Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,
This past week gave our students and staff plenty of opportunities to connect, have fun, and celebrate what makes Atom Nation so special.
On Monday, students participated in W4 Activities Day, with opportunities to connect through games and sports, friendship bracelet making, cupcake decorating, coloring, and a variety of other activities. Our student clubs also came together to assemble Halloween treat bags to share with local children’s hospitals. Days like this give our students a chance to explore interests, build relationships, and spend time with classmates and staff outside of the traditional classroom setting. Thank you to our Activities Office, student leaders, and staff members who helped make the day such a success. We are already looking forward to our next W4 Activities Day on November 23!
Halloween brought another day full of school spirit and creativity. Our annual staff costume contest was a highlight, with the administrative team traveling to Andy’s room as characters from Toy Story, the CAT B team transforming into a heavy metal rock band, and our Social Studies team stepping back in time as famous figures from the American Revolution, just to name a few!
These moments are an important part of the Annandale experience. Our students need high quality instruction and high expectations, and they also need opportunities to build relationships, find their people, and feel that they belong.
As a reminder, there is no school Monday or Tuesday. We will see you back here on Wednesday for the start of second quarter. Have a great week, Atom Nation! As always, reach out if you have any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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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.
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Important Dates
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 5 - IB Diploma Extended Essay Workshop
November 6 - Football vs Mt. Vernon, 7pm
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
Now through November 10 - SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure: The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter until Monday, November 10, 6:00am. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
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!
November 4 - Financial Aid Completion Workshops: Annandale High School will host a College Financial Aid Workshop beginning at 5:30pm 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.
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.
November 9 - Fairfax County Youth Survey: 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 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.
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!
November 10 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. If you can't attend in person, consider joining us virtually on Zoom. Also, if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.
November 19-21 - Annandale Theatre Company presents Romeo & Juliet: Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene...This ATC productions imagines a modern-day Verona, Italy destroyed by feuding families. The city's citizens have chosen sides and civil unrest runs rampant. The star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, find peace with each other amidst this tumultuous backdrop. Join us on November 19 & 20 at 7pm, and November 21 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $15/general, $10 students/60+, AHS Staff Members are FREE! Purchase tickets: annandaletheatre.org.
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Awesome Atoms
Annie Ray Featured in The Instrumentalist Magazine: Congratulations to Annandale Orchestra Director and Performing Arts Department Chair Annie Ray, who was recently featured in the August/September issue of The Instrumentalist magazine! The article, "The Grammy Experience," highlights four recipients of the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, including Ms. Ray, who received the honor in 2024. In the interview, Ms. Ray shares her approach to music education, emphasizing student ownership, high expectations, and creating opportunities for all students to experience the joy of making music. She also highlights Annandale's Crescendo Orchestra and Parent Orchestra as examples of how music brings students, families, and our community together.
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Celebrating Our New Spanish Honor Society Members: Last week, the Annandale Chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society held its induction ceremony, welcoming nine new members. The event was led by the SNHS Executive Board of Luna Montes, Uriel Jimenez, Allison Jandres, and Vivi Obester. Following the ceremony, students gathered with family and friends to commemorate this achievement. A huge thank you to Mr. Meijer for organizing the event and to all the families who came out to support our students!
W4 Activities Day Builds Connection and Belonging: We held our second monthly W4 Activities Day this past Monday. It was so fun to see students connect with each other and staff through activities such as playing games and sports, making friendship bracelets, cupcake decorating, and coloring. Additionally, our student clubs also assembled Halloween treat bags to share with local children’s hospitals. Very few other schools the size of Annandale manage to organize an event like this, which we offer once a month. A huge thank you to our Activities Department for taking on this complex planning! Our next W4 Activities Day will be on Monday, November 23. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school.
Molly Corcoran Wins Harvard Book Award – Congratulations to Molly Corcoran, a senior at Annandale High School, who was recognized this month by the Harvard Club of Washington, D.C., as a recipient of the Harvard Book Award! Also known as the Harvard Prize Book, this award recognizes outstanding high school students for their academic achievement, strong character, and commitment to learning. Established in 1910, the program celebrates exceptional students through local Harvard alumni clubs.
Annandale Theatre Company Takes the Stage at Annandale Parade: Our Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) joined the community on Saturday, October 24, for the annual Annandale Parade along Columbia Pike. Students gave paradegoers a sneak peek of their upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, carrying signs representing the Montagues and Capulets before showcasing their stage combat skills with a performance of the play's opening fight choreography. It was a great opportunity for our talented students to showcase their creativity, connect with the community, and build excitement for their upcoming production. Way to represent Atom Nation!
Important Information
PSAT/SAT Scores and Free Kaplan Prep: Students who participated in the School Day PSAT or SAT can now access their scores through the College Board BigFuture School app or their College Board accounts. Video tutorials explain how to access and understand PSAT and SAT scores. Annandale students also have free access to Kaplan’s online PSAT and SAT preparation resources. Students can get started at FCPS Kaplan using their FCPS username and password.
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.
Eating Disorder Awareness and Resources: FCPS, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, provides educational information and resources to help families recognize the signs of eating disorders and support student health and well-being. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the Eating Disorder Parent Information and visit the FCPS Eating Disorders webpage for additional information and resources.
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.
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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.
Represent Annandale at Georgetown University's SDG Youth Summit: Annandale students are invited to apply to attend the Sustainable Development Goals Youth Summit at Georgetown University on Saturday, November 14, 2026. This one-day educational conference focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and brings together middle and high school students to discuss global priorities promoting peace, equity, and sustainability. Students will participate in interactive workshops with Georgetown professors and local advocacy groups, learning how to take action and implement the SDGs in their schools and communities. The registration fee is $25 Per Student and $10 Per Advisor. Interested students must provide their own transportation, must be accompanied by an advisor (who can be a parent, teacher, or other trusted guardian), and commit to attending the full day. Read all conference information on the official website before applying. Complete the interest survey by November 9.
Yearbook Sales Are Open! Celebrate the school year with an Annandale yearbook: books are $85 through December 18, 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!
Senior Pictures: Options for Every Budget: Families have several options for senior portraits, from a FREE yearbook-only session to packages with more outfit and photo choices. All sessions include the yearbook attire students need: a tux or drape, plus a graduation cap and gown when included in the session. Students just need to make an appointment. All photo sessions are at AHS. Seniors can schedule senior portraits at seniors.legacystudios.com. 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 option.
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.
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.
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News from Student Services
Transcript Requests for College Applications & Scholarships: Seniors need to request official high school transcripts one month prior to application deadlines. For example, if a college application is due on December 15, the Transcript Request Form is due on November 15. We will be receiving a very high volume of requests in the coming months, and our Student Services staff needs adequate time to process them. Early Action and Early Decision application deadlines are quickly approaching. For step-by-step instructions and forms for submitting Transcript Requests, go to the AHS Student Services Website.
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.
Explore Postsecondary Opportunities: Planning for life after high school is an important step, and we want all Atoms to have the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures. The Virginia Department of Education offers resources to help students explore college, career, and certificate programs, compare costs and benefits, and understand future career opportunities. Students and families are encouraged to visit the Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students webpage and Level Up Virginia website for information on preparing, applying, and paying for education and training after high school.
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.
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News from the Activities Office
At Annandale, 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.
Atoms Booster All-Season Passes Are Here! 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!
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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.
Pies for the Pantry: Our Pantry has much to be grateful for as we celebrate our 8th Anniversary this November! To celebrate this sweet milestone we would like to provide each family who shops at our pantry with a pie to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday. Our goal is 100 pies! A donation of $10 will provide a pie for one of our pantry families. Click here to contribute to our 100 pie goal!
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FCPS News
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.
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