Annandale Community Insider - July 27

Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

This month, I had the pleasure of spending time back home in Ohio with family and friends, where I also celebrated my high school reunion. While waiting in line at Cedar Point, I ran into an Annandale graduate from the Class of 1991. We shared memories and reflections on our time at Annandale, and both agreed that the school’s deep sense of community—one that thrives both inside and outside its walls—continues to leave a lasting impression. Moments like that remind me just how powerful and enduring a supportive school community can be. It’s one of the many reasons I’m so proud to be part of Atom Nation.

At Annandale, we believe that while it's okay to be where you are, it's not okay to stay there. Over the past two weeks, our administrative team came together to reflect on last year’s successes and challenges and to align our goals and strategies for the year ahead. These focused conversations—grounded in your feedback—are shaping our next steps as we strive to meet the needs of every student and family in our community.

As Dr. Michelle Reid reminded us at the FCPS Leadership Kickoff last week, “We must be a division known for our works and not simply for our words.” At Annandale, this means turning our commitments into action—by prioritizing relationships and support, delivering high-quality instruction, and strengthening collaboration. As we look ahead to the new school year, we are focused on doing the work that ensures every student is known, challenged, and supported.

As always, please reach out with questions and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

July 28 - Golf Practice Begins

July 29 - Band Camp Begins

August 1-3 - Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday

August 4 - Fall Sports Tryouts Begin

August 4-7 - New Teacher Orientation

August 11 - First Day for Teachers

August 12 - Fall Meet the Coaches Night

August 14 - Student Schedules Available

August 14 - Parent Information Session

August 14 - New Student Orientation & Open House

August 18 - First Day of School for Students

August 29 and September 1 - Labor Day Holiday (No School)

September 18 - Back to School Night 2025

September 22-25 - Homecoming Week

September 26 - Homecoming Dance

July 29 - Band Camp Begins: The Marching Atoms Band Camp begins on Tuesday, July 29, and will run daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm. We will greet all students at Door 2 on the first day of camp. Our students will be supported by a full staff of professional instructors, including alumni from the GMU Green Machine, the JMU Marching Dukes, Florida State University, Virginia Tech, and the Washington Commanders Marching Band. The program will be led by our new Director of Bands, Mr. Zach Wadsworth, who brings a decade of experience building dynamic and inclusive band programs.

To prepare for camp, please complete the 2025 Marching Atoms Registration, VHSL Physical Form (print, complete, and return to the Activities Office at Door 10), and the FCPS Emergency Care Form (print, complete, save a personal copy, and bring one to camp). These forms are required for participation.

We are also excited to welcome students from other fine arts departments to join the Color Guard and Tech Crew. Color guard members will participate in choreographed routines using flags, sabers, and rifles, while the tech crew will help manage audio equipment, props, and support logistics for performances. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Zach Wadsworth, Director of Bands.

August 1-3 - Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday: Virginia’s three-day sales tax holiday is Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3. During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star and WaterSense products without paying sales tax. For more information on eligible items, visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage. 

August 4 - Fall Sports Begin: Fall sports, which include Cheer, Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, and Volleyball will begin, Monday, August 4. Golf begins on July 28. No experience is necessary. All are welcome! To participate, students need to complete a VHSL physical form and register online to play. Here is the link to the physical form that must be completed by a doctor. To register online, click here. Once you have completed the physical form, turn in the form at the Activities Office. The office is open every day from 8:00am-2:00pm. See detailed tryout information below and if you have any questions, email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

August 12 - Meet the Coaches Night: We invite all parents and guardians of our fall athletes to join us for Meet the Coaches Night on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30pm in the Annandale High School Auditorium. This event is a valuable opportunity to hear important information from our athletic office staff, athletic trainer, and Athletic Boosters, as well as to meet your student’s coach and learn more about the upcoming season. The evening will begin with a general session in the auditorium, followed by individual team breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and working together for a successful fall season

August 14 - Student Schedules Available: Beginning Thursday, August 14 at 6:00am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data.

August 14 - Freshmen (Grade 9) and New Student Orientation: Annandale High School is excited to welcome rising freshmen as well as new students to our school orientation on August 14 from 1:30-3:30pm. Students and parents will meet administrators, counselors, teachers, and other essential school personnel and have an opportunity to explore the school building and learn more about student life at Annandale. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin Taylor.

August 14 - Parent Information Session: We would like to also invite parents to a Family Coffee session that will be held during New Student Orientation from 1:30-3:30pm. During this information session, you will learn more about Annandale High School, our values, and what to expect as your student(s) matriculates through high school from course selections to extra-curricular activities. At the end of the session, you will have an opportunity to visit various stations to acquire additional information from counselors, sports activities, and clubs.

August 14 - Open House: All returning Annandale students and their families are invited to our Open House on August 14 from 3:30-4:30pm. Open House provides students an opportunity to walk through our halls and find their classes for next year. There is no formal program during this time, but rather an informal chance to get reacquainted with AHS. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin Taylor.

August 18 - First Day of School: Monday, August 18 is the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year. View the 2025-26 school year calendar. 

Awesome Atoms!

Lily Craig Leads Global Navigators in Estonia! Lily Craig is currently in Estonia leading a Diplomacy and Peace Studies program with the Center for International Education and Exchange. Over three weeks, she’s helping students engage with local officials and international peace organizations, participate in negotiation simulations, and develop peace-building projects. We look forward to hearing about her impactful experience this fall!

Annandale Students Shine at EIP Summer Academy: 35 Annandale students participated in the Early Identification Program (EIP) Summer Academy and did an incredible job! EIP supports first-generation students on their path to college through academic enrichment, leadership development, and personal growth. Our students showed outstanding dedication as they built skills, gained confidence, and embraced the opportunities EIP provides. We’re so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see all they accomplish next!

Shawn DeRose Completes Term as VASSP President: Congratulations to Shawn DeRose on the successful completion of his term as President of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Mr. DeRose was honored for his service and leadership at the 2025 Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition, held June 23–26 at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel.

Founded in 1906, VASSP is a leading organization dedicated to promoting quality education and supporting school administrators across Virginia. As one of the largest affiliates within the National Association of Secondary School Principals' network, VASSP provides outstanding professional development and advocacy for its members. Mr. DeRose’s leadership over the past year reflects his deep commitment to educational excellence and the advancement of school leadership.

Annandale Basketball Camp Brings the Heat! This summer, campers at Annandale High School's basketball camp spent each day honing their basketball skills through a variety of drills and activities. Each participant received a detailed report card assessing their abilities, a camp t-shirt, and had the opportunity to compete for trophies. Directed by Jerome McAvoy, our Varsity basketball coach, the camp provided expert guidance and training, ensuring all attendees received top-notch instruction and support.

Literacy, Language, and Learning at Annandale Summer Credit Recover: The literacy and ELD classes at Annandale’s summer Credit Recovery program were a success, with strong student engagement and skill-building in all four language domains. Families valued the structured, supportive environment, and students celebrated their growth on the final day with certificates and photos. Congrats to Ariana Patino Orellana, winner of the Chromebook raffle!

Annandale Teambuilding! In preparation for the 2025–26 school year, the Annandale team spent a day at Rudy’s Golf focused on team building and planning. The time together provided a chance to connect, reflect on priorities, and align around our goals for the year ahead. It was a productive and energizing start as we get ready to support our staff, students, and community.

Important Information

Cell Phone Policy Update for High Schools: Beginning in August, high school students can only use their cell phones and other personal devices (AirPods, smart watches, etc.) during lunch and before or after school. This is a change from FCPS’ current cell phone policy, which allows high schoolers to use devices during passing periods. Next school year, students must keep devices off and away during classroom time and during passing periods between classes. Read more about the Cell Phone Policy.

PSAT and SAT School Day Testing Accommodations: FCPS high schools will give the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 8. That same day, 12th graders will participate in SAT School Day. Because the College Board operates these exams, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual support. Families can view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about College Board accommodations on the FCPS website. 

If you have a rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grader with accommodation needs, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to their high school by Monday, August 4. If you have a multilingual learner (ML) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 28, to request ML support for the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day. Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments offered at FCPS.

IB Transcript Requests: Graduates who filled out the Senior Survey in May will have an IB transcript sent to the college that was listed in the survey. IB will send out transcripts in August either electronically or via a paper copy. If a student’s university plans have changed, students may request a transcript for a fee at any time. If you have questions, please contact Linda Bradshaw. 

IB Scores Released: Information on how to obtain IB scores was handed out during IB testing. Results will be posted after July 6 and can be found at https://candidates.ibo.org. Here are a few helpful hints accessing the IB candidate portal: Enter pin exactly (case sensitive); If locked out, wait a few hours and try again; Best browsers to use are Chrome or Firefox. Please reach out to Linda Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, if you need login information or have questions.

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.

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.

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.

Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations: This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations through Friday, August 1. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or social worker by phone or videoconference. We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.

Class of 2026 News

Annandale is Here to Support Your Senior Year College Journey! Annandale High School is committed to partnering with students and families as they navigate the college application process. Check out our recent Class of 2026 Newsletter that includes valuable resources, events, and personalized assistance to help seniors and families plan for life after high school with confidence.

Class of 2026 Meningococcal Vaccine Reminder: The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into one of its schools. All students in grade 12 are required to have been immunized with one dose of the Meningococcal Vaccine given at the age of 16 or older. Please review the immunization requirements here. Proof of immunization must be submitted to the school. These documents need to be returned prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year. For more information on this requirement, visit this FCPS website.

Upcoming Summer Camp

Baseball Skills Camp- Aug 12-16, 5-7pm ($110, or $25 a session) This camp is designed for Grades 3-9 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.

Registration can be found here. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”. Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online.

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. Check out their weekly newsletter to learn more about Annandale's activities, clubs and sports programs. You can also visit their website, AHS Athletics Twitter or Instagram page. 

Add Your name to the Atoms Legacy Wall: The Annandale High School history of success, community support, and strong alumni base stretches back to its creation in 1954. To help commemorate and preserve that legacy, students, alumni, and community members have the opportunity to purchase an acrylic block on the Legacy Wall as a graduation or birthday gift, or to simply share a legacy with the Annandale community. Each acrylic block can be purchased for $100 and will be displayed along the stadium field wall. To purchase a block, visit myschoolbucks.com. *Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks* For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin or Bryan Harris.

Physicals Required for Fall Sports and Marching Band: To participate in marching band or any fall sport, students need to complete a VHSL physical form. Here is the link to the physical form that must be completed by a doctor. Once you have completed the physical form, turn in the form at the Activities Office. The office is open every day from 8:00am-2:00pm. See detailed tryout information below and if you have any questions, email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

For last minute physicals, visit local CVS minute clinics and urgent care facilities below.

CVS Minute Clinic Locations 

• 3921 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 
• 7205 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA

Progressive Urgent and Primary Care

• 7306 Maple Pl, Annandale, VA

News from the PTSA

PTSA Membership for the 2025-26 School Year: 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 for the 2025-2026 school year by purcbhasing  membership in our new store.  Don't forget to sign your students up as well!  For more information about the Annandale PTSA contact us at atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com. 

Support the PTSA Welcome Back Breakfast! As we gear up for another exciting school year, we invite you to contribute to the PTSA Welcome Back Breakfast for our dedicated teachers and staff on Thursday, August 14. This special event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment to our students. Whether you can volunteer your time or make a financial contribution, your support will make a huge difference. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming start to the new school year for our amazing educators. Sign Up here!