Annandale Community Insider - December 15

Annandale Students, Parents, and Community:

As we approach winter break, I find myself reflecting on how much we have to be thankful for here at Annandale High School. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone in our community for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the first half of this school year.

I would also like to thank our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) for the many ways they contribute to our school and community. Their efforts help strengthen and support Annandale, and we are grateful for their commitment. If you have not done so already, please consider joining the Annandale PTSA.

We’re wrapping up the year with some festive fun during Winter Spirit Week! Students are invited to show their school spirit by dressing up. Check out the daily themes below and join in the fun! In addition, we will hold our final collection of pantry items for the Winning4Giving contest and W4 Advisory classes will compete for the best and most creative door decorations.

In the spirit of ensuring a restful holiday for all, we are continuing our tradition of a homework-free break. Teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers during the break and will avoid scheduling major assessments or project deadlines during the first two days back. This time is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to relax and recharge in their favorite ways. On behalf of the entire Annandale staff, I wish you a joyful and safe winter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6, 2025. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Donate Gift Cards for AHS Staff

At events throughout the year, we recognize staff who go above and beyond with gift cards donated by community members at the beginning of the year. It has been a huge hit and I am requesting your help again since we are not permitted to use any kind of FCPS funds, local or otherwise, for this purpose. It is amazing how much a $5 or $10 gift card is appreciated. If you are so inclined, please feel free to drop them off at the main office or place them in the mail. Attention: Jen Buchanan. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.

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 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

Now - December 18 - Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest

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

January 9 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony

January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House

Now - December 18: Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest: Annandale’s Leadership Class is excited to lead our annual Deck the Doors holiday contest. Each W4 class will decorate their door based on their Nation’s theme. Prizes will be awarded to the top three doors. This year, there’s an extra prize—one Nation will be named the Overall Nation Winner! Judging will take place on December 18. 

December 16 - W4 Activities Day: Annandale will host our monthly W4 Activities Day on December 16 during W4. During this time, students will have an opportunity to attend club meetings or join in on a variety of other activities. Students will select their preferred activity via a Google form shared through their W4 lessons and on Schoology. 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.

Holiday Spirit Week - December 16-20: Join the fun and earn points for your Nation by dressing up each day! Snap and submit class pictures to score. 

December 16 – Winter Jersey Day: Show team pride in your favorite sports jersey.

December 17 – Candy Cane Day: Rock red and white for festive peppermint vibes.

December 18 – Pajama Day: Get cozy with winter-themed PJs—bonus for slippers!

December 19 – Santa’s Workshop: Dress as your grade’s role: Seniors: Santa; Juniors: Snowmen; Sophomores: Rudolph; Freshmen: Elves

December 20 – Ugly Sweater Day: Wear your quirkiest holiday sweater.

January 9 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony, W4/Pride Time: Our 76 IB Graduates of 2024 will be returning on Thursday, January 9 during W4/Pride Time to share their post high school/college experiences as well as receive their IB certificates. We also invited our current IB diploma juniors and seniors and all sophomores enrolled in advanced chemistry to attend. We will open with a panel led by our graduates about their IB experiences and then distribute certificates. Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony in the IB office. Please be welcoming as graduates may visit teachers in the afternoon.

January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 15 from 6-8pm Annandale HS will host an Open House for our rising 9th grade students and families to learn more about what high school at Annandale is all about! We will offer short optional sessions on our various programs, and teachers will be in their classrooms throughout the evening to share all about our core and elective courses. The goal is for students and parents to leave this event excited about all the opportunities students will have as an Annandale Atom and prepared to complete the course request form when students meet with their middle school counselors! Breakout Sessions on the following topics will be offered throughout the evening: Welcome to Annandale, Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages Program; Special Education Office, and Student Life.

Awesome Atoms

AHS & Cake for Kids Celebrate Sweet Success: This week, we celebrated 100 students who made impressive improvements in their attendance. Students were recognized for showing a renewed commitment to spending more time in the classroom by making improvements in their attendance as well as reducing tardies. To honor their efforts, each student was treated to a delicious cupcake provided by the local volunteer organization, Cakes4Kids. Great job, Atoms—keep up the fantastic work!

Student-Run Page Turners Program Supports Literacy: National English Honor Society students have partnered with newcomer multilingual students during PRIDE Time to increase engagement around reading and writing skills while also fostering community within the student body at Annandale! The program is called Page Turners and is almost entirely student-run by Safa Touri. Teachers Ms. Malentaqui and Mr. Girma have also helped pilot this program in their classes. If you are interested in having tutors in the future during Pride Time, please reach out to Liz Amundson and Jessica Park.

Carlos Alvarez Earns Double Honors! Congratulations to Carlos Alvarez on an outstanding achievement! At the recent All-Region Meeting, Carlos was named 1st Team All-Region in two positions: Running Back and Kick Returner. This incredible recognition showcases his exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication. Way to go, Carlos—we’re proud of you!

Congrats to Attendance Office Staff Maro Moussessian & Jesica Mera! Maro Moussessian, our wonderful attendance office AA, is retiring on Friday, December 20 after 37 years of service! She has been a staple of the Annandale HS community and a welcoming and positive presence in our halls. She will be missed! Thank you, Maro, for everything you’ve done for our school and community. Jesica Mera, our fantastic attendance office assistant, has been promoted as our new attendance office AA! We are looking forward to continuing to work with Jesica as she takes on this new role. 

Important Information

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media: Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on in #AtomNation. Links: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Substance Abuse Prevention Lesson for Students in Grades 11 & 12: All FCPS schools will provide two substance abuse prevention lessons to all students in grades 11 and 12 during the 2024-2025 academic year. The lessons will be provided during W4 Advisory. Lessons will cover the following topics: Most Commonly Used Substances, In-depth Opioid Information, Negative Impact of Substances, Reasons Why Youth Use Substances, Healthy Alternatives to Substances, and Available FCPS and Fairfax County Resources. For additional information related to FCPS’ approach to addressing youth substance use please see the FCPS Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Programs page. If you do not wish for your child to take part in these lessons, please complete this form no later than January 15. Your child will be assigned an alternate activity in a separate supervised location during the time the lessons are taking place. If you have questions about the lessons, please contact Stefan Mascoll, Senior Manager II of Student Safety and Wellness, at 571-423-4270.

Preparing for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Winter Break Office Hours: The Annandale administrative offices will be open by appointment only from Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3. Offices will re-open on Monday, January 6 at 7:00am.

Assignments Over Winter Break: We hope you are able to spend the holiday 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 clarification and information.

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students: The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring stress or emotional challenges. 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.

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 and end on April 28, 2025. 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.

All Night Grad Tickets On Sale Now! We’re excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year’s All Night Grad Celebration. This event is a safe and fun place for your kids to enjoy a night out. This is adult supervised and volunteer run by Annandale High School PTSA and parents. This year the event takes place on June 4, beginning at 11pm, Doors will close at Midnight. The cost is $45 with prices increasing to $60 at the door. The evening will feature delicious food, games, DJ, and top-notch entertainment—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! *Discounted tickets are also available for students in need. If your child would like to apply, they can speak directly to their school counselor. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate in a welcoming and secure environment. Get your tickets now! To make this event a success, we need your help! Sign up to volunteer here. Email Rheanna Bernard with any questions.

Yearbook Ads for Sale: As the calendar flips to 2025, the countdown to graduation begins. Senior year is a milestone, and a personal ad in the 2025 yearbook is the perfect space to include a heartfelt note or a special family photo. Your message will be something your graduate cherishes for years to come. But hurry—there’s only one week left before winter break! Don’t miss your opportunity to create a meaningful keepsake here today!

Winter Olympics Camp Coming to Annandale! 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! The cost is $75. Sign up at https://bit.ly/OlympicsCamp25.

News from Student Services

Academic Advising for the 2024-25 School Year: It is hard to believe, but we are already beginning to plan for the 2024-2025 school year. We wanted to provide an overview of how we are supporting students with the course selection process. Note: Access all the information needed for course selection can be found on our Academic Advising page, which has the grade level information presented by counselors.

January 7 - Course & Electives Fair: Students will visit information sessions on three courses of their choosing during our Course & Elective Fair. Our electives and IB teachers will provide a 15 minute overview of the course to help students make informed decisions about their course selections for next year. 

January 9 - Course Selection Day: Students in grades 9-11 will select their courses for the 2025-2026 school year during W4 using a Google Form. This will help prepare students for their individual academic advising conversations with their counselors. Students will only be able to submit the form once and a copy will be emailed to their student email account. All students must have selected courses by February 28. 

January 13 - February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings: Students will meet one-on-one with their counselors to finalize their course selections for next year. Students will be given specific appointment times through their English classes. Students will receive their appointment times via email. We will begin with current juniors on January 13 and will conclude with current freshmen in February. 

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 Page, 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.

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! 

Atoms Gear On Sale Now! We’re thrilled to share that we have a new Atoms online store! The new store has a variety of brands like Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon, and more. You will find hundreds of different design options, kids and toddler clothing, new accessories, and direct to your door shipping. Grab your gear now and give a gift for the holidays!

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.