Annandale Community Insider - June 1

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

As we enter the last full week of the school year, I am so proud of the work we have done to collectively hold high standards and help our students reach their goals. These last several weeks running up to SOLs, IB exams, and our upcoming graduation ceremony, I have highlighted the ways we continue to work together as a school to support our students’ needs. This support doesn’t just come from teachers, but all staff members at Annandale High School, as well as our families and community members. Thank you for all you do to support us and to support your student.

On Wednesday, we will hold our graduation ceremony at EagleBank Arena. I am excited to see all of our families and distinguished guests, and to celebrate our seniors on this momentous occasion. The ceremony will be livestreamed and available for viewing at https://bit.ly/Annandale2025.

Underclassmen will attend school on graduation day and follow a modified schedule featuring two PRIDE Time sessions—a valuable opportunity to get academic support, complete missing assignments, and prepare for final exams. Students not requested for PRIDE Time will stay with their period 11 teacher throughout the morning. Breakfast will be available before school, and a Grab n’ Go meal will be offered at dismissal. Buses will depart at 10:30am.

Final exams will begin on Thursday. Students will be dismissed at 11:25am on exam days. As a reminder, final exams are worth 10% of a student’s grade in the course. Our Atoms Agreement of Determination means that we do our best and we try, even when things are hard. To that end, I encourage students to show determination by taking full advantage of their time this week to ask their teachers for help. If a student needs help, or doesn’t know where to start, I encourage them to work with their teacher. 

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Finish Strong!

End of Year Attendance Requirements: The last day of school for underclass students is Wednesday, June 11. Teachers and teams are continuing to plan high quality instruction that will prepare students to be successful not only in their course, but in the coming years. In some cases, students are working on certifications or other requirements for graduation. All students are expected to attend school each day to complete these activities and finish the year strong.

June 5-11, school will be held from 8:10-11:25am. During this time, students will complete their end of course exams. These culminating activities assess students’ mastery of the standards and skills they have been learning throughout the year.

Final Exams: In each class, the final exam or culminating activity counts for 10% of a student’s grade, regardless of the impact on the final grade. Per FCPS policy, a student whose absence from the final examination or activity is unexcused will receive an F for that examination. Exceptions to this must be approved by the principal. Final exams are not eligible for retakes.

It is important for students to recognize the impact their final exams will have on their grades, and take steps to prepare so they can do their best. In W4 Advisory, we held one-on-one check-ins with each student, reviewing their current grades, and helping them create a plan to prepare.

Important Dates

June 2 - Cap and Gown Distribution
June 2 - Graduation Walks
June 2 - Physical Night, 5:30pm
June 2 - Discovering Atom Nation, 6pm
June 3 - Graduation Rehearsal
June 4 - Early Release, 10:25am
June 4 - Graduation, 2pm
June 5 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony
June 5-10 - Underclassmen Exams
June 5-11 - Underclassmen Laptop Collection
June 10 - PTSA Meeting
June 11 - Last Day of School (Dismissal 10:10am)

June 2 - Physical Night: Get your Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Exams on Monday, June 2, Annandale High School will host an opportunity for student athletes to receive a complete pre-participation physical exam that will be valid for all sports for the 2025-26 academic year, until June 30, 2026. This event will serve as the primary fundraiser for the Annandale Athletic Training Program, we thank you for your support and donation! 

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.

June 2 - Discovering Atom Nation! The Activities Office will be hosting an information night for rising 9th grader on June 2 at 6:00pm in the main gym. During this session, future Atoms will have the opportunity to visit tables and learn more about the incredible opportunities Annandale has to offer. A coach, director, or student representative for each program will be available to answer any questions. Email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

June 4 - Early Release: Wednesday, June 4, will be an early release day due to graduation later that afternoon. Students will follow a modified morning schedule featuring two PRIDE Time sessions—a valuable opportunity to get academic support, complete missing assignments, and prepare for final exams. Schedule for the day:

8:10–9:13 – PRIDE Time 1
9:20–10:23 – PRIDE Time 2

Students not requested for PRIDE Time will stay with their teacher throughout the morning. Breakfast will be available before school, and a Grab n’ Go meal will be offered at dismissal. Buses will depart at 10:30am.

June 4 - Graduation, 2:00pm: Graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:00am at Eagle Bank Arena. This is a momentous occasion for our students and families. In addition, this event is a celebration of our collective efforts to support the Class of 2025 over the past four years. School will be in session for underclassmen from 8:10-10:25am.

June 5-11 - Underclassmen Laptop Collection: All students are required to turn in their FCPS issued laptop before leaving for the summer. Students will have the opportunity to turn in their laptop from June 5-11 from 9:20-11:25am, in the Cafeteria, after the last final for which it is needed. On the last day of school, June 11, students may turn in their laptops at 8:10am in the Cafeteria. Students who are registered for FCPS summer school will be issued a laptop at their summer school location.

June 5 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony and Roundtable: We have rescheduled our IB celebration (which was snowed out in January) to Thursday, June 5 at 8:30am in the auditorium. Our IB Graduates of 2024 will be returning to share their post high school/college experiences as well as receive their IB certificates during W4. We will open with a roundtable discussion led by our graduates about their IB experiences and then distribute certificates. Husna Basiri, a freshman at George Washington University will be the student speaker and Lauren Paz Soldan will give the faculty address. Light refreshments will be served in the IB office following the ceremony. Rising IB juniors and seniors will be invited to attend.

Awesome Atoms

Celebrating the Class of 2025: Senior Awards Highlights: On Thursday, May 30, Annandale High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 during our annual Senior Awards Ceremony. The event recognized students for outstanding academic achievements across all content areas and honored seniors selected for community-based awards and scholarships. From leadership in the arts and sciences to service and resilience, the ceremony highlighted the talent and determination that define our graduating Atoms. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!

Important Information

Eid al-Adha and Final Exams on June 6: We recognize that Eid al-Adha begins the evening of Thursday, June 5, and understand that some students may be absent on Friday, June 6, when R1 and R3 final exams are scheduled. Students who will be observing the holiday and anticipate being absent are asked to submit a prearranged absence form and coordinate directly with their teachers to schedule a makeup exam. We appreciate your attention to this and your continued support in honoring our diverse community. Please reach out with any questions.

Preparing for the Future: Weapons Screening System Now Installed: Annandale High School has expanded FCPS’s weapons screening pilot, with the permanent installation of the screening system at our entrances. The purpose of our expanded screening is to continue to familiarize ourselves with the new system and prepare for FCPS division-wide implementation across all high schools at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. Students are reminded to remove certain metal items—such as laptops, binders, and umbrellas—before entering the line. For those seeking more details, the FCPS FAQ page and the Office of Safety and Security remain available for additional questions

Medication Pickup: The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 11. Medications left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian, however, with parent or guardian written permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the health room. If you have any questions, please contact the School Health Aide Larry Cooper Sr. at 703-642-4110, or the Public Health Nurse Michelle Dierkes.

Required Immunizations for Rising Seniors: Additional immunizations are required for students entering grade 12. All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department. 

Class of 2025 Information

We are less than one week away from celebrating the graduating Class of 2025 and we wanted to share important information and dates that will assist seniors, parents and community members in preparing and planning for the end of the school year. 

Check out the latest Class of 2025 Newsletter that was sent out last week. It contains info about this week’s upcoming events as well as the tasks seniors must complete prior to picking up their cap and gown on Monday, June 2.

If you have any questions about upcoming senior events, please contact our senior class sponsors, Steven Zaret, Prarthana Purohit, Stefanie Kline, Stuart Converse or our senior class administrator, Jae Lee.

June 2 - Senior Obligations & Cap and Gown Distribution: Seniors must pay all outstanding obligations, including Senior Dues, prior to receiving their cap and gown. Financial obligations can be paid online via myschoolbucks.com, by using the myschoolbucks mobile app, or in person on June 2. Here are instructions on how to access MySchoolBucks.com. All senior obligations must be paid before picking up their cap and gown. If you have any questions, please email Jeremy DeBoe, Finance Technician.

Students can pick up their cap and gown and senior gift on June 2 during their assigned times listed below.

• 10:00-11:00am - Last names A-L
• 11:30-12:30pm - Last names M-Z

Students enter through Door 11, at the front of the building, to the upper gym where they will turn in all equipment and supplies and pay any obligations in order to become eligible to graduate.

June 2 - Graduation Walk, 1:30pm: We are thrilled to extend an invitation to participate in the Graduation Walk event on June 2, where students will have the wonderful opportunity to revisit their previous elementary school and stroll through the halls adorned in cap and gown, celebrating their achievements and the journey that has led them to this momentous occasion. Interested students must submit this form by May 28. Transportation will not be provided. All students who would like to participate must safely get to their school on their own. Note: Annandale Terrace graduation walk is 2:30pm.

June 3 - Graduation Rehearsal: Graduation rehearsal will be held on the Annandale High School stadium field. Seniors who choose to participate in the Graduation Ceremony must attend graduation rehearsal during their assigned times below. 

• 10:00-11:00am - Last names A-L
• 11:30-12:30pm - Last names M-Z

Students should meet on the home side stadium bleachers where they will receive information about the ceremony.

June 4 - Graduation, 2:00pm: Graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:00am at Eagle Bank Arena. This is a momentous occasion for our students and families. In addition, this event is a celebration of our collective efforts to support the Class of 2025 over the past four years.

June 4 - All Night Grad Celebration: Now is the time to get your tickets for he 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.

Opportunities

Yearbooks Are Here! Yearbooks are available for pick-up outside of room 262 before school, after school, and during all Red day lunches. Before school runs from 7:55-8:05am, and after school runs from 2:55-3:10pm. If you pre-ordered a yearbook, bring your student ID when you come pick up your book. In-person sales must show purchase confirmation or bring cash. Cost is $85.

NOVA Early Online College Fall 2025 Semester Registration: NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to two tuition-free college courses. EOC courses for the fall semester take place Monday, September 22, through Tuesday, December 16, 2024. Students should register by Friday, July 25, at 5 p.m. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. Thirteen courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities. 

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year: Annandale High School students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to our front office. Our students can ride Metrobus for free, in addition to the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to Student Services. 

News from Student Services

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

Student Testing Results Coming Soon: Throughout May and June, you will receive your child’s spring assessment results. If you aren’t sure what assessments your child took this year, there is a list of tests by grade level on the FCPS website. How the results are delivered depends on the test. Scores will be delivered in SIS ParentVUE or from the school or testing organization. Learn what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines. Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about how test results are reported to families. Individual test websites provide report translations and help for interpreting test results. Please contact us with any testing questions or for additional information about how we use test results to support student success.

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. 

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.

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

PTSA Slate of Officers Announced! The PTSA Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of officer nominees for the 2025-2026 PTSA Executive Board. Please join us at the June 10 meeting to vote for the new PTSA Executive Board. The slate is as follows:

President: Angela Torres
Vice President, Programs: Sarah Henken
Vice President, Membership: Hanh McPherson
Treasurer: Sophorn Mao
Secretary: Jennifer Ellis

All Night Grad Celebration Volunteers Needed: Annandale High School’s All Night Grad Celebration is June 4 from 11:00pm-5:00am at Audrey Moore Rec Center! Parents can join the fun by volunteering to help! It takes a lot of volunteers to make this a successful night for our seniors. Please look at the sign-up and find a shift that works for you.

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.