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10/22 Gr. 1 Field Trip to Cox Farm
AAP Information Night (5:00 pm, Cafeteria)
10/23 Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
Topic: Title I Family School Compact 2026-27
Student Parent Luncheon (Lunch time, Cafeteria)
10/26-30 Digital Citizenship Spirit Week
10/28 Gr. 4 Field Trip to GMU Center for Arts
10/29 K Field trip to Miller Farm
10/30 Book Character Day
End of 1st Quarter
2-Hour Early Student Release - Dismissal time 1:20 pm
11/02-03 Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
11/05 Multicultural Night (5:30-7:30pm, Cafeteria / Gym)
11/06 Fall Picture Retakes Day
11/09 Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
11/11 Quarter 1 Progress Reports Sent Home
11/18 3-Hours Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
11/19 Thanksgiving / Student Parent Luncheon
(Lunch time, Cafeteria)
11/20 Turkey Trot
11/25-27 Student Holiday-Thanksgiving (No School)
12/01 Family Science Night and Book Fair
(5:30-7:30pm, Gym/Library/Cafeteria)
12/07 Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
12/09 Interim Reports Sent Home
Winter Band and Strings 5th grade Concert
(5:30pm - 6:30pm, Gym)
12/21-01/01/27 Winter Break (No School)
 There are amazing things happening across our school every single day as we follow Our Game Plan to Be Amazing! See below for some of the incredible highlights, achievements, and team wins happening at Annandale Terrace.
We Have Something Great to Celebrate!
We are thrilled to share that Annandale Terrace Elementary School has officially earned a state rating of "Meets Expectations" under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework, earning an overall score of 79.69! While standardized measures only capture a portion of the everyday joy and growth in our classrooms, this recognition is a reflection of the hard work of our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Thank you for partnering with us to help every child thrive!
Annandale Terrace Named a Purple Star School!
We are thrilled to announce that the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children has officially named Annandale Terrace Elementary School a recipient of the 2026–2027 Purple Star Award! This designation recognizes our ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. Our Purple Star designation is active for three school years, through the 2028–2029 school year.
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ECRI Learning in Action
Great dedication on display! Ms. Bayoumy, 2nd Grade Special Education teacher, took time to rehearse her 2nd grade ECRI lesson before teaching in Ms. Kim’s classroom.
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Preschool Sign-in Morning Routine
A Day in the Life of a Preschool Full Day Instructional Day includes a sign-in routine during arrival. This routine helps children to recognize their name, make marks on a page which may be a journal, piece of paper, white board or other writing space, and develop independence through a predictable daily routine. Teachers provide brief encouragement and feedback to students, celebrating whatever attempts the child makes during this routine. Children’s sign-in will vary from marks on the page and scribble, to letter-like symbols, some letters of their name, and at times their partial or full name.
Please watch our very own Ms. Ogun's class to see how amazingly her students follow this routine. This video was published in the weekly newsletter from the Office of Early Childhood delivered to all preschool teachers in FCPS.
Ms. Ogun's Sign-In Routine
Parent Coffee
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday, October 9, for our parent coffee! We had a wonderful turnout as we shared important information during our Annual Title I Meeting. As a Title I school, we receive federal resources to support student learning and foster strong school-home partnerships.
 The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Friday, October 23, 2026. Parents are invited to have lunch with their students during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to school. The price for lunch is $5.75 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/NMXJzrdmCU8f7ewo6) if you are planning to attend.
 Join us for Digital Citizenship Spirit Week, October 26–30! Show your school spirit and try the at-home challenge each day.
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Monday, October 26 — Unplug and Connect Pajama Day: Wear school-appropriate pajamas or cozy clothes.
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At-home challenge: Spend 30 minutes without screens. Talk face-to-face, play a board game, or read a printed book.
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Tuesday, October 27 — Thinking Hat, Crazy Hat, or Hair Day: Wear a favorite hat, headband, or fun hairstyle.
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At-home challenge: Compare two short texts or images—one made by a person and one made by AI. Look for clues such as strange details, missing context, or robotic wording.
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Wednesday, October 28 — Crazy Sock and Shoe Day: Wear bright, silly, or mismatched socks and your favorite shoes.
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At-home challenge: Trace a shoe on paper. Inside the outline, write three positive traits or creative ideas you want people to know about you, both online and offline.
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Thursday, October 29 — Team Up for Truth: ATES School Spirit Day: Wear ATES gear or blue and yellow.
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At-home challenge: Think of feelings that AI cannot experience. Write or draw an encouraging card for a classmate to practice empathy offline.
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Friday, October 30 — Book Character Day: Dress as a favorite book character.
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At-home challenge: Write down one “superpower” you have that machines don’t, such as empathy, original art, or genuine kindness.
 FCPS has a special awards program to honor outstanding staff members. This can include classroom teachers, ESOL teachers, SPED teachers, Specialists (PE, Music, Art, etc…), Instructional Assistants and Instructional Leaders for each school. It’s a perfect way to celebrate any of our staff members to be recognized for all the amazing work they do each day.
If you would like to nominate anyone from ATES, please fill out this form no later than by October 30, 2026.
If you have any questions, send them to Essel Linton, Awards Liaison at elinton@fcps.edu
The nomination forms may be accessed through
https://forms.gle/3rL4MTTqk76wgFxX7
You are invited to attend the upcoming FCPS Title I Parent Advisory Committee (TPAC) Meeting as we come together to learn, connect, and celebrate our school community.
Meeting Details
Date: October 20th, 2026
📍 Location: Lynbrook Elementary School
( 5801 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22150)
💻 Format: In-Person and Online 🕡 (TPAC Meeting 10/20)
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
 For the school year 2026-2027, ATES is hosting a free event for our students and families courtesy of The Children’s Science Center www.thechildrenssciencecenter.org. The Mobile Science Lab will bring fun experiments and activities designed to excite our students about science! It is completely free because we are a Title 1 school, however 30 volunteers are needed to run the activities. Please consider volunteering your time and/or pass this on to someone who’d like to volunteer. Children’s Science Center brings all the materials, displays and activities. Volunteers just set up, read their volunteer packet (you receive this a week in advance), run the activity table, and go home when finished.
Volunteer Requirements: Adults (teachers, spouses, friends, community members, etc.) or high school students in grades 11 and 12 (Community service hours given for high school students).
When: Tuesday, December 1st
Place: Gym @ Annandale Terrace Elementary School
Time: 5:15-7:45 p.m. (This time includes set up/clean up. The actual family program is from 6:00-7:30 p.m.)
RSVP by Friday, October 30th by completing this Volunteer Sign-up Form (https://forms.gle/cBfYx3QWGgouo1gG6). For any questions, please email Cindy Rogers via cindy.rogers@fcps.edu.
 November is family engagement month and to honor our diversity. We would like you to share a favorite family recipe that represents your heritage so we can create an Annandale Terrace ES recipe book!
This recipe book will be shared with students in ATTV News, staff, and showcased during our Multicultural Night in November.
We look forward to all the delicious recipes that will be shared.
You have received a hard copy of a template for your recipe in this week's Wednesday Folder. Please return it by October 28th to your teacher.
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.
Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
 Parents still need to order pictures? There is NEW Code Lookup Tool now available at Strawbridge Studio. You can simply scan the QR code or follow the directions below to access their child's picture ordering gallery.
1) Go to https://strawbridge.net/picture-day-lookup/
2) Enter the school name, select the state and click “Submit.” Choose your school from the list provided
3) Select “Get Code” next to the picture
4) Enter your child’s last name and student ID number and click “Submit”
5) Click on the student code to access your student’s image gallery!
Please note that no need to contact Customer Service for an access code! *Student last name and Student ID number will be required for data security.* However, If at any time the parents or guardians have questions about the Code Lookup or are having difficulty navigating the site, you can still reach out to the Customer Service team via the Live Chat on the website,www.strawbridge.net
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.
FCPS Safe Routes to School is excited to invite Annandale Terrace Elementary School families to try SafeWalkr, a new interactive walking map tool developed by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students in collaboration with our team!
If you live within Annandale Terrace Elementary School's designated walking boundary, explore information about sidewalks, road crossings, and crossing guard locations to help plan your walk to school.
Go to the SafeWalkr tool, select Annandale Terrace Elementary School, and explore a route with your child. Review current conditions and consider your child’s abilities and supervision needs before walking. The tool does not change walking boundaries or transportation eligibility. Help us improve SafeWalkr by sharing your feedback during the pilot. Thank you for supporting safe, active trips to school!
 You are invited to participate in a free program for families with children between the ages of 2-5 years old.
- Children and families participate in fun “school-like” activities.
- The joy of sharing books Learning through play
- Positive ways to communicate with children
- Understanding behavior
- Preparing for kindergarten
Where: Annandale Terrace Elementary School
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-3:00pm starting on 10/06
For more information please call Aejin Lee at 703-204-4346 or aklee1@fcps.edu
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
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Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
  Celebrate the diverse restaurants throughout Mason and "eat around the world!" Participating restaurants will offer special discounts throughout the week. List of participating restaurants to come.
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Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
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Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
 The 2nd Annual Mason District Arts Festival will feature local and regional artists showcasing murals, paintings, prints, poetry, jewelry, pottery, and more, including an artist material exchange space.
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Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
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Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
 12 in-person free sessions of Dad's Parenting Group will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:30pm from September 8th to November 24th, 2026. Call 703-324-7720 for the registration if you are interested.
Register now to attend the annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
If you are interested to sign up Wee Play program, please fill out the registration form via: Wee Play English Flyer Annandale Terrace 2026.pdf and submit the completed form to ATES Main Office. If you have any questions about the program, please email Kathy Brennan at kpbrennan@fcps.edu or call 703 463-0012.
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
 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!
 The Fairfax County Public Schools HIPPY Program is a free home-based early literacy and parent education initiative. It helps parents of two-, three-, and four-year-olds become their child's first teacher by providing weekly instruction, activity packets, stories, and school-readiness tools. The HIPPY Program will start from September 30th,2026 - June 2nd, 2027 on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. If you are interested to sign up the weekly lessons, please contact Sara Parada, HIPPY Program Leader, at spparadacamp@fcps.edu or call 703-204-4350.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Facilities Survey
- Transportation Survey
- Health Department Letter on Preventing the Spread of Illness
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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