Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
It was great to welcome students, parents and families into the building on Thursday at our New Student Orientation & Open House. We are eagerly anticipating our students' return to the building tomorrow morning! Doors open at 7:45am.
When students arrive, they will report directly to their advisory class. This advisory period, which we refer to as W4, serves as a platform for building relationships, creating community, clarifying expectations, and sharing and cultivating our values. During W4 on Monday, students will receive their laptop and a paper copy of their schedule. Student schedules are also viewable in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. For more information about obtaining a ParentVue account, check out the FCPS website.
Below you will find detailed information about the first day of school, transportation, and other important back to school information. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our PTSA for graciously hosting the Welcome Back Breakfast for our staff on Thursday. This is just one of the many examples of the ways they support Atom Nation. Please consider joining for the 2025-2026 school year completing the online Membership Form.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and be part of our vibrant community. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, you'll find exciting updates, important announcements, and inspiring stories that showcase the spirit of Annandale. Links: Facebook, Instagram, X (formally Twitter) and YouTube
Join the Annandale 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 for the 2025-2026 school year by filling out the online Membership Form.
1st Day of School Logistics
Student Schedules: All students and parents should now 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. In addition, students will receive a hard copy of their schedule when they report to their advisory class (W4) on Monday morning. If a student forgets or does not know their W4 class, staff members will be stationed in the hallways to assist.
Finding Classes: Throughout the year, and especially during the first week of school, all staff members will be in the hallways supporting students during each transition. We realize that a little extra time may be needed as students learn or get reacquainted with the school building. They will get the hang of their new routine sooner than they think and we are all here to help!
Student Laptop Distribution: All students who turned in their school-issued computers last year will be issued a Chromebook in their W4 class on the first day of school. The first day of school will feature a special schedule with all students reporting to their W4 class at the beginning of the school day to receive their laptop.
If your student wishes to use a family-owned device, please ensure the device meets the required specifications. Then, log into your ParentVUE account and select “Opt-out of FCPS device.” This will ensure that your student is not responsible for an FCPS device.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Student! We are excited to announce that all Annandale students will receive free breakfast and lunch every day of the school year, thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This USDA program ensures that every student, regardless of their family's income level, can enjoy nutritious meals at no cost. The meal service will remain the same as other schools, with a la carte items available for purchase.
Note: Even though all students receive free meals, families who may qualify for additional benefits, such as fee waivers for lab fees, summer school tuition, and more, should still complete the Consent to Share form. Visit FCPS Free and Reduced Priced Meals website for more information.
Schedule Change Requests: Our Student Services team is working hard to make sure our students have accurate schedules. We recognize that some students will want to request changes to their schedule. At this time, we are only making schedule changes for the following reasons:
- A student does not have a complete schedule or is missing a core class required for graduation.
- A student was registered for a course that they have already successfully passed. The schedule does not reflect a grade change or summer school course that was successfully passed.
If your student would like a schedule change for one of the reasons listed above, they should go to Student Services during the class period in which the error occurs. Requests to change schedules based on preference will be considered at a later date. Details on this process will be provided in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Erin Crowley, or your student’s counselor if you have any questions.
Student Lockers: Student lockers will be available by request only beginning on Tuesday, September 2. Students will receive information about how to request a locker during W4.
Academy Students: Academy students taking a course during W4 (mid-day on White Days) should report to the Auditorium when they arrive to school on Monday morning. At that time, they will receive their laptop and participate in the first-day W4 lesson. All Academy students will also attend an orientation presentation on Monday at 9:00am in the Auditorium during R1. AM Academy students will not begin attending their Academy classes until Tuesday, August 20, while Mid-Day and PM Academy students may begin attending their classes after the orientation. Students will receive an email with their Academy shuttle information and other important details.
When returning from Academy, students who have a class labeled “Travel Period” on their schedule should report to the Auditorium if it is W6, or to the Library for all other periods. Mid-Day Academy students will have D Lunch. After the first week of school, all academy students will be issued a badge that includes their expected return time. Students arriving later than their assigned time may be marked tardy for their travel period or returning class.
First Day of School Bell Schedule: Students will report to their 4th period or W4 class to pick up their laptop and receive a hard copy of their student schedule. See detailed schedule.
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Transportation Information
Student Bus Route Assignments: FCPS Office of Transportation Services emailed student bus route assignments last week. Parents should have received an e-notify to check their ParentVue accounts for transportation information. Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage. Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Student Parking: This year, students will have the opportunity to purchase parking permits to park on the Annandale campus. Information about how to purchase a parking permit for the 2025-26 school year will be shared soon after the school year begins. In the meantime, students can park in any spaces from the last speed bump, the lot near the track and the first two rows of Ossian Park until permits are issued. If you have any questions, please email Aaron Schneider.
Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (aka Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (door #1). Parents should drop off their student(s) beginning at 7:45am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:55pm. If you have any questions, please email Aaron Schneider.
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Back to School Information
Bell Schedule: The bell schedule for the 2025-26 school year is the same as last year. See below for the detailed schedule and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School. Click here for the red/white day calendar.
Student Attendance: In order for our students to get the most out of their education, they must be in school and on time to class every day. Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Students who miss 2-4 days in September are more likely to go on to miss nearly a month of school. If your student must be absent from school, please inform the school. The attendance phone number is 703-642-4151.
In addition, parents will have the option to submit full-day absences through ParentVUE. Parent instructions are available on the Attendance page. The Parent Support Request page now includes under Application “SIS Parent” | Inquiry “Report Absences” option.
Back to School Forms Now Online! The Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet allows parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS and kindergarten through 12th grade. The enrolling parent* will be able to access OVU through their SIS ParentVUE account. More information can be found on the FCPS website.
Digital Consent Now Available Online: Parents can now log in to the Parental Digital Consent (PDC) system using your SIS ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to your child. Forms available include School Counseling Opt-Out, SEL Screener Opt-Out, and more.
Cell Phone Policy Update for High Schools: Cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, or anything connected to the internet) must be off and away from the first bell to the last bell, except during lunch in designated lunch areas. Devices cannot be used during passing periods or as an instructional tool in class. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-642-4100. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone policy, which helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school.
Secondary Grading Updates: There will be new secondary grading policies in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about middle and high school grading policy updates.
Weapon Detection System Update: In our latest effort to strengthen our layered safety and security programs, Annandale piloted a weapon screening system last spring. This weapon screening system will continue this year and be expanded to all middle and high schools this fall. Learn more on the weapons detection frequently asked questions page.
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Important Dates
August 18 - First Day of School for Students
August 20 - Dance Team Tryouts
August 29 & September 1 - Labor Day Holiday (No School)
September 9 - Student Holiday
September 18 - Back to School Night
September 22-26 - Homecoming Week
September 27 - Homecoming Dance
August 18 - First Day of School: Tomorrow, August 18 is the first day of school for students for the 2025-26 school year. View the 2025-26 school year calendar.
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Parent To-Do Checklist
Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE: Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents should receive an activation code when they register their student. Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.
Have a Rising Senior? 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.
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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. 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.
It's Not Too Late To Play a Fall Sport! Last week we welcomed back student athletes from Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Dance, and Band. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces in the gym and on the fields. If you weren’t able to make it to our first week of Fall Sports tryouts and practices, there is still time to join! The following teams are still open to new athletes coming out and no experience is necessary:
Purchase Your 'Atoms Pass' for 2025-2026! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are back! The "Atoms Pass" provides you general admission access to all regular season home football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass! Click here to purchase your 2025-26 Atoms Booster Pass!
August 20 - Dance Team Tryouts: Interested in dance?! Come out to our Atoms Dance Team Tryouts on Wednesday, August 20 from 3:30-5:30. No experience is needed! Location of tryouts will be in the Dance Room. For more information email coach Dorothy Edwards.
Atoms Football Mattress Fundraiser: If you are looking to replace a bed in your home, now is the time. Annandale Atoms Football is excited to announce it will be hosting the 1st Annual one-day Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, August 23, from 10am-4:30pm. For one day only, the School will be transformed into a mattress showroom. For information about the sale, go to: bit.ly/beds4annandale25.
There will be 30 different mattress styles on display in all sizes for customers to try, priced below retail. Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, foundations, mattress protectors, luxury sheets, and even massage chairs will also be available. The brands, including Simmons Beautyrest, Therapedic, Southerland, Intellibed, Innomax & Malouf, come with full factory warranties and are made to order. Mattresses are available 2-3 weeks after the Fundraiser. Delivery is available. Best of all, Annandale Atoms Football benefits from every purchase.
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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 purchasing 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.
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