ATES Updates_03/19/2026

Upcoming Dates:

03/20                Student Holiday-Eid al-Fitr-No School
03/25                Spring Pictures (ATES Library)
                         ATES Dance Night (6:00pm, AHS Gym)
03/27                End of 3rd Quarter
                         2-Hour Early Student Release - Dismissal time 1:20 pm
03/30-04/03      Spring Break
04/06                Teacher Workday (No School)
04/10                Teacher Workday (No School)
                         Kindergarten Orientation (2:00-3:00pm, Gym)
04/13                Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
04/17                Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                         Topic: Introduction of the Equity         
                         5th grade Panoramic
                         Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
04/21                Special Election Day (No School)
04/22                3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
04/23                Spring Concert & Art Show (6:00-7:00pm, Gym & Cafeteria)
05/01                Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                         Topic: Community resources
05/04                Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
05/08                Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)


Be Kind banner

Our Kindergarten students recently celebrated the end of their unit Benchmark with a special classroom celebration that included families. Parents were invited into the classrooms to see the learning in action and celebrate the progress their children have made throughout the unit.

Our Kindergarten students recently celebrated the end of their unit Benchmark with a special classroom celebration that included families.

We are proud to congratulate Ms. Cho for being recognized through the FCPS CARES program.

FCPS CARES is a program that gives students, families, and staff the opportunity to recognize Fairfax County Public Schools employees who go above and beyond to support students and the school community. Through FCPS CARES, individuals can submit a recognition to highlight staff members who demonstrate outstanding care, commitment, and dedication in their work.
We are proud to congratulate Ms. Cho for being recognized through the FCPS CARES program. This recognition reflects her dedication to our students and the positive impact she makes each day in our school community. We are grateful for her hard work and commitment and celebrate this well-deserved acknowledgment of her efforts. Below is the submission:

Joy joined our staff this year through Participate Learning. She goes above and beyond every day to teach her Kindergartners academics as well as life skills. She is often bringing in examples of things to help her students make sense of vocabulary and new concepts. She also works tirelessly to understand and plan instruction, often by translating lessons between her native language, Korean, and English. She has intentionally worked to improve her English pronunciation so that she can teach her students early literacy skills. Joy is a perfect example of a life long learner. She seeks feedback regularly and is always looking to improve so she can help her students succeed. Our students at Annandale Terrace are truly blessed to have her!


Our school recently hosted an exciting Career Day, giving students the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers and the many pathways people take in their professional journeys. Throughout the day, students listened to guest speakers, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered how different skills, interests, and education can lead to a wide range of careers. The experience helped students begin to make connections between what they are learning in school and how those skills can be applied in the real world.
A huge thank you to Ms. Denisse Mendez, who spearheaded the organization of this event. Her leadership and dedication helped create a meaningful and engaging experience for our students. And, another huge thank you to Ms. Jennifer Boyle for supporting this event with Ms. Mendez. It was a wonderful day of learning, inspiration, and community connection for everyone involved.

Our school recently hosted an exciting Career Day.

Chuck E. Cheese stopped by to greet students and build excitement for the upcoming PTA fundraiser.

We had a special visitor at our school this past Friday! Chuck E. Cheese stopped by to greet students and build excitement for the upcoming school fundraiser held on Friday. Students were thrilled to see him at dismissal and take pictures with this fun guest.
We hope many of our students and families were able to attend the fundraiser and enjoy time together while supporting our school community. Thank you to all the families who participated and helped make this event a success. Your continued support helps strengthen our school and provides additional opportunities for our students. A huge thank you to Ms. Cynthia Cannock for organizing this event.


Order Portrait / Class Group Pictures Now! Spring Picture Day_03/25/2026

Order Spring Picture

The Annandale Terrace 2025-2026 Spring portrait picture is now available for purchase! Order portrait picture:

1) Log on https://www.strawbridge.net/ 

2) Click "Order Pictures & Yearbooks"

3) Enter the code "FM484813" and click "Find" to order

Order group picture

The Annandale Terrace 2025-2026 Class group picture is now available for purchase pricing at just $14! Order Class Group Picture:

1) Log on https://www.strawbridge.net/ 

2) Click "Order Pictures & Yearbooks"

3) Enter the code "FM484810" and click "Find" to order


ATES Dance Night_03/25/2026@6:00PM

ATES Dance Night_03/25/2026@6:00PM

Join us for our annual ATES Dance Night, which will be held in Annandale High School Gym at 6:00pm on March 25th, 2026. Bring your families and enjoy a fun night. 


2026 Family Engagement Survey Opens through Monday, March 23

FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open through Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment.
  • Communication.
  • Student success.
  • Advocacy.
  • Family and school partnerships.
  • Community partnerships.

The survey (general survey link families ) will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.


Order Your Yearbook Online Now_$16.00 per Yearbook until March 27th, 2026

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 (It will be increased to $18.00 per yearbook after March 27th). Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB32302.  The yearbooks will be distributed in June, 2026. 


BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Parents may send in non-food items such as pencils or stickers for their child to share with their class, in lieu of food, to celebrate birthdays. PLEASE ABIDE BY THIS POLICY. 

The school will also recognize each child’s birthday with a birthday pencil and a card. In addition, we will announce each child’s name on his/her birthday during the morning news announcements.


SOLPass

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests. All Annandale Terrace students have access to the site. You may access the site through www.solpass.org/login or by going to Student Resources from our school website.

When you are on the login page, enter our school name and password: annandale. Click Login

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests.

RAPTOR VISITOR SIGN-IN

Visitors can use the Raptor Passport to scan a QR code at your school’s visitor entrance

Visitors can use the Raptor Passport to scan a QR code at our school’s visitor
entrance, allowing them to quickly and securely check-in without waiting in line.

You can download the Raptor Safe app for free from the Apple App Store or
Google Play Store by searching for “Raptor Safe”.

For detailed Info, please visit Raptor Safe FAQ Sheet.pdf


Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on: 

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:

  • Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-658-5600. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.


2026 Special Education Family Conference: Registration is open!🎉

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Registration is open!

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.


Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. All volunteers must:

  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.


2026 Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters

Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services. The annual program celebrates individuals across Fairfax County Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.

Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.

Award recipients will be recognized at the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate those helping build more inclusive and supportive school communities. Registration details for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.


Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

kindergarten

Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link

Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).

Read more about the registration process.


Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs

pre-K

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County. 

  • Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
  • Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).


All Ages Read Together- Free Preschool Classes

All Ages Read Together- Free Preschool Classes

If your child is 4 or 5 years old and has not had preschool, please contact Wedgewood Apartments Community Center at the phone @ 571-263-1086 or complete an interest form: https://bit.ly/aartenrollinterest


2026 Basketball Summer Camp

2026 Basketball Summer Camp

This camp is designed for young athletes of all skill levels to improve their game, build confidence, and have fun on the court.

Camp Details:

  • Dates:  July 20-24, 2026
  • Location:  Annandale High School (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003)
  • Campers:  Girls & Boys
  • Grades:  Rising 3rd - 9th 
  • Focus:  Skill development, teamwork, conditioning, and game strategy

Register or Learn Morehttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbms-Ipd_FNKPPgdyOh2nNSc3dpqU0t7z5GBCftQ7jTkcOmQ/viewform?usp=header 


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

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:

  • Winter Sports Champions
  • Parent Acknowledgement of Course Requests
  • Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey

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