Annandale Community Insider - First Day of School

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start! The excitement of having all of our students back in the building was clear on the faces of both staff and students. Our staff members, along with the cheerleaders and marching band, enthusiastically welcomed students as they entered the building this morning. We also had the privilege of hosting WUSA9, who conducted live shots throughout the morning to showcase our incredible community. You can view their coverage here: WUSA9 Annandale Feature.

Throughout the day, teachers led activities to help students build relationships, make connections, and get energized about their courses. You can check out more highlights from the first day on Instagram.

One of our top priorities is building relationships. A key way we do this is through W4, our advisory period where we focus on creating community, clarifying expectations, and supporting students’ social and emotional growth. During W4, students and teachers will also explore our Atoms Agreements—Empathy, Determination, and Safety—which guide us in creating a learning environment where everyone belongs. Today, W4 also provided time to distribute laptops, ensure students could log in, and review our cell phone policy. We emphasized how keeping phones put away during class helps create a focused, distraction-free environment where everyone can stay engaged. Later this week, students will continue learning new technology and troubleshooting any issues.

Our students also did an excellent job moving quickly and efficiently through the new weapons detection system this morning. As a reminder, all students must enter through Door 1 at the main entrance or Door 7 near the cafeteria. For families using Kiss and Ride, please plan to drop off students beginning at 7:45 a.m. This reduces congestion and ensures students arrive to their first block on time, ready to begin the day.

If you have any questions, concerns, or observations, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also connect directly with your student’s teacher, counselor, or administrator—contact information is available on the school website.

Thank you for your continued support, and here is to a great school year ahead!

Shawn DeRose
Principal

2025-26 Bell Schedule

Tomorrow we will be following our normal bell schedule for the 2025-26 school year. See below for the detailed schedule. You can also click here for the red/white day calendar and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School.

Important 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 for the 2025-2026 school year by filling out the online Membership Form. 

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.