Annandale Community Insider - April 20

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

I hope you had a relaxing spring break. Personally, I had the chance to attend a wedding in Wilmington, North Carolina, catch an Orioles vs. Guardians game, explore the Planet Word Museum, and tackle some much-needed yard work.

When we return to school tomorrow, it will be a sprint to the end of the year. It will be especially important to finish the year strong. Just know that at Annandale, we are here to support you each and every step of the way. Our focus continues to be on providing high-quality instruction and targeted support during the school day (PRIDE Time) and after school (ASAP).

Before the break, our teachers met individually with seniors who are at risk of failing a course to outline clear action steps that will help students get back on track. Then, we shared those steps with students and families via email.

We also sent invitations to students and families for our first round of Super Saturday, a series of focused review sessions designed to help students prepare for upcoming SOL and IB assessments. These sessions are excellent opportunities to reinforce key content, build confidence, and improve outcomes. Here are the dates of our upcoming sessions:

• April 26 – Reading, Algebra 2, Geometry, IB Business
• May 3 – Algebra 1, IB Geography
• May 10 – Biology, Chemistry, IB Math

Testing will begin this Friday, April 25. You can find specific testing dates on our detailed testing calendar and the image below. As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

April 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
April 22 - Signing Day for Future College Athletes
April 23 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day
April 25 - SOL Testing Begins
April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night
April 26 - Super Saturday: Reading, Algebra 2, Geometry, IB Business
April 26 - Unified Track Meet, 9am
April 29 - IB Testing Begins
May 1-3 - Annandale Theater Company Presents Little Shop of Horrors 
May 3 - Super Saturday: Algebra 1 and IB Geography
May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9 - Prom, 8-11pm
May 10 - Super Saturday: Biology, Chemistry, and IB Math
May 10 - Community Market & Yard Sale

April 22, 3:15pm - Signing Day for Future College Athletes: The Activities Office will be hosting a signing day for our future college athletes on April 22 at 3:15pm in the main gym to honor our student athletes who will be continuing their athletic career in college. Parents, teachers, and coaches will also be invited to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of our athletes. If you have any questions, please email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

April 25 - May 30 - SOL Testing: SOL testing will begin on April 25 and continue through May 30. Check out the detailed testing calendar. Students and families have received email notification of test schedules. Students will also receive email reminders the day before their scheduled test. Please encourage students to check their email to find their test information. If you have any questions about your student’s testing schedule, please contact Meg Anderson.

April 25 - Autism Acceptance Night: Please come join us this Friday at 5:45pm as we cheer on our Varsity Baseball and celebrate Autism Acceptance. Our special guest stars Amanuel Mebrate and Billy Boateng will be throwing out the first pitch for the game. Our classes have been working hard and we will be selling various items that they have created. We will also have baked goods and t-shirts for sale. All proceeds will go to our Special Education Department.

April 26 - Super Saturdays Begin: Annandale will continue the tradition of success that was established prior to, and even during COVID, by supporting students with Super Saturday SOL prep prior to testing. Here are the dates: April 26 - Reading, Algebra 2, Geometry, IB Business; May 3 - Algebra 1 and IB Geography; May 10 - Biology, Chemistry, and IB Math. Due to Spring Break, in lieu of a Super Saturday, Geosystems will have an In-School Blitz.

April 26 - Unified Special Olympics Track Meet: Join us at Annandale High School on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00am to 2:00pm for the Unified Special Olympics Track Meet. Athletes will compete in a variety of events, including the 100m and 400m relays and several field competitions. In addition to the events, enjoy food from local food trucks and visit booths hosted by Annandale clubs, offering activities, snacks, and products. This is a great opportunity to support the athletes, connect with the community, and celebrate inclusion.

April 29 - May 21- IB Testing: IB Testing will be held in various locations in the building beginning this Thursday. Here is the link to the detailed IB Testing calendar with arrival time and test duration. Contact Linda Bradshaw with any questions.

May 1-3 - ATC presents "Little Shop of Horrors": In this charmingly tongue-in-cheek musical comedy, the meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This R&B-singing carnivorous plant promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Enjoy the doo-wop style songs led by the Skid Row street urchins, bright sets and costumes, live pit, and a neighborhood of zany characters!  Recommended for Grade 5 and up. Tickets can be purchased at annadaletheatre.org.

May 9 - Senior Prom, 8-11pm: Prom will be held Friday, May 9 from 8:00-11:00pm at The River View at Occoquan. Each senior may purchase up to two (2) tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door. If students would like to bring a guest who does not attend Annandale High School, they must pick up a guest form from the front office and return it for approval. Students should not purchase tickets until the form is approved. No middle school students or guests 21 or older will be permitted.

IMPORTANT: Students must pay outstanding obligations before prom tickets can be approved. Students will not be allowed to enter prom if they have outstanding obligations. These obligations can be paid in MySchoolBucks. Here are instructions on how to access MySchoolBucks.com. Maximum 2 tickets per student. If buying a guest ticket for another AHS student, you must "Add Student" to your profile and purchase using their school ID. If purchasing for a non-AHS guest, purchase both tickets using your school ID#. Guest forms must be submitted to the front office no later than Monday, May 5.

May 10 - Community Market & Yard Sale – Vendor Spots Still Available! Join us on Saturday, May 10 from 9:00am-2:00pm in the Annandale High School front parking lot for a PTSA-hosted Community Market and Yard Sale! Whether you’re an artist, baker, crafter, or student entrepreneur, this is a great opportunity to showcase your work and connect with the community. Vendor spaces start at just $20 for a single spot, or $10 for FCPS students. Email AHSPTSAVPPrograms@gmail.com to reserve a spot!

Awesome Atoms

Letters from the Battlefield Brings Community Together: Last week’s screening of Letters from the Battlefield was a powerful and moving evening at Annandale High School. Created by three Annandale graduates from the Class of 1982, the film shares a personal story of the Vietnam War that connects generations and perspectives. The event welcomed students, families, staff, and community members for a thoughtful reflection on history, service, and understanding—capturing the spirit of what makes Atom Nation special. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the night a success!

Congratulations Dr. Hanna Langstein! We’re excited to share that Dr. Hanna Langstein has been selected as interim assistant principal at Halley Elementary School! While we’ll truly miss her leadership at Annandale, we’re thrilled to see her step into this new role. During her time here, Dr. Langstein made a lasting impact—supporting student success, mentoring staff, and strengthening our instructional practices. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Langstein on this well-deserved opportunity!

Music In Our Schools Month

Last month was Music in our Schools Month. At Annandale, we recognize the importance of music education for all students and the important role of music education in schools. To celebrate, we wanted to share some updates from our Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Guitar programs.

Annandale Performing Arts Department to be Named Blue Ribbon School: For the first time in over a decade, Annandale High School Performing Arts has been named a Blue Ribbon School — an elite distinction awarded only when Band, Chorus, and Orchestra all receive Superior ratings, the highest possible, at District Assessment. This achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication, talent, and leadership of our student musicians, as well as the tireless support of our families and community. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, passion, and excellence that made this moment possible. Congratulations to all our ensembles on this well-deserved honor!

Annandale Spring Musical May 1-3: Our award-winning, state-appearing Theatre program proudly presents Little Shop of Horrors — live on stage May 1–3! This highly anticipated production marks the exciting return of a live student pit orchestra for the first time since before the pandemic, bringing a whole new level of energy and musical excellence to the performance. Come support our incredibly talented cast, crew, and musicians as they bring this cult classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s a celebration of artistry and collaboration in the performing arts at its finest.

AHS Orchestra Performs at The Washington Tattoo: We are thrilled to share that members of the Annandale Chamber Orchestra recently performed at The Washington Tattoo — a world-class celebration of music, culture, and military tradition that is a sister program to the famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This prestigious event brings together elite military bands, international performing groups, and select civilian ensembles for a powerful showcase of patriotism and global artistry. Our students took the stage as one of the only non-professional ensembles invited to perform, playing to a sold-out audience of 1,450 people. Their performance not only held its own alongside professional and international groups, but also served as a shining example of the passion, discipline, and talent that defines Annandale Performing Arts.

Annandale Guitar Students Earn High Ratings in District Assessment: For the first time ever, the Annandale High School Guitar Program participated in District Assessment on April 10 — and made an unforgettable debut! With only two weeks of preparation, our talented guitar students delivered a standout performance that earned them Superior ratings, the highest possible score. This incredible achievement means that all four Annandale music ensembles — Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and now Guitar — received Superior ratings this year, highlighting the remarkable depth of talent and commitment across our entire Performing Arts Department.

Parent Volunteers and Donations Needed! 

The final two months of school include a number of exciting events and many opportunities to donate or volunteer at Annandale High School. Your support is not just appreciated; it's essential. 

Volunteering or donating is a testament to the strength and unity of our school community. Your willingness to contribute not only enriches our school culture and supports our students’ success, but also serves as a powerful model of community engagement for our students. See detailed opportunities below. 

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.

Concession Stand Coverage - Help Wanted! Click on a link below to sign up and support our Atoms Booster club! If anyone has trouble with the above links, please email odessapmurray@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Softball & Baseball: Sign Up Here
Soccer: Sign Up Here
Lacrosse: Sign Up Here

Proctors Needed for IB Exams: Calling all Volunteers! The IB exams are starting soon and we are in need of help to proctor the exams. Volunteers are needed to walk around the testing room occasionally and sit/monitor students. No special training is needed ahead of time. Each testing room will have at least one experienced proctor that will be in charge of administering the test. We just need additional adult supervision. Volunteers must be 21 or older. Bring your driver’s license to check-in at the main office. Dress casually with comfortable shoes!

Check out this Sign Up Genius. Questions? Please email Linda Bradshaw, IB DP Coordinator. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated! Thanks for supporting our IB students!

Help Recognize our Amazing Teachers! Seeking $5-$10 Gift Card Donations: This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 6-10. As a gesture of our appreciation of all the hard work and flexibility our teachers have demonstrated this year, we would like to offer a small gift to teachers. We are asking that you please donate $5-$10 gift cards, to any establishment of your choice, from now until May 3. If you are able to donate, please drop off gift cards to the Main Office or purchase gift cards via Amazon and have them shipped to Annandale High School. We appreciate your support in celebrating the amazing work our teachers are doing this year.

May 9 - Prom Chaperones Needed: The Class of 2025 is seeking volunteers to chaperone Prom. Annandale’s Prom is on Friday, May 9 from 8pm - 11pm at the River View at Occoquan (9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079). This is a great time to celebrate the Class of 2025 in a beautiful location! Please use this link to sign up to be a chaperone for a two-hour shift at the greatest event of the year! Email Stefanie Kline with questions.

June 4 - 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.

Opportunities

Free Prom Dresses and Suits at Promise: Do you need a dress or suit for Prom? Do you know someone that might need one? We got you! Prom is coming up on May 9th at the River View in Occoquan, and Annandale’s premiere prom fashion shop has you covered. Promise offers gently used, yet stylish dresses, suits, shoes, clutches and accessories for you to wear to prom – and to keep! Check out our updated inventory that offers a style for everyone’s taste. Stay tuned for the announcement for our grand opening and we look forward to helping you find a perfect look for Prom 2025. For further information reach out to Mr. Henceroth or visit him in room 210. We "Promise" Annandale Prom 2025 will be a night to remember!

Permit Testing at Annandale High School: We’re excited to offer several more opportunities this spring for students to take their permit test right here at Annandale High School! Testing will take place at 3:15pm in Room 43, and is open to all students. Here are the remaining dates: Thursday, April 24; Wednesday, April 30, Thursday, May 8; Wednesday, May 14; Tuesday, May 20 (no late bus). Register at bit.ly/AHSPermitTesting. Questions? Email Ms. McManus.

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 is now open and will end 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 fourth 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. 

April 26 - Super Saturdays Begin: Annandale will continue the tradition of success that was established prior to, and even during COVID, by supporting students with Super Saturday SOL prep prior to testing. Invitations will be going out to students to attend these events beginning in early April. Below is the tentative Saturday School schedule: April 26 - Reading, Algebra 2, Geometry, IB Business, and IB Environmental Science; May 3 - Algebra 1 and IB Geography; May 10 - Biology, Chemistry, and IB Math. Due to Spring Break, in lieu of a Super Saturday, Geosystems will have an In-School Blitz.

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.

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, 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 5:30 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. Students can pre-register here. Email Ryan Hughes with any questions. 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 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.