Annandale Community Insider - March 16

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

This week, we are excited to celebrate Inclusion Revolution Week, a time when our commitment to finding strength in diversity and fostering belonging is on full display!

Each day students and staff will have the opportunity to show their school spirit and support for inclusion! Monday is Mix It Up Day—wear mismatched outfits to celebrate diversity. Tuesday is Neon & Tie-Dye Day—shine bright in neon or wear tie-dye to reflect the power of community. Wednesday is Inspiration Day—dress as a superhero or celebrity who inspires you. Thursday is Culture Pride Day—wear clothing that represents your heritage. Finally, Friday is a Red Out—wear red to show your Annandale pride and support our Special Olympics athletes at the FanQuest Pep Rally.

We will kick off the week with our monthly W4 Activities Day, an opportunity for students to build connections and engage with Atom Nation in a fun and meaningful way. Whether playing pickleball, painting nails, making felt flowers, singing karaoke, or collaborating on club projects, students will find spaces to explore their interests and foster a sense of belonging. We are proud to be one of the few high schools that successfully plans and organizes this event each month. A huge thank you to Lizzy McManus, our acting Assistant Director of Student Activities, along with our dedicated teachers and staff, for making this possible!

We will wrap up the week with our annual FanQuest Pep Rally, an event that celebrates inclusion and respect for students with disabilities. During W4, students will gather to cheer on our Special Olympics basketball team as they take on the Marshall Statesmen in a showcase game. FanQuest provides a true game-day atmosphere, giving our athletes the opportunity to compete as their peers cheer from the stands. Check out this video to see the energy and excitement that is shared every year at this event!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

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 31 - Eid Al Fitr Holiday (No School)

April 1 - Teacher Workday (No School)

April 3 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show

April 8 - Letters from the Battlefield Screening, 5:15pm

March 17-21 - Annandale Inclusion Revolution Week: Join us for our annual Annandale Inclusion Revolution Week as we celebrate our commitment to an inclusive school community! Show your Atom pride by dressing up each day and don’t miss FanQuest, our signature event highlighting inclusion and unity. Let’s come together to make this week unforgettable!

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 - ASAP 4.0 Begins: Our After School Academic Program (ASAP) is one way we support students needing intervention in more than one subject area. Students selected to participate in ASAP work with an assigned teacher after school from 3:10-4:10pm. Students who have been identified for ASAP and their parents will receive an email with updated ASAP assignments. Teachers will also provide students with paper invitations during class. Students are expected to attend ASAP before other extracurricular activities, including sports and detention. Late buses are available, and Super Snack is provided in the cafeteria after 4:15pm. If you have questions about your student’s ASAP assignment, please reach out to Lizzie McManus.

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. 

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally: On Friday, March 21, the Annandale Special Olympics Basketball team will be hosting “FanQuest” versus Marshall HS. FanQuest is an event that promotes inclusion and respect for students with disabilities. It will give our Special Olympics athletes an opportunity to showcase their basketball skills and experience a real game day atmosphere in front of their peers. This year, our Annandale Special Olympics team was named a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School and will raise the Unified Champions Schools Banner during halftime. The pep rally will be held during W4/ Pride Time.

April 3 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show, 6pm: Every spring, the schools within the Annandale Pyramid gather at Annandale High School for a collective art show that celebrates our artists grades K-12. This year we will be hosting the Annandale Pyramid Art Show Thursday, April 3 from 6pm to 8pm in Clausen Hall. Participants in the show include Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, Bren Mar Park ES, Columbia ES, North Springfield ES, Weyanoke ES, Holmes MS, Poe MS, and Annandale HS. This is a huge community event showcasing our sequential and cumulative arts curriculum in a gallery style show. There will be activities for younger ones and the event is completely free. All are welcome!

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Students Visit NOVA Medical Education Campus: Annandale High School students had the exciting opportunity to explore NOVA’s Medical Education Campus, where they learned about career pathways in Emergency Medicine, Dental Hygiene, Sonography, Nursing, and Respiratory Therapy. Funded by a grant from Educate Fairfax, this trip gave students hands-on experience in simulation rooms and a chance to explore the campus library. Interested in a future in healthcare? Students can reach out to Ms. Acosta during the school day or visit T-14 after school for more information on applying to these programs!

Sara and Sage Nagle Present at FCPS Family Summit: Congrats to Sara and Sage Nagle who were selected to showcase the Annandale Special Olympics program at the 2025 FCPS Family Summit at South Lakes High School. Their presentation highlighted how Special Olympics fosters inclusivity and provides opportunities for students of all abilities to engage in sports, leadership, and advocacy. The Family Summit featured FCPS students showcasing projects that promote inclusivity in schools through posters, essays, videos, songs, and artwork. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about fostering a more inclusive school community, making the event a valuable experience for all who participated.

AHS Students Visit the Embassy of Belgium - In celebration of International Women’s Day, three Annandale High School students visited the Embassy of Belgium to explore diplomacy and global leadership. Ambassador Bernard welcomed them, and diplomats Maite Morren and Hamed Mobasser shared insights on multilingualism, education, and empowering young women. The students reflected on how they plan to make a difference in their communities and future careers, offering unique perspectives on intercultural exchange. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for all!

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. WE recently conducted our annual tornado drill. Later this month, we will conduct our monthly fire drill and our semi-annual lockdown 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 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24. 

Career Exploration Opportunity - Sign Up to Take the ASVAB! The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a free career exploration assessment that helps students identify their strengths and explore career options in fields like skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and the military. This test isn’t just for those considering military service—it’s a valuable tool for any student looking to understand their skills and plan for life after high school. Plus, students who earn a qualifying score will receive the Career Readiness Medal to wear at graduation. The ASVAB will be offered during school on April 11, so sign up today! For questions, see Ms. Acosta, College & Career Specialist. Sign up to take the ASVAB today!

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

Academic Advising Update: Academic advising has officially wrapped up, and families may be wondering what courses their students have selected for next year. Parents and guardians can review course selections through SIS Parent Vue, clicking “Course Requests” on the left toolbar. Please note that this information is not a schedule, it is a list of courses only. Schedules will be finalized and released in August before school starts. 

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

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.

Need to Retake an Assessment? The Retake Room in Room 299 (at the end of the Social Studies hall) is available for students who need to retake assessments or make up missed assignments. Retakes are offered after school on Late Bus Days and every White Day during PRIDE Time. Students must coordinate with their teacher to sign up. Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your grades and demonstrate your learning!

Need Writing Help? Visit the Atoms Writing Center! The Atoms Writing Center (AWC) is here to support all Annandale students with their writing in any subject. Whether you're working on an essay, lab report, or college application, our trained peer tutors provide free, judgment-free assistance to help you improve your writing skills. We are available in Room 274 on Wednesdays after school from 3-4 PM and during PRIDE Time. Students can also submit their work online and receive feedback from a tutor within 48 hours. To sign up for a tutoring session, use our 3rd Quarter Cover Sheet here. Take advantage of this great resource to gain confidence and strengthen your writing—we look forward to working with you.

Get Free Live Tutoring with Varsity Tutors! Annandale students have free access to live tutoring through Varsity Tutors! Whether you need help understanding a challenging concept, preparing for a test, or getting feedback on your writing, expert tutors are available to support you. Take advantage of this great resource to strengthen your skills and boost your confidence in any subject. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

College & Career Assistance and Financial Aid

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.

College Application Help: Annandale High School offers free college application support. Students can visit the College and Career Center during PRIDE Time, lunch or by appointment. In addition, assistance is available on Thursdays from 3-4pm in Trailer 14. It’s not too late for seniors to apply for FAFSA and NOVA and now is a great time for juniors to get a head start on their college applications. 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. If you have any questions, please email Viri Acosta.

April 10 - Virtual Military Night: FCPS School Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual Military Night on Thursday, April 10 from 6-8pm. This event is open to high school students and their families who want to explore military career pathways. Representatives will share information about enlistment, service academies, and ROTC programs, providing valuable insights into the opportunities available. Don’t miss this chance to learn more and ask questions! If you have questions, please email Meredith Kim.

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.

Booster Membership Fee Reduced! The cost of Booster Memberships is now 50% less! The new low price will be Adults $35 and Students $15 (including Elementary, Middle, and High School Students). The Booster pass allows Free Admission to all regular season JV and Varisty games. This includes ALL Spring season sports: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, and Lacrosse. Check Atoms Athletics schedules and buy your Booster Pass here.

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!

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.

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.

PTSA Nominating Committee: Each year the PTSA forms a committee to identify people interested in serving as PTSA officers. The Nominating Committee advertises the opportunities available and explains how to apply, receives nominations and identifies potential candidates, and presents a slate of nominees at the April PTSA general membership meeting. Contact Angela Torres at atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.

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.