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01/28 End of 2nd Quarter
01/29 Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30 Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31 Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03 Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05 Report Cards Go Home
02/07 Taco Rock Fundraising Night (3:30pm-10:00pm)
(Address: 6550 Little River Turnpike Space 50, Alexandria, VA )
02/20 Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
 Selected students from 4th and 5th grade had the pleasure of participating in a taste testing event for FCPS’s Food and Nutrition Services. Dr. Reid will present on this to the school board on Thursday, January 23, 2025. If you would like to take a quick look of our students participating in the video, please click on the recording.
On Friday’s Parent Coffee, we had the pleasure of presenting about AVID. Megan Uccellini, AVID Coordinator from Poe MS, shared important information on the benefits of AVID and how students can select AVID as an elective in middle school. In addition, we shared how AVID looks like at ATES. All parents were impressed on the binders that were displayed and enjoyed falling along with the callbacks and celebrations.
Last Thursday, some of our fifth-grade students participated in the Annandale Pyramid Honors Chorus concert. They did an amazing job, and we are so proud of them! A huge thank you to Ms. Linton and Ms. Harrison for supporting our students in chorus.
Last Thursday, we welcomed our families to join their students for our monthly family lunch. It is always so wonderful to see our students spend quality time with their family member.
This past week, we had the pleasure of offering the AVMR training at Annandale Terrace to teachers from across the division. Our elementary resource math teacher, Ms. Niehoff, was one of the trainers. We also had some of our teachers participate in the training.
 On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we will be hosting our BINGO night at ATES! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Families will be invited to purchase pizza, snacks, and sodas in the cafeteria. We will begin the BINGO game at 6:15pm in the gym ($1.00 for two bingo cards) and run it through 7:30pm. Be sure to bring some cash. All the proceeds will be donated to ATES PTA. We hope to see you there!
ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.
Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at nrscher@fcps.edu or asireland@fcps.edu.
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Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 2/10. Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/Djxn6urLajkMxH4z9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm. Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday.
This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.
Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.
The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.
Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Sherry Hamzehloo , at shamzehloo@fcps.edu.You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.
The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.
All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Get more information on opioid awareness.
Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.
Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May. Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.
Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.
Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.
In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
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.
 Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.
Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am.
- Throwing and Defense (1/12)
- Throwing and Defense (1/19)
- Hitting (1/26)
- Hitting (2/9)
- Hitting (2/16)
More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration
FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person.
All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.
Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242. The yearbooks will be passed out in June.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- SOL Score Reports
- Upcoming Budget Presentation
- Science Fair Judges Needed
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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