ATES Updates_03/27/2026

Upcoming Dates:

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 (8:45am)
                         Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
04/21                Special Election Day (No School)
04/22                3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm (Cancelled)
04/23                Spring Concert & Art Show (6:00-7:00pm, Gym & Cafeteria)
04/27                SOL Window Opens
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)
05/13                3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
                         Interim Reports Sent Home
05/15                Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                         Topic: ATES Family Ambassadors
05/25                Memorial Day/ Student Holiday-No School
05/26                Teacher Workday (No School)
05/27                Eid-al-Adha/ Student Holiday-No School
06/01                Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
06/03                SOL Window Closes


Be Kind banner

School Visit by Central Office
During our recent observation with the Project Momentum team in 4th grade, we had the opportunity to see strong instructional practices in action during small group instruction. Teachers had clearly engaged in thoughtful, collaborative planning, which was evident in the alignment of lessons and the intentional grouping of students based on their needs

While teachers worked with targeted small groups, other students remained meaningfully engaged in independent work that reinforced previously taught skills. These independent tasks provided valuable opportunities for review and application, allowing students to build confidence and stamina while working autonomously. Way to go 4th grade team!

School Visit by Central Office

Learning Continues during Spring Break

Over Spring Break, we encourage students to keep learning by using their school laptops for educational programs like Exact Path, K12 Summit, Lexia, ST Math, and SOLpass.org (password: annandale). Visit the hyperlinks via: Hyperlinks for learning during Spring Break.pdf

Please remind your child to use their laptop for these learning activities. School laptops should not be used for YouTube or other non-academic websites.
Students will log in using their seven-digit student ID and their password. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you need the password.


SOLpass.org only requires the password annandale with no student ID.


Thank you for your support in helping your child stay on track!

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Kindergarten Orientation

Do you or someone you know have a child, that will be 5 years old, on or before September 30, 2026?  If so, please join us for the 2026-2027 Kindergarten Orientation. During this event, families will have the opportunity to meet the Kindergarten teachers, administrators and other school staff while getting a glimpse of a day in Kindergarten classrooms. We look forward to you joining us!  

Kindergarten Orientation will be held on April 10, 2026 from 2:00-3:00pm in the gymnasium of Annandale Terrace Elementary School.

For more information about the registration process in other languages, visit FCPS’Kindergarten Registration webpage.


April's Family Lunch_04/17/2026

April's Family Lunch_04/17/2026

Student-Parent Lunch for April is scheduled to Friday, April 17, 2026. Parents are invited to have the lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.25 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/qQ61cxQf8Geu6FndA) if you are planning to attend.​​​​​​​


April Early Release Wednesday Canceled

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22, which was previously early release Wednesday for Annandale Terrace Elementary School.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.


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.


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.


Spring Concert & Art Show

SOL Windows

The testing window is from April 27-June 3. Full grade level testing will take place on the following dates:

  • Thursday, May 7 - 5th Grade Science
  • Tuesday, May 12 - 3rd Grade Math 
  • Thursday, May 14 - 4th Grade Math
  • Friday, May 15 - 5th Grade Math
  • Monday, May 18 - 3rd Grade Reading
  • Tuesday, May 19 - 4th Grade Reading
  • Wednesday, May 20 - 5th Grade Reading

Retakes and makeups are ongoing throughout the testing window, which closes on June 3rd.


FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.


Inova Healthy Plate Club

Inova Healthy Plate Club

Register: https://bit.ly/4oGbfxi if you are interested. 


Provide the County Government With Feedback on its Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).

You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.


Discover What’s New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
  • Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
  • Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
  • Vegetarian options like the meatless Philly melt are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.


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.


Free Dad's Parenting Group

Free Dad Workshop

12 virtual free sessions of Dad's Parenting Group will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:30pm from April 7th to June 30th, 2026. The classes will be taught in Spanish only. Call 703-324-7720 for the registration if you are interested. 


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.


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:

  • School Weather Safety
  • Science Fair Winners
  • Summer Internships at FCPS

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