Annandale Community Insider - January 5

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

The start of a new year offers a fresh opportunity to reset and focus on achieving our goals. As we step into 2025, I encourage all students to make the most of this moment to grow, improve, and achieve their goals.

At Annandale, PRIDE Time is a great resource for students to catch up on assignments, prepare for assessments, or get extra support from teachers. For additional help, teachers are also available after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—check this schedule to see when your teachers are available.

Students, whether it’s improving academically, building better attendance habits, or getting more involved in school activities, every step forward brings you closer to reaching your goal. These efforts not only benefit you but also strengthen the sense of community and achievement that defines Annandale High School.

Parents, your involvement is vital to your student’s success. Talk with your student daily about their progress, and use SIS ParentVue and Schoology to monitor assignments and grades. If you have any questions, reach out to your student’s teachers or counselor to ensure they are staying on track and receiving the support they need.

Know that the staff at Annandale is here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist you. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together toward success in the year ahead.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

January 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

January 8 - Annandale Special Olympics & Orchestra at GMU

January 9 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony

January 13 - W4 Activities Day

January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly

January 13 - Hidden in Plain Sight

January 13-February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings

January 15 - Course & Electives Fair

January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House

January 16 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

January 17 - Course Selection Day

January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)

January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast

January 29 - Student Holiday

January 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, January 6 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.

POSTPONED! January 7 & 9: Electives Fair & Course Selection Day: With the possibility of inclement weather that may delay or even cancel school Monday and Tuesday, we have moved the Electives Fair to Wednesday, January 15 and Course Selection Day to Friday, January 17.

January 8 - Annandale Special Olympics & Orchestra at GMU: Join us for an incredible evening of community and talent on January 8th at 7:00PM during George Mason’s basketball game! Our Annandale Special Olympics team will take on the Justice HS Special Olympics team in an exciting halftime matchup. Adding to the excitement, the Annandale Orchestra, along with the Crescendo Orchestra, will perform the National Anthem to kick off the game. Don’t miss this special event—grab your tickets for Section 119 here!

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 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.

January 13 - W4 Activities Day: January 13 is our next W4 Activities Day, a time set aside for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests. The schedule for the period will remain unchanged. Students were given access to the preview slideshow and registration form through their W4 and Schoology last week and will be emailed to each student’s FCPS account today. The final date for registration will be this Tuesday. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Harris.

January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly during W4 Activities Day: We are excited to announce that on Monday, January 13 during W4 Activities Day, Annandale High School will be hosting the Love Like Adam program for the Class of 2025. Love Like Adam is a non-profit foundation established with the goal to “support, educate, and equip graduating seniors and their families with the transition from high school to higher education,” particularly around the dangers of hazing and alcohol intoxication. It was established in honor of Adam Oakes, a recent hazing victim, who died in a hazing incident while attending VCU during his freshman year of college.

The program will consist of a presentation on hazing prevention, a video about Adam Oakes’ story and a panel question and answer session with Adam’s family and two of the boys involved in the hazing. You can read more about Adam’s story in an article on the LoudounNow and the VCU website. If you have any questions about this special event, please contact Bryan Harris.

January 13 - Hidden in Plain Sight: The Annandale PTSA invites you to “Hidden In Plain Sight” on Monday, January 13 at 6:30pm in Clausen Hall. The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is a unique in-person, interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, vaping, mental health and behavioral concerns, risky sexual behaviors, trending "challenges” and more. Following the HIPS presentation, representatives from The Chris Atwood Foundation and Community Services Board (CSB) will provide additional information about resources available within our community. CSB will also be offering Narcan training to anyone who is interested. Find out more information or register here for this free event!

January 15 - 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 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 15 from 6-8pm Annandale High School 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 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.

January 17 - 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 25 - Blizzard Breakfast: This community pancake breakfast will be hosted by the AHS Class of 2026 on January 25 from 9:00-11:30am in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. In addition to breakfast the event will include activities geared towards kids such as crafts and a story corner. There will be a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen! Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door. Please email Erin Mahoney, the Class of 2026 sponsor, with any questions.

Awesome Atoms

Parent Orchestra at the Midwest Clinic: The week before winter break, Annie Ray presented the Fairfax Parent Orchestra at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Midwest Clinic is one of the most renowned music education conferences in the world. As part of the session, Annie gave an eloquent keynote that highlighted the connection that parent ensembles build with students through what she calls “music-ing,” the act of making music. The Parent Orchestra also played a few pieces that displayed our families’ hard work, resilience in learning an instrument, and love of music-ing. Along with Annie, Cat B IA, Nick Jacky, Crescendo Orchestra volunteer, Scott Engdahl, and Hanna Langstein performed with the group. Congrats to Annie and the Fairfax Parent Orchestra!

Opportunities

January 8 - NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2025 Semester Registration Deadline: 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.

January 22 - NOVA Virtual Session: Join a Virtual Discover NOVA webinar to explore program options, gain an understanding of our student support resources, and learn how to enroll in classes. All sessions begin at 6:30pm and run for approximately one hour. See the NOVA Virtual Sessions Flyer for all dates and to register.

January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair: FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28 at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. Registration is open to students and families up to and including the day of the fair. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

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!

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.

2024-25 School Improvement Plan Now Available: The 2024-2025 School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) for Annandale is now available on our website. The plan was developed in alignment with the FCPS Strategic Plan goals, and remains focused on supporting our students’ academic and social achievement. Measurable outcomes are focused on the following: Growth and Performance in Coursework, Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework, and Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered Students.

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.

News from Student Services

Academic Advising for the 2024-25 School Year: At Annandale, we want to ensure students and families know where to access all the information needed for course selection. Our Academic Advising page has the grade level information presented by counselors and the course selection Google forms that students must complete. We encourage you to visit this site with your student to discuss courses for next year. Here are some questions you can use to engage with your student about course selection:

• Which classes most excite you about next year?
• When looking at your classes, what are your electives and why did you select those?
• What type of diploma are you going for?
• Where would you like to be challenged?
• Where do you think you might need support?

Please reach out to our counselors if any questions or concerns arise. Their emails and phone numbers can be found on our Student Services page. We are here to help and look forward to supporting our students through this process! In addition, below is an overview of how we are supporting students with the course selection process.

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. 

January 15 - 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 17 - 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. 

High School Academy Open Houses: FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January. A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses. Click here to learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

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 program, 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! 

Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!

Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: January 12 and 19 for throwing and defense, and January 26, February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.

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!

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.