Annandale Community Insider - March 9

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

Congratulations to the Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) for competing in the VHSL State One-Act Championship last night at Piedmont Virginia Community College! After their first-place finishes at both Districts and Regionals, our talented cast and crew took the stage with Juliet Wakes Up and delivered an amazing performance. This incredible achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students and Theater Arts teacher, Kylie Murray.

Moreover, the Annandale High School Wind Ensemble earned a Superior rating at the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) Assessment this weekend. Under the leadership of Director Chad Steffey, the ensemble's dedication and musicianship were on full display during their performance. You can watch their performance of "Variations on Scarborough Fair" online.

These achievements are not just individual highlights but part of our ongoing commitment to providing diverse and meaningful artistic opportunities for all. At Annandale, we recognize the value of arts education and the many benefits it provides to students. These achievements are not isolated moments; they are part of a larger commitment to providing students with diverse and enriching artistic opportunities. For instance, coming up this week, music lovers won’t want to miss Careers in Music with DJ Hapa this Friday, March 14 at 6:30pm in the Annandale auditorium. This interactive performance will feature nationally recognized DJ and keynote speaker, DJ Hapa who will share live music, mixing, and behind-the-scenes industry insights. 

Finally, with warmer temperatures expected this week, now is the perfect time to start prepping your yard. Support the Class of 2025 by purchasing mulch from Annandale High School’s annual Mulch Sale—a great way to refresh your landscape while contributing to the All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC), a safe and memorable send-off for our seniors. Orders are due by March 15. Visit the PTSA website for more information!

Have a great week, Atom Nation. As always, reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

March 10 - ASVAB Testing, 8am

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm

March 11 - Tornado Drill

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

March 14 - Careers in Music w/DJ Hapa, 6:30pm

March 17-21 Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - PRIDE Time 4.0 Begins

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

March 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 27 - Student of the Month Celebration

March 28 - Quarter 3 Ends

March 10 - ASVAB Testing: The ASVAB is not just for students considering military service—it is a valuable career planning tool that can help them make informed decisions about their future. Note: The results of this assessment will only be shared with the armed services if your student specifically requests it. The ASVAB will be offered on March 10 and April 11. The March 10 sign up is now closed. Students who are interested in taking the ASVAB on April 11, can sign up here. Additionally, we will be hosting a virtual event to help families understand how to interpret ASVAB results and use them for postsecondary planning. 

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night: Parents and guardians of spring athletes are invited to join us for Spring Meet the Coaches Night on Monday, March 10, at 6:30pm in the Auditorium. This informative session will provide an opportunity to hear from the athletic office staff, athletic trainer, athletic boosters, and your student-athlete’s coach. The evening will begin with a general session in the cafeteria, followed by team-specific breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a great spring season!

March 11 - Tornado Drill: We will be conducting our required yearly tornado drill on March 11.

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. If you can't attend in person, consider joining us virtually on Zoom. The link will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Also, if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due: Virginia Boys State is a week-long study of government and the operation, laws and procedures of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AHS Student Services is currently identifying Juniors who are interested in submitting applications for this summer enrichment opportunity. Participants represent AHS at the 2025 Boys State convention. To participate students must be United States citizens or legal residents of the United States. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. For more details, go to the Virginia Boys State website. Boys State will be held at Radford University from Saturday, June 15 to Friday, June 21, 2025. If you are a Junior and interested in applying, request a nomination form by emailing Mr. Perla.

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving: Annandale High School is hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving for students in Health & PE 10 on March 12 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. Parents and their teen must stay for the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. If you have any questions, contact Lizzie McManus. Additional sessions of Partners for Safe Teen Driving at Annandale High School are: April 2; and May 14.

March 14 - Careers in Music with DJ Hapa, 6:30pm: Join us Friday, March 14, at 6:30 PM in the Annandale Auditorium for an interactive, high-energy experience with DJ Hapa! A nationally recognized DJ and keynote speaker, Hapa will share live music, mixing, and behind-the-scenes industry insights. This free event is open to all FCPS students and community members—a must-see for music lovers! Special thanks to local music shop, Day Violins, who have supported our students with professional-level instruments, helping Annandale graduates pursue music in college.

March 17 - W4 Activities Day: Our next W4 Activities Day is on Monday, March 17. W4 Activities Day is 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 and will be emailed to each student’s FCPS account. If you have any questions, please contact Lizzy McManus.

March 19 - PRIDE Time 4.0 Begins: PRIDE Time 4.0 is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 19. This latest iteration of PRIDE Time will focus on identifying students in need of preparation for the upcoming SOLs. Students who are not identified for intervention will be assigned a Study Hall PRIDE Time and will have the ability to complete assignments or request assistance from another Study Hall PRIDE Time teacher. On March 18, students will be able to view their new PRIDE Time assignment in SIS StudentVue as their period 11 class.

March 19 - Spring Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Students in grades 9-12 use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Students Explore Auto Tech at NOVA! Annandale students got a firsthand look at the exciting world of auto tech at NOVA Alexandria! From diagnosing engines to exploring electric vehicles, our students were immersed in the latest technology. The GM Automotive Service Education Program sparked interest in many, with some planning to enroll at NOVA!

Senior, Sage Nagle, Recognized at Fairfax Peace Awards: Sage Nagle was one of 28 recipients honored at the Fairfax County Peace Awards Reception this past week. U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly praised the work of the awardees and introduced a Resolution recognizing their work as “the building blocks of a more peaceful and tolerant world.” For the last four years, Sage has worked to foster inclusion and community through the Special Olympics program. Inspired by her belief in “growing peace from within,” Sage has worked to create a space where all students feel valued and connected. The award includes a scholarship and a charitable donation to the organization of her choice, which go to the Alliance for Peacebuilding. Read about the Annandale High School Student Peace Awards Recipients on the website.

Advanced Art and Psychology Students Explore the Hirshhorn: Last week, advanced art and psychology students took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to the Hirshhorn Museum’s Osgemeos exhibit. The vibrant murals, sculptures, and installations by Brazilian street artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo provided a unique exploration of artistic expression and psychological interpretation. This cross-curricular experience deepened students' understanding of how visual culture shapes human experience.

Annandale Journalism Project Welcomes Back Esteemed Mentors: Students in the Annandale Journalism Project had the opportunity to learn from top journalists on Thursday, as they welcomed back three industry experts. Former Wall Street Journal Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Seib, NPR Morning Edition host Michel Martin, and former Wall Street Journal tech, tax, and politics reporter John McKinnon.

Participants, who applied to join the Annandale Journalism Project, led by English teacher and former journalist Elizabeth Crowley, received guidance on their reporting and storytelling skills. The mentors helped students refine their journalistic approach and plan their next steps in investigative work. This marks the third visit in 2025 for Seib, who, alongside retired editor and Wall Street Journal reporter Barb Rosewicz, has played a key role in inspiring students to develop and craft compelling news feature stories.

Important Information

Make Sure Your Student is Up-to-Date on Immunizations: Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy! Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Now through March 29 - Ramadan: This year Ramadan begins at sunset the evening of February 28 and ends at sunset the evening of March 29. During this time, many of our Muslim students may be fasting and it is important for those students to have a quiet, alternative location to go to during lunchtime. Therefore, the library will be open to students who would prefer to go there during lunch rather than the cafeteria. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Eqab.

Safety Drills in March: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. This month, we will conduct our monthly fire drill, our semi-annual lockdown drill and our annual tornado drill. Your student may share at home about their experience. We encourage you to talk with your student about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Here are some helpful tips for families to use to support their students before and after school lockdown drills. Working together, we create a safe, secure environment for students to learn and grow in our schools.

Opportunities

Now through March 28 - Student Fasting Meal Kits Available: FCPS is offering a new meal kit program for students who are fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025. These meal kits include balanced, nutritious meals—protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk—similar to those served at school. Meals will be kept cold for freshness and can be heated at home. To sign up, parents/guardians must complete a Fasting Meals Request Form each week for each student. Students can grab their meal kits at the end of the school day at any point in the school day in the cafeteria. Any student fasting during the school day can participate. If a student eats breakfast or lunch at school, they are not eligible for a meal kit that day. Meal kits will be charged to student meal accounts based on their usual eligibility status—free for students who qualify, and regular pricing for paid-status students. be sure to complete the Fasting Meals Request Form each week to ensure your student receives a meal kit.

Find out more and submit requests on the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services website. March 10, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 17. March 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24. 

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer: Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students. Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.

CTE & Institute for the Arts Summer Camp: CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. 

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. 

CTE and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30am to 2pm. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

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.

News from Student Services

Become Unskippable - Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl: Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

Hazel Health - Virtual Therapy for High School Students: Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7am -7pm Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage

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.

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night: Parents and guardians of spring athletes are invited to join us for Spring Meet the Coaches Night on Monday, March 10, at 6:30 PM in the Annandale Cafeteria. This informative session will provide an opportunity to hear from the athletic office staff, athletic trainer, athletic boosters, and your student-athlete’s coach. The evening will begin with a general session in the cafeteria, followed by team-specific breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a great spring season!

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 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! 

Save the Date! Athletic Physical Exams: On Monday, June 2, 2025, Annandale High School will host an opportunity for student-athletes to complete their Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) for the 2025-26 academic year. This exam will ensure eligibility for all sports through June 30, 2026. The event also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Annandale Athletic Training Program, which relies entirely on donations to cover essential medical supplies and equipment. Your support makes a tremendous difference for our athletes and trainers!

Appointments will run from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and slots are expected to fill quickly, so don’t wait. Walk-in exams are $60; however, if you pre-register, the cost is reduced to $50. To take advantage of the discounted rate and secure your appointment, email Mr. Ryan Hughes at rhughes@fcps.edu as soon as possible. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and helping ensure a healthy, successful season ahead!

Save the Date! June 23 - Annandale High School Golf Tournament! Get ready to hit the greens! The Annandale High School Golf Tournament is back and set for Monday, June 23, at 8:30am at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to play, sponsor, or support while benefiting Annandale Athletics. Registration opens soon, so start gathering your team! For details on sponsorship opportunities or to learn more, visit the Atoms Booster Club Golf Tournament page.

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

Join the PTSA! 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 by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. If you can't attend in person, consider joining us virtually on Zoom. The link will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Also, if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

Support Our Seniors! Donate Your Time or Items to Our Auction: We're gearing up for our All Night Grad Auction, and we need your help to make it unforgettable! We're seeking item donations to auction off, with all proceeds benefiting the All Night Grad Celebration, an amazing event for our graduating class. Items We’re Looking For: Gift cards, themed baskets, vacation or getaway donations, event tickets, services, or any creative contributions! Ready to donate? Visit http://bit.ly/40jc0AZ. Deadline to Donate: March 1. Thank you for your generosity!

Volunteers Needed for the All Night Grad Celebration: We also need volunteers to support the All Night Grad Celebration! Lets keep the legacy of this amazing event, providing a safe environment for our Seniors to celebrate their graduation. Sign up here to support the day of the event.

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. 

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors! More information on signups upcoming!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net. 

Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters.” Payment is due on the first day of camp.

Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 16-18, 20 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. 

Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 23-27 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

Wrestling Camp – K-12 - July 7-11 ($120 individual/$200 sibling): This camp is for all ages wrestling camp will spend time developing the skills in all three styles of wrestling, one style each of the first three days. In addition to technique and various games, on the last two days of camp there will be a takedown tournament and individually bracketed tournament! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Josh Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

Basketball Camp - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - July 21-25 ($225): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.

Baseball Skills Camp -  Rising 3rd-9th Graders - August 12-16, 5pm-7pm ($110, or $25 a session) This camp is designed for 3rd - 9th graders and will be held on the baseball field at Annandale High. Focus will be on preparation for fall season and overall skill development. Camp will be conducted by Annandale High School Coaches and current college baseball players. Camp will run from 5pm-7pm. Questions, reach out to head baseball coach and camp director Kevin Rudd