ATES Updates_01/16/2026

Upcoming Dates:

01/19               Student Holiday-Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)
01/23               Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                        Topic: SOL Info & Understanding Accreditation 
01/28               End of 2nd Quarter
                        2-Hour Early Student Release - Dismissal time 1:20 pm
01/29-30         Teacher Workday (No School)
02/02               Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
02/04               Report Cards Go Home
02/06               Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                        Topic: How to support math at home
                        Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
02/16               School Holiday-George Washington’s Birthday
                        (President’s Day)-No School
02/17                Teacher Workday (No School)
02/18               3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm


Be Kind banner

Amazing things happening at Annandale Terrace will return next week.


Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Annandale Terrace

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at ATES

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.


When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.


Winter Party

You are invited to attend an upcoming Blizzard Breakfast event being held at Annandale High School Cafeteria on Saturday, January 17th from 9-11:30am. There will be games, a reading nook, provided breakfast, and special guests Olaf and Elsa in costume for pictures! 


Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.


HEALTHY MINDS, STRONG READERS

upcoming TPAC meeting_ January 20th

📚💙 Families, please join us for Healthy Minds, Strong Readers on January 20, 2026 at 7:00pm, at Groveton Elementary.

Learn how supporting children’s well-being strengthens reading and learning. ✔️ In-person or Zoom (https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99642589438)

✔️Spanish interpretation

✔️ Childcare & snacks provided

We hope to see you there!


Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals

FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.

FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.


Strategies for Better Sleep

student sleeping

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.


Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?

For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.

Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:

  • Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
  • Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
  • Consequences for cell phone policy violations.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.


Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.


Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages

FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.

The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program

Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.

Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.


⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.


Mason District 2nd Annual Community Health Fair

Mason District Health Fair on Saturday, Feb. 7th

You are invited to attend Mason District 2nd Annual Community Health Fair  scheduled on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00am to 12:00pm @ James Lee Community Center. We hope to see many of you there. 


Order Your Yearbook Online

Order Yearbook Online

The Annandale Terrace 2025-2026 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after March 27, 2026. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB32302.  The yearbooks will be distributed in June, 2026. 


Annandale Terrace Elementary Spirit Wear Shop

ATES Shop

Please visit www.campussurvivalkits.com/ates to shop ATES customized apparel. A portion of all sales benefits the Annandale Terrace PTA — support your school while you shop!


Tutoring Resources for Families

Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Superintendent Updates on Boundaries and AI
  • Healthy Habits to Avoid Illness
  • Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today