Annandale Students, Families, and Community:
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on an incredible four years at Annandale High School, which came to a close on Wednesday at our graduation ceremony at EagleBank Arena.
During the ceremony, Senior Class President Salma Sherif reflected on her journey from staying in her comfort zone freshman year to stepping into new experiences and forming meaningful connections. She encouraged her classmates to do the same—to seek out opportunities, build relationships, and help create a sense of community wherever life takes them.
We also heard from longtime Annandale parent and PTSA Pantry founder, Norma Foti, who reminded our graduates to “look up” and notice the people and support systems around them and appreciate how every individual contributes to something greater. Sharing the story of how the PTSA Pantry began, she demonstrated how even small acts of service can create lasting impact.
These messages capture the spirit of the Class of 2025. Their accomplishments, whether on stage, on the field, in the classroom, or within the community, reflect the strength of a school that supports, encourages, and uplifts every student.
As I shared during the ceremony, guiding students through a changing world has brought challenges, but also incredible growth. And thanks to the strong partnership between our staff, families, and community, our students are not only achieving, they are thriving.
I am so proud to be part of a school where every student is empowered to find their voice and every person is valued. Thank you for your support throughout the year. On behalf of all of us at Annandale High School, congratulations to the Class of 2025—and best wishes for the journey ahead!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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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.
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End of the Year Staff Awards
We recently came together as a staff to celebrate our success and each other at our End of the Year Faculty Meeting. We recognized FCPS years of service, award winners, retirements, and our school Fred Award winners. A Fred Award is based on the book The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn and is given to staff members who have “make the ordinary, extraordinary.”
Congratulations to our winners:
- Fred Staff Member of the Year - Mary Johnson
- Fred Teacher of the Year - Emily Lockwood
- Fred Support Employee of the Year - Jen Buchanan
Important Dates
Now through June 10 - Underclass Exams
Now through June 11 - Underclass Laptop Collection
June 10 - PTSA Meeting
June 11 - Last Day of School (Dismissal 10:10am)
June 16 - Annandale Summer Camps Begin
July 7-25 - Summer Meals at Annandale High School
July 7-25 - Summer School Credit Recovery
July 7-25 - CTE Summer Academy Program
Now through June 11 - Final Exams (Dismissal 11:25am): Final exams for our underclass students continue this week. See the exam schedule below. Monday and Tuesday, students will be dismissed at 11:25am. Students can also pick up a grab-and-go lunch before leaving for the day.
Now through June 11 - Underclass 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 now through June 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.
June 10 - PTSA Meeting: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, June 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.
June 11 - Last Day of School (Dismissal 10:10am): Wednesday, June 11, is a two-hour day with students being dismissed for the year at 10:10am.
June 16 - Annandale Summer Camps Begin: 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.
July 7-25 - Summer Meals at Annandale High School: Free breakfast and lunch will be served to all children ages 18 and under at Annandale High School from July 7 to July 25, Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be available from 9:00am to 10:00am, and lunch will be served from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Meals are first come, first served, and children must remain on site while eating. Please note that no meals will be served on the June 19 and July 4 holidays. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please contact us at SummerMeals@fcps.edu or at 703-813-4800. For more information and additional meal service sites, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage. Note: Measl will be served at Annandale Terrace Elementary School beginning July 2.
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Awesome Atoms
Honoring the IB Diploma Class of 2024 at the IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony: On Thursday, June 5, Annandale High School hosted our IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony and Roundtable, celebrating the achievements of our IB Graduates from the Class of 2024. Originally planned for January, the event brought alumni back to campus to mark a significant academic milestone and share their journeys beyond AHS.
The ceremony began with the presentation of IB certificates, recognizing the hard work and commitment of our graduates. Following the awards, students participated in a dynamic roundtable discussion, offering insights into their IB experiences and post-high school paths.
The event featured a student address by Husna Basiri, now a freshman at George Washington University, and a faculty message from Ms. Lauren Paz Soldan. Rising IB juniors and seniors were invited to attend, gaining valuable perspective and advice from those completed the IB Diploma before them.
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Annandale Athletes Take Their Game to the Next Level! During our End of Year All Athletes Celebration, we recognized Atoms who have committed to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level. These student-athletes have demonstrated incredible dedication, talent, and perseverance—on the field, in the pool, and on the track—and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.
This year, we celebrated Joelle Brew Riverson, who will compete in Track & Field at Virginia Commonwealth University; Dominic and Marcus Cortes, both heading to Randolph College to play Soccer; Mohammed Kallon, who will join Boston College’s Soccer program; Sarah Murphy, set to play Volleyball at Susquehanna University; Sarah Nagle, who will play Soccer at Amherst College; Brendan Nguyen, continuing his Soccer career at Goucher College; Noah Popp and Finnian Sample, both swimming for Marymount University; and Gabriela Villatoro, who will compete in Track & Field at Marymount University.
Discovering Atom Nation: Welcoming the Next Generation of Atoms! On June 2, Annandale High School hosted Discovering Atom Nation, an evening designed to introduce rising 9th graders and their families to the many opportunities available at AHS. The event highlighted Annandale’s wide range of athletics programs, clubs, and student organizations.
Attendees explored tables where coaches, directors, and student representatives, shared information and answered questions about how to get involved. Whether interested in sports, performing arts, or student leadership, future Atoms got a meaningful glimpse into what it means to be part of the Annandale community.
Atoms Represent at Commanders Girls Flag Football Clinic! Annandale was proudly represented at the Washington Commanders Girls Flag Football Clinic held this weekend at Woodson High School! AHS students Sylvie Bankester and Amalka Benavides joined other FCPS athletes for an exciting day of skill-building and team spirit, with guidance from top-notch flag football coaches. The clinic, part of FCPS’s initiative to explore Girls Flag Football as a future athletic offering, gave students a hands-on experience—and even a chance to meet former and current Commanders players, including new defensive end TJ Maguranyanga!
Thank You Annandale PTSA! A huge shoutout to the Annandale High School PTSA for their continued support throughout the year. The 2024–2025 PTSA Executive Board includes President Angela Torres, Vice President of Programs Sarah Henken, Vice President of Membership Hanh McPherson, Treasurer Renata Thompson, and Secretary Jennifer Ellis.
Special thanks to Rheanna Bernard for once again leading the All Night Grad Celebration, and to Norma Foti for her ongoing dedication to the Food Pantry and Pantry Garden. We’re also thankful for Christine Peck’s support in organizing the Online Auction, Thurraya Kent for coordinating the ANGC Mulch Sale, Nancy Dosen for overseeing Scholarships and Awards, and Cathie Harmon for her work as Webmaster.
Full Circle Moment: Class of 2025 Takes the Graduation Walk: On June 2, members of Annandale High School’s Class of 2025 took a meaningful walk down memory lane—literally. As part of our annual Graduation Walk tradition, seniors returned to their former elementary schools in their caps and gowns to celebrate how far they’ve come and to inspire the next generation of learners. Special thanks to the staff at our feeder schools for warmly welcoming our students back. It was a reminder of the community that surrounds and supports every Atom on their path to success.
Important Information
End-of-Year Reminders: The last day of school is Wednesday, June 11! Here are a few reminders to finish out the year:
- Remind your child to return all library books and FCPS laptops.
- Check your child’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any balances.
- Pick up any medications: A parent/guardian must pick up in person.
- Bookmark the 2025-26 school year calendar for next year.
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.
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Opportunities
Is Your Student Ready to Drive? If you have logged hours behind the wheel, have your Virginia Learner’s Permit, and have earned your pink card, then you may be ready to obtain your license! Consider enrolling in Behind the Wheel through ACE. Conveniently, you can meet instructor and the car at Annandale HS on various dates throughout the summer. Check out the many sessions offered and enroll here: Driver Education Behind the Wheel at Annandale HS. If you have any questions, email Lizzie McManus.
Yearbooks Are Here! Yearbooks are available for pick-up outside of room 262 before and after school. 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. 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.
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Follow Annandale HS on Social Media
Stay connected with Annandale High School by following our award-winning social media! Recently named, FCPS Best in Social Media (High School), our socials are the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on in #AtomNation. Links: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
News from Student Services
SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE: Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests. Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines. Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
July 7-25 – Summer School Credit Recovery: Counselors have begun having conversations with students about possible summer learning opportunities. For students needing credit recovery, classes will be in-person at here at Annandale High School from July 7-25. Attendance is mandatory and is tracked by the minute (300 minutes per day). If a student misses over 600 minutes, they will be removed from the program. Communicate with your student’s counselor if there are questions.
July 7-25 – CTE Summer Academy Program: For students interested in taking a deeper dive into Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas, the CTE Summer Academy Program does an exploration of Business and Information Technology, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology/Engineering Education, and more! Housed at Lake Braddock Secondary School, this program will provide students 4 hours daily of enriching programming and career exploration. Please consult the link for tuition details, transportation, and schedule.
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.
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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 High School Athletics and Activities program, visit their website, AHS Athletics Twitter or Instagram page.
Annandale Athletics Yearlong Recap: Thank you to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, parents, and community for making the 2024-2025 year a success at Annandale. Check out this week’s “Atoms Athletics and Activities Newsletter " for a recap of the past school year that includes fall, winter, and spring sports.
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.
August 4 - Start of Fall Season: Mark your calendars for Fall 2025 sports tryout dates. Sports include golf, football, cheer, field hockey, cross-country & volleyball.
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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
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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.
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