandale Singers took part in their first-ever VCU Invitational in Richmond! Their day began with a brunch stop at Cracker Barrel before heading to campus for a full day of music and collaboration. “It was very cool to work with a lot of other choirs and sing one big piece together,” shared junior Ryan Tran, who also enjoyed meals at the VCU dining hall. The singers had the chance to watch VCU choirs perform, and their fast-paced, challenging pieces left a lasting impression on choir directors from other schools.

AHS Celebrates Students of the Month: Congratulations to Sarem Bonger, Marina Bonilla-Gomez, Justin Calvillo-Vega, Sofia Castillo-Pena, Rita Choukairi, Jade Eloise, Nathalia Fraser, Nicole Gamez-Hernandez, Adonis Garcia Abarca, Evan Lamb, Jamiee Le, Roxy Marchetti, Verenice Martinez, Keily Orellana, Whitaker Raymer, Cave Reinoehl, Sophia Terrazas-Toranzo, Valeria Urquilla, and Kiah Van Heerden for being selected as our Quarter One Students of the Month from September and October. Each month, Annandale teachers nominate students who exemplify one of our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. In September, our focus was on Safety and in October, our focus Empathy. We celebrated our Student of the Month Winners with a first quarter Chick-fil-A breakfast party. We are so proud of these students and congratulate them for being selected as exemplary citizens of Atom Nation.

Important Information

PSAT / SAT School Score Reports Available to Students: Students who participated in the PSAT / SAT School Day received a lesson on how to access and interpret their scores this past week during Advisory. For more information, the following videos to support students and families with this information has been shared by the College Board. 

• Understanding your Digital PSAT Scores - Video
• Understanding your Digital SAT Scores - Video

Supporting Military-Connected Students and Families: Is your student military-connected or has your military-connected status changed? We are working to update our records surrounding Military Connected Families. If one or more parents or guardians in your household are military connected, defined as Active duty, Reserve, National Guard Active Service, and National Guard Reserve, please fill out this form and return it to the Main Office. Our goal with this information is to better serve our military-connected students and families by offering specialized information and support. Thank you for your service!

Stay Healthy This Season: The Power of Handwashing: As we enter the fall and winter months, practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette is essential to reduce the spread of germs, especially during the busy holiday season. Encourage students to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available. Remind them to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, dispose of tissues properly, and avoid touching their face with unwashed hands. Check out these videos for more tips: Hand Washing Prevents The Spread of the Flu and Your Health Is In Your Hands with Help from a Shark.

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

NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2025 Semester: NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the Spring semester begin on February 4, 2025, and end on April 28, 2024. The deadline to register is January 8, 2024 at 5pm. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. 13 different courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.

Take the ASVAB Test - December 9: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test measures a young adult’s strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on potential for future career success. Students are encouraged to take the test because it is a valuable career assessment tool which can help identify which career is best for each student. Though the test is developed by the Department of Defense, it is not just for those going into the military. It’s a great start to finding the perfect career for students by highlighting those skills which students naturally have. The test will be offered on Monday, December 9. The deadline to register is Wednesday, December 4. To register visit https://tinyurl.com/ASVABforMilitary. 

Support the Orchestra: Shop Merchandise Now! The Annandale High School Orchestra Merchandise Store is LIVE! Visit tinyurl.com/AHSOrchMerch to explore a variety of items and show your support for our talented orchestra students. Order by Thursday, December 1 to ensure delivery in time for the holidays. The store will remain open year-round, but don’t miss this chance to get your items for the festive season!

News from Student Services

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed. In early December, families will be able to view SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail. Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

December 9 - Student Experience Survey: On December 9, Annandale students will have the opportunity to participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey pilot. This important initiative aims to provide valuable insights into students’ experiences within our schools. Annandale HS has been selected to take part in this pilot. It will take approximately 30 minutes and offers a meaningful way for students to share their perspectives to help shape the future of FCPS. Students will take the survey in their W4 classes.

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 Resources Schoology 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.

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.

December 4 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving: Annandale High School is hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving for students in Health & PE 10 on December 4 at 6:30pm in the auditorium. This 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program is required for both student and parent/guardian. Participants must arrive on time as doors close at 6:30pm, and you must stay for the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie McManus. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School: March 12, 2025; April 2, 2025; and May 14, 2025.

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! 

Join Our Cheerleading Team as Assistant Winter Cheerleading Coach! The cheerleading team is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Winter Cheerleading Coach to support our team in the upcoming season. If you love working with students or know someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to Victoria Douglas at vcdouglas@fcps.edu.

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.