Annandale Community Insider - October 18

Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,

I recently shared the exciting news that Annandale High School earned a Distinguished rating for the second consecutive year. This recognition reflects the hard work of our students and the dedication of our incredible staff. Every day, our teachers, counselors, and support staff go above and beyond to build relationships, provide high quality instruction, and create opportunities for our students to succeed.

As we celebrate this accomplishment, I want to encourage our students and families to help recognize the people who make Annandale such a special place. Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards, which recognize staff members who make a difference in the lives of students. Whether it is a teacher who inspires a love of learning, a counselor who provides encouragement and guidance, or a staff member who makes students feel welcome and supported, we all know someone who deserves recognition. I encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate an Annandale staff member by Friday, November 13.

With the first quarter ending October 30, this is also an important time for students to focus on finishing strong. I encourage students and families to review grades in SIS, check Schoology for outstanding assignments, and connect with teachers about opportunities for additional support. Find out which day your teacher stays after school here. Our next Saturday Academic Coaching session is October 24, providing students another opportunity to get help, complete assignments, and prepare for upcoming assessments. Students whose grades indicate they may need additional support will receive a personal invitation to attend, but all students are welcome.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us celebrate the people who make Annandale such an incredible community.

Have a great week, Atom Nation! As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations!

At Annandale High School, we believe our staff is truly exceptional, and the work they do for our students deserves to be celebrated outside of Atom Nation! Each year, FCPS recognizes staff members who demonstrate outstanding excellence in their roles, including Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Professional Staff Leader, Educational Services Employee, Operational Services Employee, and Principal. We invite you to join us in honoring the incredible contributions made every day by highlighting some of our amazing staff members. Let’s shine a spotlight on the excellence that makes Annandale special!

To nominate an Annandale staff member, please complete the AHS Outstanding Employee Nomination Form. If you are interested in learning more about the overall FCPS awards process, you can visit the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Website. Nominations are due on Friday, November 13. Contact Jae Lee with any questions.

Important Dates

October 18 - FCPS College Fair, 4-6pm
October 19-23 - Virginia College Application Week
October 19 - FCPS Virtual Postsecondary Night
October 20 - College Essay Workshop
October 20 - Chorus Concert, 7pm
October 21 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
October 23 - MYP Certificate Reflections Due
October 24 - Academic Coaching
October 24 - Annandale Parade, 10am
October 26 - W4 Activities Day
October 28 - Student of the Month Celebration
October 28 - Fall Principal Check-In
October 30 - End of the Quarter (Early Release)
November 4 - Financial Aid Completion Night, 5:30pm
November 4 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
November 6 - Football vs Mt. Vernon, 7pm
November 7 - SAT testing
November 9 - Fairfax County Youth Survey
November 9 - Winter Sports Tryouts
November 10 - Family Literacy Night, 6:00pm
November 10 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00pm
November 14 - Saturday Academic Coaching
November 15 - PTSA Holiday Market
November 17 - Winter Meet the Coach Night, 6:30pm

Today - FCPS College Fair, 4-6pm: The annual FCPS College Fair is scheduled for today, October 18, and will take place at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena from 4:00 to 6:00pm. This highly anticipated event brings together representatives from approximately 200 colleges and universities from across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of institutions, including two-year and four-year colleges, public and private universities, and U.S. Service Academies. More information can be found here.

October 19-23 - Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): During the week of October 19-23, students will have an opportunity to take advantage of College Application Week. Throughout this week, students can receive college application fee waivers for most Virginia colleges and universities, helping to reduce the financial burden of applying to multiple schools. In addition to the fee waivers, support will be available in the Career Center during all lunch periods, where counselors will be on hand to answer questions, review application materials, and guide students through the submission process. Please remember that fee waivers are only valid if your application is submitted during this designated week.

October 19 - FCPS Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will be offering a series of virtual workshops designed to support students and families as they navigate the college admissions process. These sessions will cover a wide range of important topics, including how to prepare and apply for college, understanding and securing financial aid, and exploring various postsecondary educational pathways such as community college, vocational training programs, and military options. To view FCPS previous recordings with this information, click here.

October 20 - College Essay Workshop in the Atoms Writing Center: The Atoms Writing Center will reopen the first week of October to help students with academic writing, including college essays and supplemental questions. We will also be hosting a College Essay Workshop with College and Career Specialist Ms. Acosta during PRIDE Time on Tuesday, October 20, which you can register for on Naviance. Join our school-wide info page on Schoology (access code: 9MSF-KSDM-B7HCP) to keep up-to-date on our other writing workshops, events, and tutoring availability.

October 20 - Fall Choir Concert: Joined by the United States Army Chorus, come and celebrate the cultural richness of the Annandale High School Choral Department as we present I Hear America Singing. This concert will be presented on Tuesday night, October 20 at 7:00pm in Watson Auditorium and will feature all four of our choirs: Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber and the Annandale Singers, as well as our special guests, the United States Army Chorus. Accompanied by piano, guitar, violin and percussion. This concert features several of the 66 languages spoken here at AHS! You will enjoy music in Arabic, English, Gaelic, Hebrew, Korean, Latin and Tahitian. Come and enjoy this wonderful evening celebrating OUR United States of America in I Hear America Singing!

October 23 - MYP Certificate Reflections Due: Congratulations to our students who have completed the language acquisition and Personal Project requirements for the FCPS IB Middle Years Programme Certificate! To finish the certificate, students must submit reflections for at least six different volunteer service experiences by Friday, October 23. The certificate recognizes students’ growth as thoughtful, independent, and globally minded learners who set goals, communicate across cultures, serve others, and work with community partners. Students may also highlight the certificate, Personal Project, and service experiences on college applications as examples of initiative, reflection, collaboration, and commitment to making a difference. Students who complete the service-learning requirement will be celebrated at the MYP Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We’re proud of their learning and service beyond the classroom! Questions? Contact Meredith Hedrick, MYP Coordinator.

October 24 - Saturday Academic Coaching: Annandale teachers will be available on Saturday, October 24 from 8:30am to 11:00am to support students in prioritizing their work, completing outstanding assignments, and facilitating assessment retakes. This is a focused, distraction-free window to get individualized help, improve grades, and stay on track as we approach the end of the first quarter. Reach out to Karen Olarinde with questions.

October 24: The Annandale Parade: Join the Annandale Marching Atoms at the annual Annandale Parade on Columbia Pike Saturday, October 24, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. A community tradition since 1950, the parade brings together marching bands, dance groups, floats, and local organizations to celebrate Annandale’s rich diversity. Bring the family to watch, and invite children to wear their Halloween costumes and cheer on the participants.

October 28 - Fall Principal Check-In: Annandale students and families are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00pm for a virtual Fall Principal Check-In. Principal DeRose will discuss our academic practices and sharing how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Keep an eye out for an email with a link to join.

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Earns Distinguished Rating for Second Consecutive Year: Annandale High School has once again earned a Distinguished rating under Virginia's School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). Based on results from last school year, Annandale earned an overall score of 93.3 out of 100, placing us in the state's highest performance category and exceeding the expectations established by the Virginia Department of Education.

The state's framework measures high school performance in three areas: Mastery (how students are meeting academic expectations), Readiness (how schools are preparing students for what comes next), and Graduation. Schools receive an overall score and are placed into one of four performance categories, with Distinguished representing the highest level of achievement. Families can learn more about the state's accountability system and review our school's results through the Virginia School Quality Profiles website.

Annandale Field Hockey Remains Undefeated in District Play! The Annandale Field Hockey team continues to dominate the National District, finishing the regular season with a perfect 7–0 record after defeating Mt. Vernon 1-0. With that win, the Atoms secured the #1 seed in the National District Tournament.

In the first round, Annandale powered past Lewis to advance to the semifinals, where they will host Falls Church on Monday at 6:00pm as they continue their pursuit of another National District Championship. If the Atoms win, they will play for the district title on Wednesday at 6:00pm.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to complete the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. The information families provide helps FCPS qualify for approximately $3 million in federal funding each year. This funding supports the general operating budget and helps ensure all FCPS students receive an excellent education. Families with a ParentVUE account can complete the survey online at home using a computer or mobile device. Step-by-step instructions are available on the FCPS Federal Impact Aid page. Families who cannot complete the survey online may use a paper form, which will be available beginning November 5. Paper forms will also be provided to families who do not submit the online survey by the deadline. The online survey opens in ParentVUE on October 19, and paper forms will be available beginning November 5.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledge Form Due: FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Parents please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R.

Fairfax County Youth Survey - November 9: The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people

Annandale High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on November 9 during W-4. While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to the main office no later than November 4. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information.

Expunge Form Reminder for Grade 9 Students: If your current grade 9 student wished to have a high school course taken in middle school removed from their transcript, the expunge form must be signed and returned to Student Services by the end of the first quarter, which we will accept through Friday, November 6. The form is available here. Please contact your student’s counselor with questions.

Ensure Your Student Has Access To School Resources: Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more. Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Opportunities

Yearbook Sales Are Open! Celebrate the school year with an Annandale yearbook: books are $85 through December 18, 2026, then the price will increase to $100 after winter break. Families can honor graduating seniors with an ad, starting at $60. Visit yearbookforever.com, enter Annandale High School, and follow the prompts. Capture the memories, celebrate the year!

Free Kaplan PSAT & SAT Prep Access: Annandale students now have access to Kaplan online PSAT and SAT preparation resources. To get started, students should log in at https://tinyurl.com/FCPSKaplan using their FCPS username and password. 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in F151 in the art hallway, AVID teachers and students will be assisting students with various topics: Making a College List; Transcript Request Form; Common App; Recommendation Requests. Students are welcome to drop in with questions about any aspect of the process.

IB Diploma Extended Essay Workshops During PRIDE Time: This year, we are introducing an improved plan to support IB Diploma seniors as they complete their Extended Essays. During PRIDE Time, students will attend workshops that break the process into manageable steps and provide support along the way. 

The workshops will help students prepare for these important deadlines: the rough draft is due December 18, the final draft is due January 30, and the Viva Voce and RPF submission are due February 19. Workshops will take place on October 20 on planning the research; November 5 on research support and outlining; November 17 on outlines and getting started with writing; and December 2 on writing.

Silent Space for Prayer & Reflection: The Annandale High School Reflection and Silent Space is available in the library for students who need to pray, meditate, or engage in silent reflection. This space is inclusive of all students’ religious and non-religious beliefs. Students may access the Reflection and Silent Space before school, after school, and during lunch. Students who need to access this space during class time will need to have the Parent/Guardian Authorization for Reflection Space Access form completed and submitted to the main office. Forms are available in the main office and the library. Students will receive a laminated prayer room pass once their form is turned in and they are added to the list. The teachers of students who have parent permission to access the prayer room will be contacted directly.

PTSA Holiday Market: Mark your calendars! Sunday, November 15 from 10:00am until 4:00pm for the Annandale High School PTSA Holiday Market. Admission is FREE! Stop by to shop from more than 60 crafters, artisans, and small businesses! For more details, visit bit.ly/AHSHolidayMarket Email Sarah Henken at ahsptsavpprograms@gmail.com with questions.

News from Students Services

FAFSA Now Open! The 2027–28 FAFSA is now open. All college-bound seniors seeking federal, state, or school financial aid should complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid website for deadlines and required forms. The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application is expected to open in late January for students unable to complete the FAFSA. Visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website for guidance on which application to use.

November 4, December 1, and January 21 - Financial Aid Completion Workshops, 5:30-7:30pm: Annandale High School will host a College Financial Aid Workshop where students and their families can receive hands-on assistance with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the VASA (Virginia Alternative State Aid) application for undocumented students. Note: Students and Parents should bring their 2025 federal income tax returns. Workshops will be held on November 4, December 1, and January 21. To request an appointment, email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.

College & Career Planning Site: Check out the College and Career Resources Site, which offers a variety of postsecondary planning resources including the college application process, community college, military and trade pathways, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The Career Center also shares updates about new college and career opportunities through Naviance. These updates generate an email, so be sure to check your email regularly for the latest information.

News from the Activities Office

At Annandale, we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. Check out their weekly newsletter to learn more about Annandale's activities, clubs, and sports programs. You can also visit their website or Instagram page.

Purchase a Red Card: Each fall, our sports programs sell a discount “Red Card” to raise money for their teams. The red cards include various discounts at local businesses including: Buffalo Wild Wings, Glory Days, Hangry Joes, Jet’s Pizza, Jiffy Lube, Kilroy’s, and Wingstop. Red Cards are only $20 and can be used at any of the businesses through October 2027. If you would like to purchase a Red Card, please reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities. The Activities Office thanks you in advance for your support of our student athletes. Go Atoms!

Atoms Booster All-Season Passes Are Back: Support our Atoms and enjoy a full year of Annandale athletics with an Atoms Booster All-Season Pass! The Atoms Pass provides general admission to all regular season home football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With nine sports included, it is a great way to cheer on our student-athletes throughout the year while supporting Annandale Athletics.

Passes for the 2026-27 school year are $80 for adults and $40 for students. Parking passes are also available for $30. The Atoms Athletic Boosters are transitioning to digital passes this year, with additional details coming soon. Purchase your Adult Pass or Student Pass today!

November 9 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin: Winter sports tryouts begin Monday, November 9! We encourage all students interested in participating in basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, gymnastics, indoor track and field, and winter cheerleading to get involved and become part of Atom Nation! All athletes must have a completed VHSL Physical on file before participating. Click here for VHSL Physical information. We look forward to another exciting season of Annandale Athletics!

News from the PTSA

Join Our PTSA: The Annandale High School PTSA plays an important role in supporting our students, staff, and school community throughout the year. Your membership helps fund teacher grants, the AHS Food Pantry, community outreach events, the All Night Graduation Celebration, senior scholarships, and many other programs that enrich the student experience. Membership for the 2026-27 school year is just $20 for parents/community members and $10 for students. We encourage all families, staff, and community members to join and support the great work of our PTSA.

FCPS News

Superintendent Community Conversations: 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:

  -  Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
  -  Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
  -  Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary
  -  Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School