Annandale Community Insider - October 25

Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,

Congratulations to our Field Hockey team, who captured their fourth National District Championship in five years! This is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. The Atoms will continue their championship run tomorrow evening when they host South County in the Occoquan Region Tournament at 6:30pm. Come out and cheer on our Atoms!

We will also kick off the week with W4 Activities Day on Monday. These activities give students opportunities to explore clubs, connect with classmates and staff over shared interests, and get more involved in our school community. Creating opportunities for students to build relationships and feel connected to Annandale remains one of our priorities.

On Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00pm, I invite students and families to join me for our virtual Fall Principal Check-In. I will share updates on our academic practices, discuss how we are supporting students, and answer questions from our community. In preparation, I encourage you to share your feedback and questions through this anonymous survey. Keep an eye out for an email with the link to join.

We will wrap up the week on Friday, October 30, with the end of the first quarter and our Halloween celebration! Friday is a two-hour early release, with students dismissed at 12:55pm. Students and staff are encouraged to show their school spirit by dressing up in creative, school-appropriate costumes. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone, please remember that masks and costume weapons of any kind are not permitted. Students should also arrive with their costumes and makeup complete, as makeup may not be applied during class time. You can view the bell schedule on our website. 

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 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 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 3 - Chick-fil-A Spirit Day
November 4 - Financial Aid Completion Night, 5:30pm
November 4 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
November 5 - Impact Aid Forms Available
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, 10am-4pm
November 17 - Winter Meet the Coach Night, 6:30pm
November 18 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
November 19-20 - Winter Sports Pictures
November 19 - Thanksgiving Lunch
November 19-21 - Fall Play
November 23 - W4 Activities Day
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break

October 26 - W4 Activities Day: A continued focus at Annandale is to increase student involvement in activities outside of the classroom. One way we are doing this is by providing opportunities for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests during the school day through our W4 Activities Day. These opportunities will occur each month from September to April, during W4 and Pride Time. Students selected their preferred activity via a Google form shared through their W4 lessons. We are excited to offer this experience for our students and look forward to offering more ways to help our students feel connected to school.

October 28 - Fall Principal Check-In: Annandale students and families are invited to join us on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00pm for a virtual Fall Principal Check-In. Principal DeRose will discuss our academic practices and share how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. In preparation, please take a moment to share your feedback and questions through this anonymous survey. Keep an eye out for an email with a link to join.

October 30 - November 9 - SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure: The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 30, 4:00pm to Monday, November 9, 6:00am. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports. 

October 30 - Last Day of Quarter 1: October 30 is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. You can view the bell schedule on our website.

November 2-3 - Student Holiday: Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

November 3 - Chick-fil-A Spirit Day to Support Annandale Football: Support our Annandale High School Football Team by dining at Chick-fil-A Annandale on Tuesday, November 3! When ordering in person or through the Chick-fil-A app, use the code "Atoms" at checkout, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to our football program. The code is case-sensitive when ordering online. Enjoy a meal while supporting our student-athletes. Thank you for supporting our Atoms!

Awesome Atoms

Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): VCAW kicked off at Annandale High School last week. Seniors worked with counselors on their college applications and picked up application fee waivers during lunch. Many Atoms also participated in the Essay Writing Workshop led by the Atoms Writing Center, where they received support from brainstorming through final edits. Additionally, Ms. Acosta led a Paying for College Workshop to help students explore ways to make college more affordable. There is still time to apply! Fee waivers are available through October 30, so seniors are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.

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 is now open in ParentVUE and paper forms will be available beginning November 5.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledgement 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

November 6 - Student Leadership Development Program Applications Due: Are you interested in law, government, or public policy? The FCPS School Board is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP). This program gives freshmen, sophomores, and juniors a unique opportunity to learn about local government, develop leadership skills, and gain firsthand experience with the work of the School Board through activities such as mock forums and work sessions. Interested students are encouraged to apply online by Friday, November 6 at 11:59pm. Visit the SLDP website for more information.

Celebrate Your Senior! Senior Portraits: Senior pictures are a special way to mark graduation. These portraits will also appear in the yearbook, so don’t forget to schedule your senior’s appointment directly with the photographer. Simply enter our school’s name and all the information will appear including dates and pricing options.

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 November 5 & 17 and December 2.

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 Student 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 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 

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.