FCPS

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

I hope you had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving Break. I took a quick trip to Staten Island for Thanksgiving and returned the following day to coach my daughter’s basketball team. And, of course, Thanksgiving weekend wouldn't be complete without watching The Game (aka Ohio State v. Michigan). Although the outcome was not what I was hoping for, The Game reminds me of what I cherish most about high school sports and activities: the dedication of the players, performers, teachers, and coaches to their teams and their school. I am constantly amazed by the time and effort our students invest in representing Atom Nation on the field, on the stage, and in the classroom, as well as the number of staff and community members who volunteer their time to support our students at games and events.

Over the next three weeks, there are several opportunities for you to see our students represent Atom Nation through performances and athletic events. Orchestra, chorus, and band will each perform this month. Winter sports competitions, including basketball, wrestling, indoor track, gymnastics, and swim & dive, also begin this week. I highly recommend attending one of these events with friends or family. It's inspiring to see how our performing arts department and athletic teams provide students with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents! Visit the Annandale Activities and Athletics website for a complete list of upcoming events.

As a reminder, tomorrow, students will begin their new PRIDE Time assignments. Those who have been identified as needing additional academic support will begin their new PRIDE Time intervention and possibly After School Academic Support (ASAP) assignments. PRIDE Time assignments have been updated in StudentVUE. Please ask your student about how they are using PRIDE Time to work with their teachers or complete work and encourage them to use this time well.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

November 26 - Student & Community Check In Survey Due

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

December 1, 5, 7 - Course Selection Presentations

December 4 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm

December 5 - 15 - Second Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest

December 7 - Orchestra Winter Concert, 7pm 

December 7, 12 and 13 - Annandale Choirs in Concert and Community Caroling

December 11 - W4 Activities Day

December 11 - 15 - Holiday Spirit Week

December 18 - 29 - Winter Break

January 1 - New Year’s Day (No School)

January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)

January 17 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm

January 25 - 2 Hour Early Release (End of the 2nd Quarter)

January 26 - Student Holiday

 

Today - Student & Community Fall Check In Survey Due: With the school year well underway, we want to hear from our staff, students and families. Specifically, we would like to hear what is going well for you and your student, what is a challenge you would like to work together to problem-solve, who is someone who has helped you, and answer any questions. Check your email for a link to our Fall Check In Survey. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, November 26. In the coming weeks, we will share survey trends as well as how we are responding to your feedback. Thank you for providing an important perspective that will help us continue to get better!

 

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0: Students will begin their new PRIDE Time assignments on Monday, November 27. Those who have been identified as needing additional academic support will begin new PRIDE Time intervention and possibly After School Academic Support (ASAP) assignments. PRIDE Time assignments have been updated in StudentVUE.

 

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins: Beyond the support we provide during the school day, teachers also stay after school to work with students who need additional help. Our after-school academic support program (ASAP) will begin November 27 and will run three days per week on late-bus days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students assigned to ASAP received an email outlining the day, teacher, and location to which they are assigned. Parents have also been notified of these assignments. We ask for your support in ensuring students stay after school on their assigned date.

 

December 1, 5, & 7 - Course Selection Presentations: Counselors will be presenting the 2024-2025 course selection process to students in W4 Advisory on December 1, 5, & 7. The presentations will cover important information including course options for next school year and the process for how to select their courses. The presentation will be recorded and posted on the Student Services Webpage for students who do not have a W4 class. Students should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.

 

December 4 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm: The Annandale High School Bands will present Winter Winds, their annual winter concert on Monday December 4 at 7:00pm in the AHS auditorium. The concert will feature all of the AHS band students in a collaborative presentation of Holiday favorites, including our traditional “Sleigh Ride.” Doors open at 6:45pm; admission is free.

 

December 5-15 - Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest: Annandale’s Leadership Class is excited to lead our annual Deck the Doors holiday contest. Each W4 class will decorate their door in the theme of Winter/Holidays. Three classes will be chosen as winners in the categories of Best Overall, Runner-Up, and Most Creative. Prizes will be awarded to the winning W4 classrooms.

 

December 7 - Orchestra Winter Concert, 7pm: Orchestra will hold their Winter Concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm with Crescendo (CAT B) Orchestra’s debut! The challenging program has pushed students to the next level and spotlights sections in several of the ensembles. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or festive hat!

 

December 7, 12 and 13 - Annandale Choirs in Concert and Community Caroling: The choirs at Annandale have been busy preparing for a wonderful season of concerts during the month of December.

December 7, 12pm - Caroling for the Shepherds Center Luncheon: The Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble will be providing a program for the Shepherds Center Luncheon in Wright Hall of the Annandale United Methodist Church (6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA) at noon.

December 12, 7pm - Winter Concert: Glow: Our Winter Concert with the Annandale Singers, Atom Chorale, Men's Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. 

December 13, 12pm: Noonday Noël: Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble sing for the Noonday Noël at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 12:05pm (323 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA)

 

December 11 - W4 Activities Day: On Monday, December 11, we will hold our monthly W4 Activities Day. There will be no PRIDE Time on this day. There will be a short W4 lesson for students. Following the lesson, students will be dismissed to their assigned activity. If you have questions, please reach out to Bryan Harris.

 

December 11-15 - Holiday Spirit Week: With just a few days left before Winter Break, let’s bring the Holiday spirit early to Annandale.

Monday - Holiday Colors: Dress up in any festive holiday colors. This may be red, green, yellow, light blue, etc.

Tuesday - Flannel/ Plaid: Bring on the winter vibes by dressing up in your favorite flannel/plaid. 

Wednesday - Elves vs. Santas: Who will win this little competition, our little elves or Santas? Dress in green or wear an elf hat. Maybe you have elf ears you’d like to show off! Wear them! Not feeling the elf vibes? That’s okay, dress like Santa if you’d like! Don’t have a Santa suit just laying around, that’s okay too! Wear red, white, and/or a Santa hat! This competition is sure to make the North Pole smile. 

Thursday - Blizzard Out: Forget doing the snow dance, dress in white and feel the snow! It will be like walking in a Winter Wonderland!  Maybe we’ll get lucky this winter and have some big snow storms! 

Friday - Ugly Holiday Sweaters: Time to dust off your favorite sweaters of the year. Wear your ugliest, weirdest, not so fashionable Holiday sweaters.

 

January 17 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 17 from 6-8pm Annandale HS will host an Open House for our rising 9th grade students and families to learn more about what high school at Annandale is all about! We will offer short optional sessions on our various programs, and teachers will be in their classrooms throughout the evening to share all about our core and elective courses for 9th graders. The goal is for students and parents to leave this event excited about all the opportunities students will have as an Annandale Atom and prepared to complete the course request form when students meet with their middle school counselors! 

Breakout Sessions on the following topics will be offered throughout the evening: Welcome to Annandale, Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages Program; Special Education Office, and Student Life.

Donate Gift Cards for AHS Staff

At events throughout the year, we recognize staff who go above and beyond with gift cards donated by community members at the beginning of the year. It has been a huge hit and I am requesting your help again since we are not permitted to use any kind of FCPS funds, local or otherwise, for this purpose. It is amazing how much a $5 or $10 gift card is appreciated. If you are so inclined, please feel free to drop them off at the main office or place them in the mail. Attention: Jen Buchanan. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Theater Company Puts on Radium Girls: Congratulations to Annandale Theatre Company for their wonderful performance of “Radium Girls." The cast did a great job of bringing life into characters, navigating the historical gravity with emotional nuance. Set design and lighting transport the audience to the 1920s, and costumes evoked the era's essence. Through powerful dialogues, the production entertained and provoked contemplation about societal injustices, showcasing Annandale Theatre Company's commitment to excellence in this poignant tale.

 

Students in Nursing Academy Supported Vision and Hearing Screening: Students in the Medical Assistant program at Falls Church Academy had an opportunity to put their learning into action for the vision and hearing screening at Annandale High School. In class, students learned the steps to the screening process. Then, guided by our school health aide, they supported vision and hearing screening for all tenth graders at Annandale High School.

 

Annandale Hosts In Plain Sight: Annandale high school hosted Hidden in Plain Sight - an interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. The program, offered through the Fairfax County Police Department, provides parents with an interactive, hands-on, display of items teens are using to hide illegal drug and alcohol use and other risky behavior. The Annandale PTSA will be hosting another session in the evening in January. Stay tuned for more information.

 

Annandale Hosts Strengthening Family Program For Spanish Speaking Parents: The Strengthening the Family program for youth ages 10-14 (SFP 10-14) was recently held, offered by one of our community partners SCAN, this is a class developed by the University of IOWA as one of the more effective and better studied prevention methods. Although many prevention programs only involve youth, SFP 10-14 focuses on the family, so parents and youth learn together. The objective of the program is to reduce the use of addictive substances and behavioral problems in young people during their adolescence. The program improves parenting skills and develops peer pressure resistance capabilities in youth. In seven two-hour sessions, parents and youth attend separate groups to develop skills during the first hour and spend the second hour together in family activities that allow them to deepen connections within the family.

 

AHS Celebrates Students of the Month: Congratulations to Zukhruf Ali, Steven Benitez Rios, Ainsley Bolin, Nathalie Jasmine Dela Cruz, Thomas Gamez Fernandez, Meilhi Leon Terceros, Maria Martinez Duarte, Pamela Navarrete Amaya, Jeffrey Pewett, and Saul Zalles Villatoro for being selected as our October Students of the Month. Each month we ask a different department to recognize students who exemplify our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. November was designated for nominees from the Science and department and focused on Safety. Congratulations to all for being selected as our Student of the Month winners!

Academic Support

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Sign Up for a Writing Conference with the Atoms Writing Center: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class during the 2nd quarter. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference during 3rd quarter. If you haven’t already, you should also join our Schoology group to get important updates and announcements from the AWC all year by going to “Groups” > ”My Groups” > ”Join Group” then putting in this code: 9MSF-KSDM-B7HCP. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AtomsWC. Contact Mrs. Hanson with any questions.

Important Information

First Quarter Attendance Report Mailed Home: Annandale recently mailed a 1st Quarter Attendance report with specific attendance data to families for each student, including total number of days and classes they were reported late or having missed completely. In addition, the report provides statistics on the long-term negative impacts of poor attendance, and ways parents can encourage and support student attendance. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4107.

 

PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information: Students who participated in the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website. Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to Nick Zubieta if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Opportunities

Now through December 7 - Orchestra Merchandise Available:The Orchestra Merchandise store is LIVE and can be found at tinyurl.com/AHSOrchMerch. The store is ongoing, but order by Thursday, December 7 to get items by the holidays!

 

December 4 - ASVAB Testing, 9am – 12pm: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test measures a young adult’s strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on potential for future career success. Students are encouraged to take the test because it is a valuable career assessment tool which can help identify which career is best for each student. Though the test is developed by the Department of Defense, it is not just for those going into the military. It’s a great start to finding the perfect career for students by highlighting those skills which students naturally have. To sign up for the ASVAB test you may email your school counselor or Mr. Yeagley to register.

 

Winter Olympics Camp for Students Grades 2-8 - December 18-20: Annandale High School will be sponsoring a 3-day Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School for students in 2nd through 8th grade during Winter Break. Camp will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30am-3:00pm. Cost is $100. Payment will be accepted during drop off on the first day. Register at https://bit.ly/Olympics23Poe.

 

NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2024 Semester: NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the Spring semester begin on January 30, 2024, and end on April 22, 2024. The deadline to register is January 8, 2024 at 5pm. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. 13 different courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

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 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on November 20. 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 College & Career Planning Google site.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission to attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December: The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. With the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now (English only). A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

News from the Activities Office

We hope that everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We kick off the first week of the regular season this week so make sure to get you Atoms Booster passes and check out some exciting action this winter!

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Baseball Winter Skills Camp - Sundays in January & February: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School. Information and sign up for the Sunday Baseball Camps here. Cost is $115 for all, or $25 each.

 

This week...

Monday, November 27

Winter Athlete Meeting - 3:00pm

Wednesday, November 29

JV Wrestling Jamboree - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Varsity Girls Basketball @ Gar-Field - 7:30pm

Gymnastic @ West Springfield - 5:00pm

Thursday, November 30

Varsity Girls Basketball vs Mountain View @ Gar-Field - 5:30pm

Friday, December 1

Boys Basketball @ Marshall - 8:00pm

Swim/Dive vs Hayfield @ Lee District - 6:00pm

Saturday, December 2

Wrestling Tri-Meet - 10:00am (Auxiliary Gym)

Boys Basketball vs Herndon @ Marshall - 2:30pm

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

We hope that everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We kick off the first week of the regular season this week so make sure to get you Atoms Booster passes and check out some exciting action this winter!

GO ATOMS!!!

We have officially finished our fall seasons with many of our Atoms student-athletes earning postseason All-District and All-Region recognition. These student-athletes worked hard and their achievements should be acknowledged! Check out the recipients using the link below:

All District/Region/State Recognition

** We will update All Region and All State selections once all fall sports complete their voting **

Winter Olympics Camp

Annandale High School's will host Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School during winter break, December 18-20. This is a great opportunity for your child to have an incredible time with our wonderful coaches for a very affordable price of $100. Camps run each day from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp.

Sign up for the Winter Olympics Camp here!

Winter Baseball Skills Camp

Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School. Information and sign up for the Sunday Baseball Camps here.

Cost is $115 for all, or $25 each.

Winter Orchestra Concert

Orchestra will be having their Winter Concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm with Crescendo (CAT B) Orchestra’s debut! The challenging program has pushed students to the next level and spotlights sections in several of the ensembles. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or wearing a festive hat!

Atoms Choir has Banner Day!

Last Saturday, 54 students in the AHS Choral Department auditioned for District Chorus along with 300 students in District X. Of those that auditioned, I am pleased to announce that Annandale placed 35 students in mixed and treble choirs, respectfully. Please congratulate the following students on this great achievement:

Lina Abuelhawa, Julia Albertani, Sylvie Bankester, Alice Banks, Kaira Campos-Chanez, Kiara Campos-Chanez, TK Decareau, Sophia Demers, Nathaniel Dosen, Anna Fitzgerald, Louise Fitzgerald, Juliana Flores, Gabriel Fuentes Quinteros, Sarah Guy, Danielle Hoye, Colin Hoyt, Esther Koroma, Christine Mahoney, Josie McElveen, Drew McKenna, Tyler Miller, Amelia Mongold, Quinn Mongold, Terry Moreno-Valeriano, Megan Murray, Thien Phan, Noah Plank, Elizabeth Porter, Esteban Rambal, Yvi Reyes, Andrew Salazar, Finn Sample, Kaya Thomas, Kaylyn Truong and Sean Visperas.  

District Orchestra shows up!

On Tuesday, Annandale Orchestra students auditioned for District X Junior and Senior Honor Orchestra. We are so proud of all those who auditioned for their hard work and going through the process. Congratulations to Leyla Yilma, Melanie Lam, Abem Alemu, Jazlyn Tang, Thien Phan, Ollie Allen, Marc Akl, Erica Lee, Ryan Phan, Andrea Rivera Perez, and Lyana Vo for their placement in the Orchestras! You can catch their performance at Hayfield Secondary School on Saturday, January 13.

Atoms Jibbitz for sale!

Looking for new Annandale swag for your shoes?! Stop by the Activities Office and pick up an Annandale Atoms jibbitz for $5.00! Hurry and get yours before they sell out!

Our next Booster Membership Meeting is Monday, December 4 at 6 pm!

Join us on Monday, December 4 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room or online at meet.google.com/zoo-iypf-kpq. The meeting will begin at 6 pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Winter Sport Concession Sign Ups

We need your help with our concession stand for the winter season. Considered signing up and helping our Atoms Athletic Boosters make money during our winter events. Click on a link below to sign up

Boys Basketball Concession Sign up

Girls Basketball Concession Sign Up

Wrestling Concession Sign Up

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

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  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule November 27 - December 2

Monday, November 27

Winter Athlete Meeting - 3:00pm

Wednesday, November 29

JV Wrestling Jamboree - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Varsity Girls Basketball @ Gar-Field - 7:30pm

Gymnastic @ West Springfield - 5:00pm

Thursday, November 30

Varsity Girls Basketball vs Mountain View @ Gar-Field  - 5:30pm

Friday, December 1

Boys Basketball @ Marshall - 8:00pm

Swim/Dive vs Hayfield @ Lee District - 6:00pm

Saturday, December 2

Wrestling Tri-Meet - 10:00am (Auxiliary Gym)

Boys Basketball vs Herndon @ Marshall - 2:30pm

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

There is much to celebrate in Atom Nation! This past week, our Instructional Council, CT Leads, Administrators and Instructional Coaches came together for our biannual progress monitoring meeting, where we shared our School Improvement & Innovation Plan (SIIP), as well as evidence from across the school of our strategies in action. Overwhelmingly, this group noticed that teams from every department are clearly focused on evidence of student learning and are making big instructional shifts that allow teachers to better support students by name and need. Additionally, this group recommended that our next step be to consider more ways we can partner with families in order to continue supporting our students. As a first step, we will be sending progress reports home to families. These reports will include the student’s updated PRIDE Time assignment, as well as some helpful conversation started to support discussions at home.

This weekend, the Annandale Theater Company put on a spectacular performance of Radium Girls. More than 50 students worked hard over the past several months to prepare for the show, and their efforts and determination were evident in this weekend’s performance. There were even some guest appearances from Annandale staff members!

I am so proud of the amazing work our students and staff have been doing. As we approach Thanksgiving break, we will continue our tradition of allowing everyone to relax and refresh over holiday breaks. Teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. We want our staff and students to enjoy a wellness break and have time to connect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday.

As always, please reach out with any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

97% of English 11 Students Earn Verified Credit: This week 430 students enrolled in English 11, IB Lang & Lit, and IB Literature took the WorkKeys Business Writing test. This test is a substitute assessment for the Writing SOL. 97% of our Junior Class passed and are eligible for their Writing Verified Credit! This success is the result of our English 11 team working collaboratively to plan and prepare their students and our student’s hard work to practice for this assessment. 

 

AWC Supports Students Preparing for WorkKeys Test: Atoms Writing Center tutors took over three classrooms to help students improve their writing on assignments and prepare their writing for the upcoming WorkKeys test.  During Pride Time on Friday a few dozen students worked one-on-one with trained peer tutors to practice and improve their writing skills. The AWC is open during Pride Time and Wednesdays after school to support students with writing.

 

Journalist Al Hunt Hosts Journalism PRIDE Time: has interviewed eight presidents and moderated presidential debates while at CNN, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. Now he's bringing a team of working journalists to Annandale to help students produce stories about student life. Students can impact their futures, add to their portfolios, and set themselves apart by joining us. Encourage your child to contact Ms. Crowley for Thursday's introductory session for the Journalism Pride Time Project with Al Hunt.

 

Choirs Hold Banner Day at District Chorus Auditions: Last Saturday, 54 students in the AHS Choral Department auditioned for District Chorus along with 300 students in District X. Of those that auditioned, I am pleased to announce that Annandale placed 35 students in mixed and treble choirs, respectfully.

Please congratulate the following students on this great achievement: Lina Abuelhawa, Julia Albertani, Sylvie Bankester, Alice Banks, Kaira Campos-Chanez, Kiara Campos-Chanez, TK Decareau, Sophia Demers, Nathaniel Dosen, Anna Fitzgerald, Louise Fitzgerald, Juliana Flores, Gabriel Fuentes Quinteros, Sarah Guy, Danielle Hoye, Colin Hoyt, Esther Koroma, Christine Mahoney, Josie McElveen, Drew McKenna, Tyler Miller, Amelia Mongold, Quinn Mongold, Terry Moreno-Valeriano, Megan Murray, Thien Phan, Noah Plank, Elizabeth Porter, Esteban Rambal, Yvi Reyes, Andrew Salazar, Finn Sample, Kaya Thomas, Kaylyn Truong and Sean Visperas.

 

AVID Students Visit U of Richmond and VCU: Forty-eight (48) AVID students visited VCU and the University of Richmond last Friday. At VCU they met with a panel of AHS AVID alumni who are current students at VCU, took a tour of campus, and had lunch. At the University of Richmond students participated in an information session and a tour of campus. Our students were praised for their great questions and said their favorite part was learning about two very different colleges so they can think about what type of college is the best fit for them.

 

Annandale Students Attend FCPS Student Food Show: Nine students representing Annandale’s Introduction to Culinary and Nutrition and Wellness classes joined their peers from 24 elementary, middle, and high schools at the inaugural “Future of FCPS Student Food Show” this past Monday. Students sampled and provided feedback on new, scratch-made breakfast and lunch recipes. Among the more than 30 options were vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, and Halal options and many recipes inspired by global cultures. Students and faculty gave their opinions on individual menu items in a survey. By the end of the show, Food and Nutrition Services received 2,500 responses, which will help staff decide which menu items to bring to schools across FCPS. Henry Pham, an 11th grade Annandale culinary student, appreciated that the food show showcased “different foods than students currently see in the cafeteria” and a “variety of foods from other cultures.” Henry hopes to see the Korean barbecue chicken legs and Thai chili chicken wings in the cafeteria soon!

 

Welcome, New Counselor, Xander Price! We are excited to welcome Xander Price as our new counselor for students with last names GEE-LEI. Mx. Price is currently in their last semester of the masters program in school counseling at George Mason University, where they also received their undergraduate degree in sociology. Mx. Price previously worked as a learning specialist for collegiate student athletes, ensuring they met all of their academic requirements to maintain eligibility to compete through individualized academic support. Outside of work and school, Mx. Price enjoys being active and spending time outside in nature through hiking, exploring, and rowing. They are looking forward to being part of Atom Nation!

 

AHS Culinary Visits Apple Farm: Last week, Annandale Culinary students went to Mackintosh Fruit Farm to an apple picking adventure. Students learned about the greenhouse and how hydroponics works to support farmers year round. At the end of the trip, there were fresh apples from the farm that the students have now turned into apple pies for Thanksgiving! 

Academic Support

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Sign Up for a Writing Conference with the Atoms Writing Center: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class during the 2nd quarter. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference during 3rd quarter. If you haven’t already, you should also join our Schoology group to get important updates and announcements from the AWC all year by going to “Groups” > ”My Groups” > ”Join Group” then putting in this code: 9MSF-KSDM-B7HCP. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AtomsWC. Contact Mrs. Hanson with any questions.

Important Dates

November 20-21 - Winter Sports Pictures

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break

November 26 - Student & Community Check In Survey Due

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

December 1, 5, 7 - Course Selection Presentations

December 4 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm

December 5-15 - Second Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest

December 7 - Orchestra Winter Concert, 7pm 

December 7, 12 and 13 - Annandale Choirs in Concert and Community Caroling

December 11 - W4 Activities Day

December 11- 15 - Holiday Spirit Week

December 15 - IB Business Internal Assessment (IA) Workshop

December 18 - 29 - Winter Break

January 1 - New Year’s Day (No School)

 

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break: At Annandale, we hope you are able to spend the holiday break resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for information and clarification.

 

November 26 - Student & Community Fall Check In Survey Due: With the school year well underway, we want to hear from our staff, students and families. Specifically, we would like to hear what is going well for you and your student, what is a challenge you would like to work together to problem-solve, who is someone who has helped you, and answer any questions. Check your email for a link to our Fall Check In Survey. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, November 26. In the coming weeks, we will share survey trends as well as how we are responding to your feedback. Thank you for providing an important perspective that will help us continue to get better!

 

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0: We are continuing to improve the way we identify students for targeted intervention through PRIDE Time. We will be making changes to students’ PRIDE Time assignments based upon the needs of individual students in preparation for PRIDE Time 2.0, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27. 

 

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins: Beyond the support we provide during the school day, teachers also stay after school to work with students who need additional help. Our after-school academic support program (ASAP) will begin November 27 and will run three days per week on late-bus days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students assigned to ASAP will receive notification of their day, teacher, and location, this week. Parents will also be notified of these assignments. We ask for your support in ensuring students stay after school.

 

December 1, 5, & 7 - Course Selection Presentations: Counselors will be presenting the 2024-2025 course selection process to students in W4 Advisory on December 1, 5, & 7. The presentations will cover important information including course options for next school year and the process for how to select their courses. The presentation will be recorded and posted on the Student Services Webpage for students who do not have a W4 class. Students should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.

 

December 4 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm: The Annandale High School Bands will present Winter Winds, their annual winter concert on Monday December 4 at 7:00pm in the AHS auditorium. The concert will feature all of the AHS band students in a collaborative presentation of Holiday favorites, including our traditional “Sleigh Ride.” Doors open at 6:45pm; admission is free.

 

December 5-15 - Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest: Annandale’s Leadership Class is excited to lead our annual Deck the Doors holiday contest. Each W4 class will decorate their door in the theme of Winter/Holidays. Three classes will be chosen as winners in the categories of Best Overall, Runner-Up, and Most Creative. Prizes will be awarded to the winning W4 classrooms.

 

December 7 - Orchestra Winter Concert, 7pm: Orchestra will be having their Winter Concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm with Crescendo (CAT B) Orchestra’s debut! The challenging program has pushed students to the next level and spotlights sections in several of the ensembles. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or wearing a festive hat!

 

December 7, 12 and 13 - Annandale Choirs in Concert and Community Caroling: The choirs at Annandale have been busy preparing for a wonderful season of concerts during the month of December.

December 7, 12pm - Caroling for the Shepherds Center Luncheon: The Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble will be providing a program for the Shepherds Center Luncheon in Wright Hall of the Annandale United Methodist Church (6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA) at noon.

December 12, 7pm - Winter Concert: Glow: Our Winter Concert with the Annandale Singers, Atom Chorale, Men's Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. 

December 13, 12pm: Noonday Noël: Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble sing for the Noonday Noël at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 12:05pm (323 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA)

 

December 11 - W4 Activities Day: On Monday, December 5, we will hold our monthly W4 Activities Day. There will be no PRIDE Time on this day. There will be a short W4 lesson for students. Following the lesson, students will be dismissed to their assigned activity. If you have questions, please reach out to Bryan Harris.

Important Information

First Quarter Attendance Report Mailed Home: Annandale recently mailed a 1st Quarter Attendance report with specific attendance data to families for each student, including total number of days and classes they were reported late or having missed completely. In addition, the report provides statistics on the long-term negative impacts of poor attendance, and ways parents can encourage and support student attendance. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4107.

 

PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information: Students who participated in the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website. Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to Nick Zubieta if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Opportunities

Now through December 7 - Orchestra Merchandise Available:The Orchestra Merchandise store is LIVE and can be found at tinyurl.com/AHSOrchMerch. The store is ongoing, but order by Thursday, December 7 to get items by the holidays!

 

December 4 - ASVAB Testing, 9am – 12pm: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test measures a young adult’s strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on potential for future career success. Students are encouraged to take the test because it is a valuable career assessment tool which can help identify which career is best for each student. Though the test is developed by the Department of Defense, it is not just for those going into the military. It’s a great start to finding the perfect career for students by highlighting those skills which students naturally have. To sign up for the ASVAB test you may email your school counselor or Mr. Yeagley to register.

 

Winter Olympics Camp for Students Grades 2-8 - December 18-20: Annandale High School will be sponsoring a 3-day Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School for students in 2nd through 8th grade during Winter Break. Camp will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30am-3:00pm. Cost is $100. Payment will be accepted during drop off on the first day. Link: https://bit.ly/Olympics23Poe

 

NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2024 Semester: NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the Spring semester begin on January 30, 2024, and end on April 22, 2024. The deadline to register is January 8, 2024 at 5pm. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. 13 different courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.

 

2023 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for students in Grade 10 & 11 to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Virginia Department of Education website and view the promotional video. All applications must be returned to Mr. Zubieta in Student Services. Late applications will not be accepted. Interested students should complete either the interest forms for the Academic Program or the Visual and Performing Arts Program. Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Zubieta.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

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 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on November 20. 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 College & Career Planning Google site.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission to attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December: The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. With the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now (English only). A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

News from the Activities Office

Week 2 of the winter season is complete! We wrap of the preseason next week and hold first contest when we return from Thanksgiving! Make sure to get your Atoms Booster Pass and come out and support the Atoms!

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Baseball Winter Skills Camp - Sundays in January & February: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School. Information and sign up for the Sunday Baseball Camps here. Cost is $115 for all, or $25 each.

 

This week...

Monday, November 20

Winter Sports Pictures

Tuesday, November 21

Winter Sports Pictures

Wrestling Scrimmage - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Girls Basketball vs Forest Park - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm (Scrimmage)

Boys Basketball @ McLean - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm (Scrimmage)

 

November 20 & 21 - Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for winter sports will occur on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21 in Clausen Hall. 

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

Week 2 of the winter season is complete! We wrap of the preseason next week and hold first contest when we return from Thanksgiving! Make sure to get your Atoms Booster Pass and come out and support the Atoms!

GO ATOMS!!!

We have officially finished our fall seasons with many of our Atoms student-athletes earning postseason All-District and All-Region recognition. These student-athletes worked hard and their achievements should be acknowledged! Check out the recipients using the link below:

All District/Region/State Recognition

** We will update All Region and All State selections once all fall sports complete their voting **

Winter Sports Picture Schedule Winter Olympics Camp

Annandale High School's will host Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School during winter break, December 18-20. This is a great opportunity for your child to have an incredible time with our wonderful coaches for a very affordable price of $100. Camps run each day from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp.

Sign up for the Winter Olympics Camp here!

Winter Baseball Skills Camp

Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School. Information and sign up for the Sunday Baseball Camps here.

Cost is $115 for all, or $25 each.

Fall Play - Radium Girls

November 17-18 - Fall Play Radium Girls - Come see our fall play, Radium Girls November 17-18! This TikTok viral play takes place in 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls tells the story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint.

Purchase Tickets for Radium Girls Here!

Winter Band Concert

Monday, December 4 at 7:00pm - The Annandale High School Bands will present Winter Winds, their annual winter concert in the AHS auditorium. The concert will feature all of the AHS band students in a collaborative presentation of Holiday favorites, including our traditional “Sleigh Ride.” Doors open at 6:45pm; admission is free.

Winter Orchestra Concert

Orchestra will be having their Winter Concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm with Crescendo (CAT B) Orchestra’s debut! The challenging program has pushed students to the next level and spotlights sections in several of the ensembles. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or wearing a festive hat!

Atoms Choir has Banner Day!

Last Saturday, 54 students in the AHS Choral Department auditioned for District Chorus along with 300 students in District X. Of those that auditioned, I am pleased to announce that Annandale placed 35 students in mixed and treble choirs, respectfully. Please congratulate the following students on this great achievement:

Lina Abuelhawa, Julia Albertani, Sylvie Bankester, Alice Banks, Kaira Campos-Chanez, Kiara Campos-Chanez, TK Decareau, Sophia Demers, Nathaniel Dosen, Anna Fitzgerald, Louise Fitzgerald, Juliana Flores, Gabriel Fuentes Quinteros, Sarah Guy, Danielle Hoye, Colin Hoyt, Esther Koroma, Christine Mahoney, Josie McElveen, Drew McKenna, Tyler Miller, Amelia Mongold, Quinn Mongold, Terry Moreno-Valeriano, Megan Murray, Thien Phan, Noah Plank, Elizabeth Porter, Esteban Rambal, Yvi Reyes, Andrew Salazar, Finn Sample, Kaya Thomas, Kaylyn Truong and Sean Visperas.  

District Orchestra shows up!

On Tuesday, Annandale Orchestra students auditioned for District X Junior and Senior Honor Orchestra. We are so proud of all those who auditioned for their hard work and going through the process. Congratulations to Leyla Yilma, Melanie Lam, Abem Alemu, Jazlyn Tang, Thien Phan, Ollie Allen, Marc Akl, Erica Lee, Ryan Phan, Andrea Rivera Perez, and Lyana Vo for their placement in the Orchestras! You can catch their performance at Hayfield Secondary School on Saturday, January 13.

Atoms Jibbitz for sale!

Looking for new Annandale swag for your shoes?! Stop by the Activities Office and pick up an Annandale Atoms jibbitz for $5.00! Hurry and get yours before they sell out!

Our next Booster Membership Meeting is Monday, December 4 at 6 pm!

Join us on Monday, December 4 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room or online at meet.google.com/zoo-iypf-kpq. The meeting will begin at 6 pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Winter Sport Concession Sign Ups

We need your help with our concession stand for the winter season. Considered signing up and helping our Atoms Athletic Boosters make money during our winter events. Click on a link below to sign up

Boys Basketball Concession Sign up

Girls Basketball Concession Sign Up

Wrestling Concession Sign Up

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

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  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule November 20 - November 25

Monday, November 20

Picture Day

Tuesday, November 21

Picture Day

Wrestling Scrimmage - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Girls Basketball vs Forest Park - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm (SCRIMMAGE)

Boys Basketball @ McLean - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm (SCRIMMAGE)

Thursday, November 23

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

As we move in to second quarter, this time of year can begin to feel challenging for both educators and students, especially students who have been struggling since the start of the school year. However, over the past six weeks, we have been intentional about supporting our struggling students through PRIDE Time, and this support has had a big impact on student learning. 

What is remarkable about our approach to intervention is that we use evidence of student learning to respond to the needs of over 2,200 students. This means that multiple times throughout the year, we re-examine our students’ data and determine what levels of academic, behavior, and wellness support they may need next. 

Now that the first quarter has ended and we have more data on our students, our instructional coaches recently came together to re-identify students in need of academic intervention and other specialized support. They will bring these lists to our content teams this week to finalize in preparation for PRIDE Time 2.0, which begins on Monday, November 27.

We also know that some of our students struggle in multiple courses. As a result, we are not able to meet all of their needs through PRIDE Time alone. To that end, we will begin our After School Academic Program (ASAP) to provide additional support to students who need it. 

Like PRIDE Time 2.0, ASAP begins on Monday, November 27, and will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - our late bus days. Students may be assigned to one (1) or more of those days, depending on their individual needs. Students and families will receive an email with their PRIDE Time 2.0 and ASAP assignments. When you receive this notification, please remind your student of the importance of attending and working hard in these interventions.

As a student recently shared with me, “If I show up and work hard, my teachers won’t let me fail.” 

Have a great week and as always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Awarded Educate Fairfax Grant To Promote Career Development in International Business: Annandale was awarded a grant from Educate Fairfax to support students interested in launching careers in international development around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This experience will allow students to analyze career options in international development with large organizations such as the World Bank and a hands-on opportunity to volunteer with DC Central Kitchen. Both organizations thrive on innovative solutions to respond to humanitarian needs. The trip benefits students of the Annandale Equity team for ELs, Alumni of the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE), and Just World. These students have shown an interest in this field and have already taken actionable steps to be changemakers. Now, they can talk with career professionals and program recipients to deepen their knowledge.

 

Annandale HS Kicks Off Mentoring Program! This week, Annandale staff and community mentors came together with their mentees for our mentoring program kick-off event. They spent time bonding over food and had great conversations. Our staff and community mentors actively work to provide our student mentees with academic and wellness support. Thank you for all that you do!

 

W4 Activities Day Creates Connection to AHS! We held our 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, learning Latin dance, scarf making, or just relaxing. 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, December 11. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school.

 

Annandale's National English Honor Society Inducts New Members: Annandale's National English Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony to officially welcome 33 new members. Since the founding of this chapter of NEHS, new members have received a white carnation as a symbol of their dedication to English Language Arts. We are so thrilled to welcome all our new members! Congratulations to these amazing students!

 

Students from NSSHS Volunteer at Columbia Elementary School: Sage and Sara Nagle recently represented Annandale High School and the Social Studies Honor Society at Columbia Elementary School, helping club sponsors run clubs for K-5 grades. Columbia ES will welcome high school volunteers for STEAM Club, Chess Club, and Board Games Club every Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm through Winter Break.

 

Annandale Students Win Engineering First Place at Innovation Contest: Annandale Atoms Carolina Valenzuela Rodriguez, Ava Sweall, Fatmata Musa, and An Pham presented their work for the Audi of America DRIVE: Drive Like a Girl engineering innovation contest. The Audi of America DRIVE: Like a Girl program is an annual STEM competition in which high school girls identify, design, and present a project focused on the automotive industry. The Annandale team was judged by a panel of engineers and employees from Audi and the Stem for Her organization. Their continued preparation and hard work led them to win first place!

 

Front Hall Upgraded with New Mural: At Annandale, we continue to invest in upgrading our campus. The front hallway recently received an upgrade that included a TV and new mural that showcases our diversity and school spirit! Special thanks to Capitol Murals for their great work! 

 

Veterans Day Celebration at AHS: Last week, we celebrated Veterans Day. During W4, staff and their family members were recognized for their service to our country. In Social Studies, students participated in a variety of activities including primary source analysis, learning more about career opportunities in the military, and student-led discussions around the history and significance of Veteran’s Day. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the American service members who have sacrificed and served for this country. We can, however, recognize and thank the millions of veterans still living today, especially AHS staff members who served in our Armed Forces: Herb Eggert, Regina Jackson, PJ Taylor, and Leonard Bumbaca.

FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations!

We believe that our staff is truly unparalleled and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration and recognition beyond Atom Nation. Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles, including Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Leader, Professional Employee, Operational Employee, and Principal. We hope you will help us celebrate the amazing work done every day at Annandale High School by highlighting some of our amazing staff members!

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 17. Contact Jae Lee with any questions.

Academic Support

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Sign Up for a Writing Conference with the Atoms Writing Center: The trained peer tutors of the Atoms Writing Center will continue to provide support for students with writing in any class during the 2nd quarter. Use this link to sign up for a writing conference during 3rd quarter. If you haven’t already, you should also join our Schoology group to get important updates and announcements from the AWC all year by going to “Groups” > ”My Groups” > ”Join Group” then putting in this code: 9MSF-KSDM-B7HCP. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AtomsWC. Contact Mrs. Hanson with any questions.

Important Dates

November 13 - Atoms Athletics Boosters Meeting, 6:00pm

November 14 - PTSA Meeting, 6:30pm

November 14 - Meet the Coaches Night

November 15 - Thanksgiving Lunch

November 17 - Outstanding Employee Nominations Due

November 17-18 - Fall Play "Radium Girls"

November 20-21 - Winter Sports Pictures

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break

November 26 - Fall Check In Survey Due

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

November 30 - Parent Orchestra, 7pm

 

Now Through November 14 - Limited Access to SIS ParentVue & StudentVue: SIS ParentVUE, and StudentVUE will be unavailable for all users through Tuesday, November 14 as teachers prepare grades. Weekly progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during this time; they will resume Tuesday, November 14.

 

November 14 - PTSA Meeting, 6:30pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 6:30pmpm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. If you can't attend in person, consider joining us virtually on Zoom. The link will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. 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 14 - Winter Meet the Coaches Night: On Tuesday, parents will have the opportunity to learn more about supporting their winter sports student athlete at Meet the Coaches Night at 7:00pm in the cafeteria.

 

November 15 - Thanksgiving Lunch: Students will be able to purchase a Thanksgiving Lunch in the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 15! The menu will consist of turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and fresh apples or chilled peaches. Check out the FCPS School Lunch page for more information about lunches!

 

November 17 and 18 - Fall Play Radium Girls: Annandale Theatre Company presents, Radium Girls November 17-18! This TikTok viral play takes place in 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls tells the story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint.

November 17 at 7pm and November 18 at 2pm and 7pm. Students $5, Seniors $10, General $15. Click here to purchase tickets to the show.

Exclusive Opportunity… For the November 17 showing, our culinary team will be hosting a dinner inspired by Radium Girls. The menu will feature Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped bison meatloaf, and Pineapple upside down cake. The menu will also include a drink and be served in a seated style by our culinary students. Cost is $18 for a 3 course meal. With the purchase of dinner, you will receive a $5 discount on tickets to the show. Reserve your spot and dinner here.

 

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break: At Annandale, we hope you are able to spend the holiday break resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for information and clarification.

 

November 26 - Student & Community Fall Check In Survey Due: With the school year well underway, we want to hear from our staff, students and families. Specifically, we would like to hear what is going well for you and your student, what is a challenge you would like to work together to problem-solve, who is someone who has helped you, and answer any questions. Check your email with a link to our Fall Check In Survey. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, November 26. In the coming weeks, we will share survey trends as well as how we are responding to your feedback. Thank you for providing an important perspective that will help us continue to get better!

 

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0: We are continuing to improve the way we identify students for targeted intervention through PRIDE Time. We will be making changes to students’ PRIDE Time assignments based upon the needs of individual students in preparation for PRIDE Time 2.0, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27. 

 

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins: Beyond the support we provide during the school day, teachers also stay after school to work with students who need additional help. Our after-school academic program (ASAP) will begin November 27 and will run each week on our late-bus days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students assigned to ASAP will receive notification of their day, teacher, and location. Parents will also be notified of these assignments. We ask for your support in ensuring students stay after school.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form.

 

Attendance Policy Postcards Sent to Families: Last week an Attendance Policy Postcard was mailed to every AHS family explaining our attendance policies, practices and consequences for full-day absence, tardiness and absence from class. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4151.

 

SAT School Score Reports Available to Students: Students who participated in the School Day SAT now have access to SAT score reports. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

 

1st Quarter Attendance Report Mailed Home: Annandale recently mailed a 1st Quarter Attendance report with specific attendance data to families for each student, including total number of days and classes they were reported late or having missed completely. In addition, the report provides statistics on the long-term negative impacts of poor attendance, and ways parents can encourage and support student attendance. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4107.

Opportunities

“Radium Girls” Dinner & Show - November 17: Our culinary team will be hosting their first dinner inspired by the theatre department performing “Radium Girls” which is set in the 1930/40s. The menu will feature Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped bison meatloaf, and Pineapple upside down cake. The menu will include a drink as well and be served in a seated style by culinary students. Cost is $18 for a 3 course meal. With the purchase of dinner, you get a $5 discount on tickets to the show! Reserve your spot and dinner here!

 

Winter Olympics Camp for Students Grades 2-8 - December 18-20: Annandale High School will be sponsoring a 3-day Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School for students in 2nd through 8th grade during Winter Break. Camp will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30am-3:00pm. Cost is $100. Payment will be accepted during drop off on the first day. Link: https://bit.ly/Olympics23Poe

 

2023 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for students in Grade 10 & 11 to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Virginia Department of Education website and view the promotional video. All applications must be returned to Mr. Zubieta in Student Services. Late applications will not be accepted. Interested students should complete either the interest forms for the Academic Program or the Visual and Performing Arts Program. Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Zubieta.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

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 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on November 20. 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 College & Career Planning Google site.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission to attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December: The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. With the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now (English only). A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

News from the Activities Office

A reminder that Winter Sideline Cheer and Winter Indoor Track will hold their first day of tryouts Monday, November 13 after school! Freshman girls basketball is still taking any interested freshman looking to join the freshman girls basketball team. If you have questions about sideline cheer, indoor track, or freshman girls basketball, contact the coaches below!

Sideline Cheer - Victoria Douglas - [email protected]; Indoor Track - Phil Harris - [email protected]; Freshman Girls Basketball - Chelsea Harrison - [email protected]

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

This week...

Monday, November 13

Atoms Athletics Boosters Meeting - 6:00pm (Driver's Ed Room)

Tuesday, November 14

Winter Meet the Coaches Night - 7:00pm (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, November 15

Wrestling Scrimmage - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Friday, November 17

Girls Basketball @ Wakefield - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Fall Play - "Radium Girls" - 7:00pm (Auditorium)

Saturday, November 18

Boys Basketball @ Woodbridge - 9:00/10:20am/12:00pm

Fall Play - "Radium Girls" - 2:00pm/7:00pm (Auditorium)

 

November 20 & 21 - Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for winter sports will occur on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21 in Clausen Hall. 

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

The winter season kicked off this week with Winter sports tryouts. Each team had a lot of students trying out for a spot on a winter team. We are excited for the excitement that each program will bring this winter so don't miss out on all the action going at Annandale High School.

GO ATOMS!!! Winter Sports Tryouts

A reminder that Winter Sideline Cheer and Winter Indoor Track will hold their first day of tryouts Monday, November 13 after school! Freshman girls basketball is still taking any interested freshman looking to join the freshman girls basketball team. If you have questions about sideline cheer, indoor track, or freshman girls basketball, contact the coaches below!

Sideline Cheer - Victoria Douglas - [email protected]

Indoor Track - Phil Harris - [email protected]

Freshman Girls Basketball - Chelsea Harrison - [email protected]

For those parents of student-athletes on a winter team, join us Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00pm. We will hold a general session prior to breakout groups for each program. Come hear about program, expectations, and more from each winter season coach. 

Winter Sports Picture Schedule Winter Olympics Camp

Annandale High School's will host Winter Olympics Camp at Poe Middle School during winter break, December 18-20. This is a great opportunity for your child to have an incredible time with our wonderful coaches for a very affordable price of $100. Camps run each day from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp.

Sign up for the Winter Olympics Camp here!

Fall Play - Radium Girls

November 17-18 - Fall Play Radium Girls - Come see our fall play, Radium Girls November 17-18! This TikTok viral play takes place in 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls tells the story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint.

Purchase Tickets for Radium Girls Here!

Atoms Jibbitz for sale!

Looking for new Annandale swag for your shoes?! Stop by the Activities Office and pick up an Annandale Atoms jibbitz for $5.00! Hurry and get yours before they sell out!

Our next Booster Membership Meeting is Monday, November 13 at 6 pm!

Join us on Monday, November 13 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room or online at meet.google.com/zoo-iypf-kpq. The meeting will begin at 6 pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Winter Sport Concession Sign Ups

We need your help with our concession stand for the winter season. Considered signing up and helping our Atoms Athletic Boosters make money during our winter events. Click on a link below to sign up

Boys Basketball Concession Sign up

Girls Basketball Concession Sign Up

Wrestling Concession Sign Up

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule November 13 - November 8

Monday, November 13

Atoms Athletics Boosters Meeting - 6:00pm (Driver's Ed Room)

Tuesday, November 14

Winter Meet the Coaches Night - 7:00pm (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, November 15

Wrestling Scrimmage - 6:00pm (Auxiliary Gym)

Friday, November 17

Girls Basketball @ Wakefield - 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Fall Play - "Radium Girls" - 7:00pm (Auditorium)

Saturday, November 18

Boys Basketball @ Woodbridge - 9:00/10:20am/12:00pm

Fall Play - "Radium Girls" - 2:00pm/7:00pm (Auditorium)

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Theatre Company presents,
Radium Girls, November 17-18! Exclusive opportunity - Dinner and a show on November 17

The Annandale Theatre Company presents, Radium Girls, November 17-18! This TikTok viral play takes place in 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls tells the story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint.

November 17 at 7pm and November 18 at 2pm and 7pm. Students $5, Seniors $10, General $15. Click here to purchase tickets to the show.

Exclusive Opportunity… For the November 17 showing, Annandale's culinary team will be hosting a dinner inspired by Radium Girls at 5:30pm. The menu will feature Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped bison meatloaf, and Pineapple upside down cake. The menu will also include a drink and be served in a seated style by our culinary students. Cost is $18 for a 3 course meal. With the purchase of dinner, you will receive a $5 discount on tickets to the show. Reserve your spot and dinner here! 

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

 

Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

As some of you know, Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year, and our halls last week were filled with spirited students and staff! A few highlights included our English department, who dressed up as Barbies and Kens; our admin team, who were ghostbusters, Slimer and Marshmallow Man; and a student dressed as a huge, red balloon dog. I hope students enjoyed this fun day!

As a reminder, tomorrow and Tuesday are work days for teachers. Our staff will come together tomorrow for our General Session, where we will continue to learn about the ways we are getting better at providing high quality instruction for all students. Our instructional foundation at Annandale includes:

• Learning targets to ensure students know what they are learning, how they are learning it, and how they will know if they are understanding; 
• High level academic tasks that require students to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate, rather than simply recall or identify;
• Scaffolds that provide students access to high level thinking and that grow with students as their needs change; and
• Evidence of student learning that empowers teachers, students and families to respond to students’ learning needs

Teachers will also use these days to finalize grades and plan for the upcoming quarter. SIS ParentVue and StudentVue will be unavailable until Tuesday, November 14 as teachers prepare grades. As always, please reach out to your student’s teachers with any questions.

With the school year well underway, we want to hear from our staff, students and families. Specifically, we would like to hear what is going well for you and your student, what is a challenge you would like to work together to problem-solve, who is someone who has helped you, and answer any questions. Keep an eye out for an email with a link to our Fall Check In Survey. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, November 26. In the coming weeks, we will share survey trends as well as how we are responding to your feedback.

Finally, Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day. To celebrate and honor our veterans, we will hold a special Veterans Day lesson during W4 on Friday. During this lesson students will have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf. We thank all of our Veterans for their service.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

EPF Teachers Earn Educate Fairfax Grant: The Economics and Personal Finance team has received a grant that will allow them to participate in the Stock Market Game this coming February and April. The game allows students to research and trade companies on the NASDAQ and NYSE real time with accurate information. Students will work in teams to create a portfolio that will hopefully result in gains. The experience offers the valuable opportunity to engage with the stock market in a low-risk situation to help them deepen their understanding of the risks and rewards of investing their money. Decisions on the portfolio will be made as a team, helping students strengthen their communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills. In addition, students will compete on a state and national level for scholarships.

 

Annandale Celebrates First Hispanic Heritage Week: Students proudly shared their Hispanic heritage and School Spirit all week long in the first Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week. Huge shout out to Ms. Gonzalez and the Hispanic Student Union for organizing this event, and all who participated!

 

AVID Teacher, Ms. Wells, Awarded Grant for “Launching Careers at NOVA” Program: Educate Fairfax has awarded AHS $1885 to provide transportation for AHS students to visit career programs on NOVA campuses. Students will visit the NOVA Medical Education Campus, NOVA Automotive Technology campus, and NOVA Information and Engineering Technology campus to gain hands-on experiences and learn how to launch their careers. Any questions email Laura Wells.

 

Yesly Gonzalez, Annandale School Counselor, Attends Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) Conference: Yesley Gonzalez, School Counselor at Annandale, recently attended the Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) Conference. At the conference, Ms. Gonzalez washable to attend sessions on evidence-based programs in the domains of academic achievement, emotional growth, social development, career exploration, and post-secondary planning. According to Ms. Gonzalez, “The conference also provided me the opportunity to sharpen my counseling skills and techniques to better serve our students, and it was also great meeting counselors from all over the state.”

Important Dates

November 6 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

November 8 - W4 Activities Day

November 14 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

November 14 - Meet the Coaches Night

November 15 - Thanksgiving Lunch

November 17-18 - Fall Play "Radium Girls"

November 20-21 - Winter Sports Pictures

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins

 

Now Through November 14 - Limited Access to SIS ParentVue & StudentVue: SIS ParentVUE, and StudentVUE will be unavailable for all users through Tuesday, November 14 as teachers prepare grades. Weekly progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during this time; they will resume Tuesday, November 14.

 

November 6 - Winter Sport Tryouts Begin: Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. 

Here is the Winter Tryout Schedule. Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check out www.annandaleatoms.net. 

 

November 6 & 7 - Teacher Workday: No school for students.

 

November 8 - W4 Activities Day: On Wednesday, November 8, Annandale will host W4 Activities Day. Students will have an opportunity to attend club meetings or join in on a variety of other activities. Students selected their preferred activity via a Google form shared through their W-4 lessons and on Schoology and an email was sent out this weekend sharing their assigned session for Wednesday. 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.

 

November 15 - Thanksgiving Lunch: Students will be able to purchase a Thanksgiving Lunch in the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 15! The menu will consist of turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and fresh apples or chilled peaches. Check out the FCPS School Lunch page for more information about lunches!

 

November 17 and 18 - Fall Play Radium Girls: Annandale Theatre Company presents, Radium Girls November 17-18! This TikTok viral play takes place in 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls tells the story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint.

November 17 at 7pm and November 18 at 2pm and 7pm. Students $5, Seniors $10, General $15. Click here to purchase tickets to the show.

Exclusive Opportunity… For the November 17 showing, our culinary team will be hosting a dinner inspired by Radium Girls. The menu will feature Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped bison meatloaf, and Pineapple upside down cake. The menu will also include a drink and be served in a seated style by our culinary students. Cost is $18 for a 3 course meal. With the purchase of dinner, you will receive a $5 discount on tickets to the show. Reserve your spot and dinner here.

 

November 27 - PRIDE Time 2.0: We are continuing to improve the way we identify students for targeted intervention through PRIDE Time. We will be making changes to students’ PRIDE Time assignments based upon the needs of individual students in preparation for PRIDE Time 2.0, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27. 

 

November 27 - After School Academic Program (ASAP) Begins: Beyond the support we provide during the school day, teachers also stay after school to work with students who need additional help. Our after-school academic support program (ASAP) will begin November 27 and will run each week on our late-bus days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students assigned to ASAP will receive notification of their day, teacher, and location, this week. Parents will also be notified of these assignments. We ask for your support in ensuring students stay after school.

Students will be able to purchase a Thanksgiving Lunch in the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 15! The menu will consist of turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and fresh apples or chilled peaches. Check out the FCPS School Lunch page for more information about lunches!

FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations!

We believe that our staff is truly unparalleled and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration and recognition beyond Atom Nation. Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles, including Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Leader, Professional Employee, Operational Employee, and Principal. We hope you will help us celebrate the amazing work done every day at Annandale High School by highlighting some of our amazing staff members!

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 17. Contact Jae Lee with any questions.

Academic Support

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Attention Juniors! Writing WorkKeys Workshop on November 8: The Atoms Writing Center will be holding a workshop on the Writing WorkKeys during the next W4 Activities Day on November 8. All juniors will be required to pass the Writing WorkKeys in order to graduate. This workshop will give you the opportunity to review tips before the exam, practice responding to an extra prompt, and get one-on-one feedback from an Atoms Writing Center tutor. All juniors should consider signing up for the Atoms Writing Center’s WorkKeys Workshop for the November W4 Activities Day.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form.

 

Attendance Policy Postcards Sent to Families: This week an Attendance Policy Postcard was mailed to every AHS family explaining our attendance policies, practices and consequences for full-day absence, tardiness and absence from class. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4151.

 

SAT School Score Reports Available to Students: Students who participated in the School Day SAT now have access to SAT score reports. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

 

Coming Soon! 1st Quarter Attendance Report Mailed Home: Each family will soon receive a 1st Quarter Attendance report with specific attendance data for their student, including total number of days and classes they were reported late or having missed completely. In addition, the report provides statistics on the long-term negative impacts of poor attendance, and ways parents can encourage and support improved attendance. If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please call the Annandale Attendance Office at 703-642-4107.

Opportunities

“Radium Girls” Dinner & Show - November 17: Our culinary team will be hosting their first dinner inspired by the theatre department performing “Radium Girls” which is set in the 1930/40s. The menu will feature Oysters Rockefeller, Bacon wrapped bison meatloaf, and Pineapple upside down cake. The menu will include a drink as well and be served in a seated style by culinary students. Cost is $18 for a 3 course meal. With the purchase of dinner, you get a $5 discount on tickets to the show! Reserve your spot and dinner here!

 

2023 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for students in Grade 10 & 11 to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Virginia Department of Education website and view the promotional video. All applications must be returned to Mr. Zubieta in Student Services. Late applications will not be accepted. Interested students should complete either the interest forms for the Academic Program or the Visual and Performing Arts Program. Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Zubieta.

 

World Language Governor's Academies Applications Open: World Language Students, Annandale High School is in the process of nominating students to apply for the 2024 World Language Governor's Academies. Spanish and French Academies consist of 3 weeks of full immersion at Washington and Lee University; sophomores and juniors in levels 3 and above who are not native speakers are invited to apply. We will also be nominating sophomores and juniors in levels 2 and above to attend the partial-immersion Japanese academy at Randolph Macon College - no Japanese experience required! For more information, visit the FCPS website and sign up for the November 7 interest meeting. Ready to apply? Email World Languages Department Chair Lauren Paz Soldan by November 10!

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

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 November 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on October 20. 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 College & Career Planning Google site.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission to attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December: The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. With the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now (English only). A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

News from the Activities Office

With the fall season officially in the books for all of our teams, it's now time to turn our attention to all things winter! On Monday, November 6 tryouts begin for Basketball, Swim, Gymnastics and Wrestling. Indoor Track and Winter Cheer will get started the following week, on Monday, November 13. See below for the complete week 1 schedule. Keep in mind that we do not have school on Monday and Tuesday!

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

November 14 - Winter Meet the Coaches Night: On Tuesday, parents will have the opportunity to learn more about supporting their winter sports student athlete at Meet the Coaches Night at 7:00pm in the cafeteria.

 

November 20 & 21 - Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for winter sports will occur on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21 in Clausen Hall. Final schedule for pictures will come out by November 8.

 

Wrestling Spirit Wear Now Available: Wrestling fans! The 2023-2024 Atoms Wrestling Team Spirit Wear store is now open! This year the Grappling Atoms are partnering with Cheers Sports to help bring you awesome gear to wear during the season (and beyond)! Orders are due by Friday, November 10! Click here for the team store! If you have any questions, feel free to email Coach Damico.

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Please use the corrected winter try-out schedule below

Winter Season Tryouts

Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training.

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

Check out our winter sports tryouts and coaches contact information below!

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

The fall season came to a close Friday evening with varsity football traveling to Rock Ridge. It was an exciting and eventful fall for Atoms athletics. However, we now turn to the winter season which begins Monday! Make sure to check out the tryout schedule and coaches contact information below.

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Football closed out the season with a road game to Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn. The Atoms battled all night but fell short to the Phoenix to complete their season. The Atoms had multiple injuries across the board throughout the season but the team never backed down from their opponent. The grit, poise, and determination this team played with all season is reflected from their first year coach Chris Bagot. The Atoms lose multiple seniors but return a core group of players the Atoms coaching staff look forward to growing throughout the off-season.

Winter Season Tryouts

Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training.

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

Check out our winter sports tryouts and coaches contact information below!

Atoms Jibbitz for sale!

Looking for new Annandale swag for your shoes?! Stop by the Activities Office and pick up an Annandale Atoms jibbitz for $5.00! Hurry and get yours before they sell out!

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule November 6 - November 11

Monday, November 6

FIRST DAY OF WINTER TRYOUTS

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

I hope you had a great weekend and were able to enjoy the unseasonably warm fall weather! I joined the Marching Atoms at the Annandale Parade. It was awesome watching the community come together and celebrate the rich diversity of Annandale.

Over the past few weeks, we have hosted several visitors from throughout FCPS. Specifically, a team of central office leaders came to learn about all the ways we support our students’ academics, behavior, and wellness needs; and a team from another FCPS high school came to learn how we structure our ESOL programming to ensure our newcomer and developing English Learners access equitable learning opportunities. 

With both teams, we shared our priorities of relationships and support, high quality instruction, and strong collaboration, as well as all of the systems and structures we have in place to ensure we can fulfill our priorities. In addition, team members walked our hallways, observed second-chance breakfast, and visited several classes and collaborative team meetings. When we returned to debrief what they noticed, their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Members of both teams shared how clearly our priorities were reflected throughout the building and remarked on:

• The positive presence adults have in our hallways: “It was clear adults were not there to ‘catch kids’ acting inappropriately; instead, they were there to foster relationships!”
• How students across every level access the same high level academic task: “We visited a self-contained special education English class, a team-taught ESOL English class, and an Honors English class, and students in all of those classes were reading and analyzing super relevant books they got to choose!”
• The intentionality behind our systems to support all students: “It is incredible that your teachers check in one-on-one with every student during advisory - what a great opportunity to help students feel seen and gather student voice!”
• The ways we support students with significant academic, behavior, and wellness needs: “Can you share your tiered-support system so we can share your approach with other schools?”
• The positive climate evident throughout our school: “The feeling we got today watching kids and staff - it just felt so good to be here, and this is clearly something you all built together - that doesn’t just happen by accident!”

The challenges schools are working to address in meeting students’ needs are tremendous. At Annandale, we have maintained a laser-like focus on ensuring we do everything we can to be a good school - a great school - for every student regardless of the challenges. Opportunities like these visits allow us to reflect on and gather feedback around where we are and how we can continue to improve. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff, students, and community for the ways we work together to ensure our students thrive. 

To that end, we believe that our staff is truly unparalleled and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration and recognition beyond Atom Nation. Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles, including Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Leader, Professional Employee, Operational Employee, and Principal. We hope you will help us celebrate the amazing work done every day at Annandale High School by highlighting some of our amazing staff members!

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 17. Contact Jae Lee with any questions.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Celebrates Virginia College Application Week! Last week Annandale students took advantage of Virginia College Application Week and the waived college application fees for most Virginia colleges and universities.  Students received assistance with completing their college applications during Pride Time, lunch, and after school. 

 

Current & Former Atoms Attend Conference for Global Navigator Schools: ESOL Coach Meredith Hedrick represented Atom Nation at the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) Conference as part of our partnership as a Global Navigator School. Schools from all over the country sent representatives to learn about place-based learning and authentic resources in the classroom. CIEE program leaders came to present and lead sessions on how they implement place-based learning in their countries. Topics included urban renewal and development in Denmark, Botswana’s biodiversity protection, and Shanghai's innovative technology.  Meredith learned alongside AHS Alumni Brian Bernhards (Class of 2005), who is now a French teacher in California. His first study abroad experience was when he traveled with the Annandale chorus to Germany. Now he supports global programming for his students. Stay tuned for more updates on the Summer 2024 CIEE application process.

 

Marching Atoms Lead the Annandale Parade: The Marching Atoms led the Annandale Parade this past weekend along Columbia Pike. The Annual Parade has been a favorite tradition since 1950. It promotes community involvement and neighborhood camaraderie while celebrating the rich diversity of Annandale. 

Important Dates

October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes

October 30 - November 3 - Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)

November 5 - Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 6 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

November 8 - W4 Activities Day

November 14 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

November 16-18 - Fall Play "Radium Girls"

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break

 

This Week - W4 Check-Ins Continue: Over the next several weeks W4 teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with each W4 student. These W4 check-ins are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships with students, and identify student needs.

 

October 30 - November 3 - Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week: The Hispanic Student Union Hosts Spirit Week for Hispanic Heritage Month Finale: HSU is hosting its first ever Spirit Week to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from October 30 – November 3. Dress for each day’s theme to show your support! Monday, October 30 through Friday, November 3. Monday: Traditional Dress, Tuesday: Halloween Hispanic Characters, Wednesday: Day of the Dead, Thursday: Lotería, Friday: Jersey Day. Check out the calendar in English or Spanish! Anyone can participate!

 

October 31 - Underclassmen Picture Retakes: Picture Retakes will be held in Clausen Hall throughout the school day on Tuesday, October 31. Students and staff can go during their free time to get their picture taken and receive an ID.

 

November 3 - End of the 1st Quarter: Friday marks the end of the first quarter and is a two hour early release for students. Students and families are encouraged to check StudentVue and Schoology regularly and contact teachers directly if they have any questions.

 

November 6 - Winter Sport Tryouts Begin: Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. 

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check out www.annandaleatoms.net. 

 

November 6 & 7 - Teacher Workday: No school for students.

 

November 8 - W4 Activities Day: On Wednesday, November 8, Annandale will host W4 Activities Day. Students will have an opportunity to attend club meetings or join in on a variety of other activities. Prior to this day, students will select their preferred session in a W4 lesson, or by completing the form on the Annandale Students Schoology page. 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.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form.

 

November 3-14 - SIS Grade Book Unavailable: SIS ParentVUE, and StudentVUE will be unavailable for all users from Friday, November 3 at 4pm through Tuesday, November 14 as teachers prepare grades. Weekly progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during this time; they will resume Tuesday, November 14.

Opportunities

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

2023 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for students in Grade 10 & 11 to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Virginia Department of Education website and view the promotional video. All applications must be returned to Mr. Zubieta in Student Services. Late applications will not be accepted. Interested students should complete either the interest forms for the Academic Program or the Visual and Performing Arts Program. Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Zubieta.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

November 8 - Writing WorkKeys Workshop: Attention Juniors! The Atoms Writing Center will be holding a workshop on the Writing WorkKeys during the next W4 Activities Day on November 8. All juniors will be required to pass the Writing WorkKeys in order to graduate. This workshop will give you the opportunity to review tips before the exam, practice responding to an extra prompt, and get one-on-one feedback from an Atoms Writing Center tutor. All juniors should consider signing up for the Atoms Writing Center’s WorkKeys Workshop for the November W4 Activities Day.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

Honor Societies

Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.

 

Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.

Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.

 

Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.

 

Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

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 November 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on October 20. 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 College & Career Google site.

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December: The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. With the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now (English only). A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website, Twitter or Instagram page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Wrestling Spirit Wear Now Available: Wrestling fans! The 2023-2024 Atoms Wrestling Team Spirit Wear store is now open! This year the Grappling Atoms are partnering with Cheers Sports to help bring you awesome gear to wear during the season (and beyond)! Orders are due by Friday, November 10! Click here for the team store! If you have any questions, feel free to email Coach Damico.

 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Monday, October 30

Freshman Football vs Rock Ridge - 5:30pm

JV Football vs Hayfield - 7:15pm

Friday, October 27

V Football @ Rock Ridge - 7:00pm 

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

The final week of the fall season is upon us. As we start of winter sports start up, we hope to see our amazing community out in full support of our hard working student-athletes!

Check out our newsletter where you can find the following information:

* Athletics recap, winter tryout information, purchase a red card, field hockey clinics, and boosters information!

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Field Hockey season came to an end after a back and forth battle in the Occoquan Region Quarterfinals vs Robinson that resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Atoms. The Atoms had another great season on the field and look to return to district Championship form next year as they return a big core of players from this years team.

Atoms Volleyball completed their season with a loss to TJ in the first round of the district tournament Monday evening. The Atoms were a lot of fun to watch this year. Their record doesn't reflect the passion, energy, and grit the Atoms played with this year! It was awesome to watch them compete each game. The Atoms lose four seniors but return a core of players that look to build on the success of the 2023 season!

Atoms Cross Country completed their final run of the year in the National District Championship meet Thursday at Burke Lake. Terry Moreno and Kiera Dalrymple were the first finishers for the Atoms. Both teams ran hard but came up short in qualify for the Occoquan Regional Championships. Each runner improved their times throughout the year and many of them look to build upon that as they head into Indoor Track.

Atoms Football got a whole team effort win over Lewis last night. The Atoms played their most complete game of the year, led by a three touchdown performance from quarerback Ben Diconi. The Atoms defense had a bend dont break mentality as they held the Lancers to a shutout. The Atoms hit the road for their final game of the season at Rock Ridge next Friday.

Winter Season Tryouts

Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training.

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

Check out our winter sports tryouts and coaches contact information below!

Atoms Jibbitz for sale!

Looking for new Annandale swag for your shoes?! Stop by the Activities Office and pick up an Annandale Atoms jibbitz for $5.00! Hurry and get yours before they sell out!

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule October 30- November 6

Monday, October 30

Freshman Football vs Rock Ridge - 5:30pm

JV Football vs Hayfield - 7:15pm

Tuesday, October 31

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Friday, October 27

V Football @ Rock Ridge - 7:00pm 

Monday, November 6

FIRST DAY OF WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community:

Thank you to families who were able to join last week’s virtual Fall Principal Check-In, where I shared information about our practices as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. I especially appreciated the opportunity to hear questions, kudos, and concerns, and I hope I was able to provide some helpful perspective around key issues.

As you know, this Friday, November 3, marks the end of the first quarter. Students and families are encouraged to check SIS and Schoology to ensure all assignments have been turned in and any assessment retakes have been completed. Once again this year, we are using a rolling gradebook. This means that quarter grades provide a snapshot of the student’s progress and are not used to determine final grades. Rather, a student’s final grade is an average of all assignments completed throughout the year. 

Students who need additional support are assigned an intervention PRIDE Time. PRIDE Time is a 50-minute intervention block students attend every-other day. Students who are not assigned a PRIDE Time Intervention have a PRIDE Time Study Hall where they can complete missing work, seek additional assistance from Study Hall teachers, or retake an assessment for full credit utilizing our Retake Room. 

In addition, Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school. New this year, students can also get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. 

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, and Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

Roberto Obando & Stephanie Hanson Nobel Educators of Distinction: Congratulations to Math teacher, Mr. Obando and English teacher, Ms. Hanson, for being nominated and selected by the National Society of High School Scholars as Clase Nobel Educators of Distinction for the difference they make as teachers, learners, role models, and leaders in their profession. This award is given to educators who make a significant contribution to the academic career of their students.

 

Students Attend Belgian Embassy’s International Day of the Girl: Last week, Meredith Hedrick, ESOL Coach, accompanied Alison Coria Tarazona, Meilhi Leon Terceros and Sarah Mai to the Belgian Embassy to recognize International Day of the Girl. During their visit, they explained how they aim to make a difference as female leaders at school, in their communities, and in their future endeavors. The students also shared their intercultural experiences this summer as part of an exchange program abroad.

 

Annandale High Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Salad Bar Program: Annandale High School hosted the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services salad bar launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was featured on WJLA. Check out the story here!

 

Seniors Find Success on WorkKeys: This past week 22 of our 50 Seniors who took the WorkKeys substitute test passed and earned reading verified credit. Earning this particular verified credit is often one of our students’ greatest hurdles to graduation. We’re proud of their hard work and perseverance. Congratulations to these students as well as Jeff Smith, Coach Bagot, and the remediation team including Tricia Kapuscinski, Beth Nank, and Megan Pacileo who have been working hard to prep these students. 

 

Special Olympics Soccer: Our Special Olympics Atoms played in their first soccer tournament of the new year. The team came out strong with some great team passing and scoring. Thank you to Lewis and James Madison for the fun, competitive games! The soccer season was a great success with new athletes and peers.

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IB Lang & Lit students Travel to D.C. to visit the Planet Word Museum: Students had the opportunity to explore the power and beauty of language. They did a fantastic job representing Annandale High School as they explored the interactive exhibits. Classes examined advertising techniques, created their own advertisements, acted out SAT vocabulary words, sang karaoke to appreciate the art of songwriting, and much, much more! One student reflected that the experience helped them “appreciate the power of words in a whole new way.” Be sure to ask your students about their experience!

 

AHS Celebrates Students of the Month: Congratulations to Omid Ahadi, Jaszmin Alvarado Perez, Masooma Amarkhail, Bresly Barrios de Leon, Sandra Belloso Esquit, Jimmy Cardenas Monterroso, Milagros Castellanos Castillo, Beverly Castro Leon, Ethan Hush, and Cecilia Marigliano for being selected as our October Students of the Month. Each month we ask a different department to recognize students who exemplify our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. In the month of October, the ESOL and CTE departments nominated students who exemplify our Atoms Agreement of Empathy. Congratulations to all for being selected as our Student of the Month winners!

Important Dates

October 23-27 - Virginia College Application Week

October 24 - Fall Chorus Concert, 7pm

October 25 - Social and Emotional Learning Screener

October 25 & 26 - Vision and Hearing Screening

October 28 - Annandale Parade

October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)

November 6 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

November 8 - W4 Activities Day

 

This Week - W4 Check-Ins Continue: Over the next several weeks W4 teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with each W4 student. These W4 check-ins are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships with students, and identify student needs.

 

October 23-27 - Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): During the week of October 23–27, students can get college application fee waivers for most Virginia colleges and universities, as well as assistance with completing your college applications. Help will be available in Clausen Hall during Pride Time on Monday and Friday, lunch on Tuesday and Thursday, and after school on Wednesday and Thursday from 3-4pm. If you would like help during your lunch period you must reach out to Ms. Wells or Mr. Yeagley to get permission to attend. Please note that college application fee waivers are only valid if you submit your application during that week

 

October 24 - Fall Chorus Concert: Come and enjoy the choirs from AHS on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00pm as they present It’s a Wonderful Life! This first concert of the year will feature all four of our choirs here at Annandale. Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber and the Annandale Singers will present songs of encouragement, positivity, hope and joy to remind us all how music can impact our lives.

 

October 25 - Social and Emotional Learning Screener: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.

 

October 25 & 26 - Vision and Hearing Screening: Vision and Hearing screening will be held on October 25 and 26. We will be screening 10th grade students during their PE classes. If your student wears glasses, please be sure they have them at school on screening days. The purpose of screening is to identify students who need further evaluation because they have difficulty seeing the screening chart or hearing the screening tones.

Parents will be notified by letter if screening results indicate that further testing is needed. Vision and hearing difficulties can interfere with learning. Prompt follow-up is recommended if you receive a referral letter suggesting further testing. If you have any questions regarding hearing and vision screening, please contact the school health room at 703-642-4110.

 

October 28 - The Annandale Parade: Join the Annandale Marching Atoms at the annual Annandale Parade along Columbia Pike this Saturday, October 23 at 10:00am. This event has been a favorite tradition since 1950. It promotes community involvement and neighborhood camaraderie while celebrating the rich diversity of Annandale. Mark your calendar, participate or bring the family to view this Annandale Tradition. Children are invited to wear their Halloween Costumes, to cheer the participants, and to marvel at the exhibits.

 

October 31 - Underclassmen Picture Retakes: Picture Retakes will be held in Clausen Hall throughout the school day on Tuesday, October 31. Students and staff can go during their free time to get their picture taken and receive an ID.

 

November 3 - End of the 1st Quarter: Friday marks the end of the first quarter and is a two hour early release for students. Students and families are encouraged to check StudentVue and Schoology for the latest grading information and are encouraged to contact teachers directly if they have any questions.

 

November 6 & 7 - Teacher Workday: No school for students.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form. Important dates:

• October 16: Federal Impact Aid Survey electronic data collection in ParentVUE opens.
• October 31: Federal Impact Aid Survey paper forms are available.

Opportunities

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

November 8 - Writing WorkKeys Workshop: Attention Juniors! The Atoms Writing Center will be holding a workshop on the Writing WorkKeys during the next W4 Activities Day on November 8. All juniors will be required to pass the Writing WorkKeys in order to graduate. This workshop will give you the opportunity to review tips before the exam, practice responding to an extra prompt, and get one-on-one feedback from an Atoms Writing Center tutor. All juniors should consider signing up for the Atoms Writing Center’s WorkKeys Workshop for the November W4 Activities Day.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

Honor Societies

Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.

 

Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.

Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.

 

Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.

 

Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

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 November 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on October 20. 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 College & Career Google site.

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website, Twitter or Instagram page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Wrestling Spirit Wear Now Available: Wrestling fans! The 2023-2024 Atoms Wrestling Team Spirit Wear store is now open! This year the Grappling Atoms are partnering with Cheers Sports to help bring you awesome gear to wear during the season (and beyond)! Orders are due by Friday, November 10! Click here for the team store! If you have any questions, feel free to email Coach Damico.

 

November 6 - Winter Sport Tryouts Begin: Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. 

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check out www.annandaleatoms.net. 

 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Monday, October 23

Volleyball National District Quarterfinals @ TJ - 6:30pm

Tuesday, October 24

National District Volleyball Semifinals @ TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Monday)

Fall Choral Concert - 7:00pm

Thursday, October 26

Cross Country National District - Boys @ 2:30pm; Girls @ 3:30pm - @ Burke Lake

National District Volleyball Final @ TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Tuesday)

F Football vs Lewis; JV Football vs Osbourn - 5:30/7:30

Friday, October 27

V Football @ Lewis - 7:00pm 

Field Hockey Occoquan Region Quarterfinal vs TBD - 6:30pm 

Saturday, October 28

Marching Atoms @ Annandale Parade

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

Reminder that Winter sports are around the corner, make sure to check out the first three days of tryouts below! 

Check out our newsletter where you can find the following information:

* Athletics recap, winter tryout information, purchase a red card, field hockey clinics, and boosters information!

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Field Hockey played their way to the district championship with wins over Lewis and Edison in the quarters and semi-finals. Unfortunately, the Atoms fell in a heartbreaking OT loss to Hayfield Thursday evening. The Atoms played hard and now move on to host an Occoquan Regional Tournament Quarterfinal match Friday evening at 6:30pm

Atoms Volleyball played their final two games of the regular season but fell in both to Edison and Mount Vernon. The Atoms held their annual senior night Wednesday evening. It was a great turnout for the class of 2024 and the crowd was treated to a competitive match but the Atoms ultimately fell in three sets to the Majors. They travel to TJ Monday evening for the first round of the National District Tournament at 6:30pm.

Atoms Cross Country continue to tune up for the National District Meet Thursday afternoon at Burke Lake. The Atoms will run with the boys starting at 2:30 and girls to follow at 3:30pm

Atoms Football held senior night last night for the final home game of the season. Injuries have played a role the last several games but the team continues to play hard game in and game out. Their determination, grit, and attitude are the bright spots for this team. The passion they play with is on display every Friday night. The Atoms hit the road for their final two weeks starting with Lewis this Friday night.

Atoms Cheer performed in the National District Championship Thursday evening at Hayfield. The Atoms had an incredible performance that no one should have missed. The squad gave it all they had and left everything on the mat! The Atoms didn't qualify for the region championship but their yearlong hard work was on display Thursday evening.

Winter Season Tryouts

Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training.

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

Check out our winter sports tryouts and coaches contact information below!

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Annandale Youth Field Hockey Clinics

Annandale Field Hockey will be holding Youth Field Hockey Clinics for players in Kindergarten- 8th grade. Please register on the following Link. Please contact Coach Uviedo if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Directors Cut Chorus Fall Concert: It’s a Wonderful Life Tuesday, October 24 7:00 p.m.

This life is full of ups and downs, but it is all wonderful! Come and enjoy the choirs from AHS as they present It’s a Wonderful Life! This first concert of the year will feature all four of our choirs here at Annandale. Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber and the Annandale Singers will present songs of encouragement, positivity, hope and joy to remind us all how music can impact our lives. The concert will open with Gwyneth Walker’s setting of How Can I Keep from Singing? sung by the entire department followed by Atom Chorale singing Fill Your Life with Music and Shine Like Stars. Men’s Chorale will share Scott Farthing’s Come Travel with Me and Mark Patterson’s I Would Be True. Chamber will continue the concert with I Believe by Mark Miller based on a poem found after the Holocaust, A Letter from a Girl to the World and Flight by Ryan Murphy. The Annandale Singers will then offer Dan Forrest’s The Music of Living, Andrea Ramsey’s That Which Remains based on words by Helen Keller and will conclude with a really fun and upbeat piece entitled Nyon Nyon by Jake Runestad. The entire department concludes our concert with The Rhythm of Life from the musical Sweet Charity. This will be a great concert and we hope that you will come and be a part as we celebrate this great life!

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

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  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule October 23 - October 28

Monday, October 23

National District Volleyball Quarterfinals @ TJ - 6:30pm

Tuesday, October 24

National District Volleyball Semifinals @ TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Monday)

Fall Choral Concert - 7:00pm

Thursday, October 26

National District Cross Country - Boys @ 2:30pm; Girls @ 3:30pm - @ Burke Lake

National District Volleyball Final @ TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Tuesday)

F Football vs Lewis; JV Football vs Osbourn - 5:30/7:30

Friday, October 27

V Football @ Lewis - 7:00pm 

Occoquan Field Hockey Quarterfinal vs TBD - 6:30pm 

Saturday, October 28

Marching Atoms @ Annandale Parade

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was spent driving 430+ miles back to Ohio with two of my kids (Regan and Jack) to meet up with my sister for what has become an annual trip to “Halloweekends” at Cedar Point. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year and we always have a great time celebrating as a family. 

Though it is hard to believe, we are nearing the end of the first quarter, which is Friday, November 3. As a reminder, November 3 will be a two-hour early release for students, and November 6 and November 7 are teacher workdays, with no school for students. We encourage all students and families to check SIS and Schoology regularly to ensure all assignments have been turned in and any assessment retakes have been completed. 

On Friday, we emailed all families their students’ grades as well as their PRIDE Time intervention or study hall placement. In that email, we provided ways you can support your student, including sitting with them to check on and discuss their progress, as well as some talking points you can use to ask them about school. I appreciate the many responses we received from our families, including questions and helpful information about your student. I will be sure to forward any relevant information families may have shared to teachers, counselors, and administrators. Thank you for everything you do to support us - we truly work together to support our students’ needs!

To that end, I want to congratulate two of our staff members who were recently recognized for the many ways they build relationships and support our students. Annie Ray and Erik Healey. Dr. Erik Healy, our Director of Student Services, received the FCPS Team Excellence Award this past week for his role in developing the On-Time Graduation Dashboard. In addition, Annie Ray, Orchestra teacher was nominated as a semifinalist for the Music Educator Award. You can read more about both of their accomplishments below. As I often say, I am so proud to work with such a talented and dedicated staff. I'm glad to see their hard work being recognized beyond Atom Nation.

As always, please reach out with any questions. Have a great week.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

Erik Healey Receives Team Excellence Award: As a member of the On-Time Graduation Dashboard Team, Annandale's Director of Student Services, Erik Healey, has earned the 2023 FCPS Team Excellence Award! This honor recognizes and celebrates the team’s commitment to serve FCPS with the highest degree of dedication and professionalism. We commend Erik’s personal efforts and achievements that led the team to produce exceptional results while supporting our school system’s mission and vision. Erik and the rest of the team were recognized in a ceremony on Wednesday evening.

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Congratulations, Annie Ray - GRAMMY Award Nominee: Annandale Orchestra Teacher, Annie Ray is one of twenty-five music teachers nation-wide to be nominated as a semifinalist for the Music Educator Award, an annual award, presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. The award supports and celebrates music education and music educators across the U.S. The 25 semifinalists, who hail from 25 cities across 17 states, were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 initial nominations from across all 50 U.S. states. Finalists will be announced in December, and the ultimate recipient of the 2024 Music Educator Award will be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2024, days ahead of the 2024 GRAMMYs. Congratulations, Annie, and good luck!

 

Welcome Nashita Zaman, New Main Office Administrative Assistant! Congratulations to Nashita Zaman, who will be joining our main office staff as an Administrative Assistant as well as supporting the Special Education office located in the Learning Center. Nashita has a background in Biology and has been a part of our Annandale community since 2021. She has supported Atom Nation in a number of ways to include: working in the attendance office, substituting for teachers, and supporting the main office, when needed. She has also supported other schools in FCPS over the years in various capacities. Nashita is married and is the proud mother of 2 daughters, one of which is an Annandale 2023 grad! We are excited to welcome Nashita into her new position.

Important Dates

October 15 - FCPS College Fair

October 16 - Fall Band Concert

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night

October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6pm

October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes

October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day

October 19 - Fall Orchestra Concert, 7pm

October 24 - Fall Chorus Concert, 7pm

October 25 - Social and Emotional Learning Screener

October 28 - Annandale Parade

October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)

November 6 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

November 8 - W4 Activities Day

 

Today - FCPS College Fair: High school students and their families are invited to attend the FCPS College Fair at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7pm. The fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. Register here!

 

This Week - W4 Check-Ins Begin: Over the next several weeks W4 teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with each W4 student. These W4 check-ins are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships with students, and identify student needs.

 

October 16 - Fall Band Concert: The Annandale High School Bands will present an informal Fall concert on Monday, October 16 at 7pm in the auditorium. The program is called "Patterns" and features the Beginning Percussion Ensemble, the Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble. “Patterns” refers to the ways we learn musical concepts, whether they are scales, rhythmic combinations, melodic sequences, or musical rounds. As an informal concert, we look forward to sharing with our friends and family what we are learning in band class … perhaps with a bit of audience participation! Admission is free. Doors open at 6:45pm.

 

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will offer two virtual events on Monday and Tuesday, October 16 and 17 from 5-8pm. The events will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. 

 

October 17 - PTSA Meeting: We rescheduled last week’s PTSa meeting to this Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. 

 

October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6:00pm: Join us on Tuesday at 6:00pm for a Virtual Fall Principal Check-In, where we will share information about our practices as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Check your email on Tuesday for a link to join.

 

October 18, 19, 20 & November 3: Senior Picture Retakes: Seniors can schedule retakes after school from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Visit this link to schedule.

 

October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day: On Thursday, October 19, IB Seniors spend the day in the library working on their Extended Essays with support from our librarians, our IB Coordinator, and essay supervisors. The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper and provides students with practical preparation for undergraduate research through an opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest to them.

 

October 19 - Fall Orchestra Concert: Come enjoy AHS Orchestra’s Fall Concert on Thursday, October 19 at 7:00pm. Admission is free to all so come out and enjoy the music created by our orchestra students.

 

October 25 & 26 - Vision and Hearing Screening: Vision and Hearing screening will be held on October 25 and 26. We will be screening 10th grade students during their PE classes. If your student wears glasses, please be sure they have them at school on screening days. The purpose of screening is to identify students who need further evaluation because they have difficulty seeing the screening chart or hearing the screening tones.

Parents will be notified by letter if screening results indicate that further testing is needed. Vision and hearing difficulties can interfere with learning. Prompt follow-up is recommended if you receive a referral letter suggesting further testing. If you have any questions regarding hearing and vision screening, please contact the school health room at 703-642-4110.

 

October 31 - Underclassmen Picture Retakes: Picture Retakes will be held in Clausen Hall throughout the school day on Tuesday, October 31. Students and staff can go during their free time to get their picture taken and receive an ID.

 

November 3 - End of the 1st Quarter: Friday marks the end of the first quarter and is a two hour early release for students. Students and families are encouraged to check StudentVue and Schoology for the latest grading information and are encouraged to contact teachers directly if they have any questions.

 

November 6 & 7 - Teacher Workday: No school for students.

Important Information

Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form. Important dates:

• October 16: Federal Impact Aid Survey electronic data collection in ParentVUE opens.
• October 31: Federal Impact Aid Survey paper forms are available.

 

Digital Citizenship Week is October 16-20! Over 10 years ago, Digital Citizenship Week started to highlight the importance of helping kids, families, and teachers navigate our 24/7 digital world. During this time, media and technology have changed dramatically. There have also been big shifts in the ways we teach and learn in today's classrooms.

Digital Citizenship Week is a great time for school communities to start, renew, or double down on their commitment to engage students in learning important digital citizenship concepts and skills so they become safe, ethical and responsible citizens. FCPS has materials to support families on their Digital Citizenship webpage, including a course to help guide a conversation between parents and teens. Annandale High School invites you to join us as we explore a new topic each day.

 

2023-24 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees. 

FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam. The IB exam calendar can be found here. When IB scores are released in July 2024, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out.

To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Opt-Out forms are due by October 20. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.

 

October 25 - Social and Emotional Learning Screener: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.

Opportunities

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers three (3) late bus transportation days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

The A-Blast Subscriptions Available: The A-Blast will publish usually the last week of each month, and you can always pick up a copy in the newsstand in the main lobby or subscribe for home delivery. It’s a great way to keep up with the news of AHS through the perspective of student journalists. The newspaper is published monthly and it is often ranked in the Top 10 of all high school newspapers nationwide. AHS is the only school to have a printing partnership with The Washington Post, which prints the newspaper for free. Donate any amount, and email your home mailing address to Alan Weintraut to subscribe.

 

October 16 - College Essay Workshop: ATTENTION SENIORS! The Atoms Writing Center will be holding a College Essay Workshop after school TOMORROW, Monday, October 16 from 3-4pm in Room 274. Tutors will provide tips for the college essay. Come with a draft or just to brainstorm ideas for your college essay with a writing center tutor. This will be the last time the AWC will be offering the College Essay Workshop before the November 1 deadline! So, be sure to attend.

 

October 23-27 - Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): During the week of October 23–27, students can get college application fee waivers for most Virginia colleges and universities, as well as assistance with completing your college applications. Help will be available in Clausen Hall during Pride Time on Monday and Friday, lunch on Tuesday and Thursday, and after school on Wednesday and Thursday from 3-4pm. If you would like help during your lunch period you must reach out to Ms. Wells or Mr. Yeagley to get permission to attend. Please note that college application fee waivers are only valid if you submit your application during that week

 

October 28 - The Annandale Parade: Join the Annandale Marching Atoms at the annual Annandale Parade along Columbia Pike this Saturday, October 23 at 10:00am. This event has been a favorite tradition since 1950. It promotes community involvement and neighborhood camaraderie while celebrating the rich diversity of Annandale. Mark your calendar, participate or bring the family to view this Annandale Tradition. Children are invited to wear their Halloween Costumes, to cheer the participants, and to marvel at the exhibits.

 

November 8 - Writing WorkKeys Workshop: ATTENTION JUNIORS! The Atoms Writing Center will be holding a workshop on the Writing WorkKeys during the next W4 Activities Day on November 8. All juniors will be required to pass the Writing WorkKeys in order to graduate. This workshop will give you the opportunity to review tips before the exam, practice responding to an extra prompt, and get one-on-one feedback from an Atoms Writing Center tutor. All juniors should consider signing up for the Atoms Writing Center’s WorkKeys Workshop for the November W4 Activities Day.

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

Honor Societies

Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.

 

Due October 16 - Computer Science Honor Society: All students who are interested in learning and sharing information related to computer science topics and who will participate in community service to teach others in the community about CS. Meetings will be held one or two times per month where students can learn about Computer Science topics and also receive support if they are currently enrolled in a Computer Science course. Apply here!

 

Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.

Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.

 

Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.

 

Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

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 November 20, the Transcript Request Form is due on October 20. 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 College & Career Google site.

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

October 23-27 - Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): During the week of October 23–27, students can get college application fee waivers for most Virginia colleges and universities, as well as assistance with completing your college applications. Help will be available in Clausen Hall during Pride Time on Monday and Friday, lunch on Tuesday and Thursday, and after school on Wednesday and Thursday from 3-4pm. If you would like help during your lunch period you must reach out to Ms. Wells or Mr. Yeagley to get permission to attend. Please note that college application fee waivers are only valid if you submit your application during that week!

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website, Twitter or Instagram page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

Wrestling Spirit Wear Now Available: Wrestling fans! The 2023-2024 Atoms Wrestling Team Spirit Wear store is now open! This year the Grappling Atoms are partnering with Cheers Sports to help bring you awesome gear to wear during the season (and beyond)! Orders are due by Friday, November 10! Click here for the team store! If you have any questions, feel free to email Coach Damico.

 

November 6 - Winter Sport Tryouts Begin: Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. 

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check out www.annandaleatoms.net. 

 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Monday, October 16

National District Field Hockey Quarterfinals vs Lewis - 6:30pm

Tuesday, October 17

F/JV/V Volleyball vs Edison- 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Wednesday, October 18

F/JV/V Volleyball vs Mount Vernon - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

National District Field Hockey Semifinals vs TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Monday)

Thursday, October 19

National District Cheer Competition @ Hayfield SS - 6:30pm

National District Field Hockey Finals vs TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Wednesday)

F/JV Football @ Mount Vernon- 5:30/7:30

Friday, October 20

V Football vs Mount Vernon - 7:00pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

Saturday, October 21

Marching Atoms @ Charlottesville

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

We are starting to complete our fall seasons but it doesn't come without some exciting action by our student-athletes. This week our volleyball program held their annual Dig Pink Night that helped raised funds to raise awareness for breast cancer and our field hockey team secured the number one overall seed for the National District Tournament. Our student-athletes continue to work hard to make the Annandale community proud! They continue to get better every week and encourage all of you to come out and show your support!

In a few short weeks winter tryouts start so make sure to purchase a booster pass and come check out some basketball, wrestling, swim and dive, gymnastics, and indoor track action!

Check out our newsletter where you can find the following information:

* Athletics recap, winter tryout information, purchase a red card, field hockey clinics, and boosters information!

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

Determination and grit was on display this week in Atoms Athletics! A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Field Hockey completed the regular season with a 7-0 district record and now are the number 1 seed heading into the district tournament Monday. The Atoms took down Justice and Mount Vernon on back to back night to secure the seed and look forward to defending their district championship starting Monday at 6:30pm vs Lewis at home.

Atoms Volleyball held their annual DIG PINK night Wednesday vs National District front runner TJ. A lot of spectators showed up to support the event with over $500 being raised to benefit the Side Out Foundation. The Atoms played hard against TJ but fell in three sets. The Atoms head into the final week of the regular season with home matches vs Edison and Mount Vernon (Senior Night). 

Atoms Cross Country varsity team had the week off but the JV runners got their time to shine with a meet vs Falls Church at Burke Lake. Both teams are attending the Milestat race in Richmond this weekend and look to continue their stellar performances as they head to the National District Championship Meet October 26.

Atoms Football held tough for the first half vs district front runner Edison Eagles last night. The Atoms held the Eagles to 7 points through the first quarter and a half before the Eagles got hot and scored 20 points in a 10 minute span. The Atoms took some momentum into the half with a screen pass to Thyrese Ofosu who broke a few tackles and raced his way to a 50 yard touchdown on the last play of the half. The Atoms play their final home game Friday evening vs Mount Vernon. It will be a special evening as we celebrate our seniors who help make Friday nights special. 

Atoms Cheer competed in the first round of the National District Cheer competition at Hayfield Secondary Thursday, October 12. The Atoms put together a great routine for the first round and look forward to the finals next Thursday, October 19. The Atoms will hit the mat at 6:30pm, so make sure to get there ahead of time and support the Atoms Cheer team!

Winter Season Tryouts

Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track. In order to participate, there are 2 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training.

Any athlete without a physical and registration on file by Friday, November 3 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, November 6. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post November 3 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

Stayed tuned as winter tryout times will be shared early next week!

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Annandale Youth Field Hockey Clinics

Annandale Field Hockey will be holding Youth Field Hockey Clinics for players in Kindergarten- 8th grade. Please register on the following Link. Please contact Coach Uviedo if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Directors Cut Chorus Fall Concert: It’s a Wonderful Life Tuesday, October 24 7:00 p.m.

This life is full of ups and downs, but it is all wonderful! Come and enjoy the choirs from AHS as they present It’s a Wonderful Life! This first concert of the year will feature all four of our choirs here at Annandale. Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber and the Annandale Singers will present songs of encouragement, positivity, hope and joy to remind us all how music can impact our lives. The concert will open with Gwyneth Walker’s setting of How Can I Keep from Singing? sung by the entire department followed by Atom Chorale singing Fill Your Life with Music and Shine Like Stars. Men’s Chorale will share Scott Farthing’s Come Travel with Me and Mark Patterson’s I Would Be True. Chamber will continue the concert with I Believe by Mark Miller based on a poem found after the Holocaust, A Letter from a Girl to the World and Flight by Ryan Murphy. The Annandale Singers will then offer Dan Forrest’s The Music of Living, Andrea Ramsey’s That Which Remains based on words by Helen Keller and will conclude with a really fun and upbeat piece entitled Nyon Nyon by Jake Runestad. The entire department concludes our concert with The Rhythm of Life from the musical Sweet Charity. This will be a great concert and we hope that you will come and be a part as we celebrate this great life!

Fall Band Concert: Patterns Monday, October 16 7:00pm

The Annandale High School Bands will present an informal Fall concert on Monday, October 16 at 7pm in the auditorium. The program is called "Patterns" and features the Beginning Percussion Ensemble, the Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble.

“Patterns” refers to the ways we learn musical concepts, whether they are scales, rhythmic combinations, melodic sequences, or musical rounds. As an informal concert, we look forward to sharing with our friends and family what we are learning in band class…perhaps with a bit of audience participation!

The concert is free. Doors will open to the public at 6:45pm

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Attention Parents! Volunteers are needed to sell concessions at games throughout the year, starting with fall sports Football and Volleyball. We welcome any and all parents to volunteer but when parents of the particular sport work a game, a portion of concessions sales directly benefit that team. Concessions not your thing? We need drivers to pick up Chick-Fil-A or to drop the bags back off (slots are on the sign up). Or help out with parking control or spirit wear sales. If you are not able to help directly at home games, there are many ways you can get involved with the Atoms Athletics Boosters and we would love parents to come to meetings and learn how. Watch out for the Booster Blast and come to the next scheduled meeting, all are welcome! Thank you for your support for Atom’s Athletics!

Varsity Football Visitor Side Concessions:

Football Concessions  

Varsity Football Spiritwear/Parking Control:

Parking & Spirit Wear 

Volleyball Concessions:

Volleyball Concessions 

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule October 16 - October 21

Monday, October 16

National District Field Hockey Quarterfinals vs Lewis - 6:30pm

Tuesday, October 17

F/JV/V Volleyball vs Edison- 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Wednesday, October 18

F/JV/V Volleyball vs Mount Vernon - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

National District Field Hockey Semifinals vs TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Monday)

Thursday, October 19

National District Cheer Competition @ Hayfield SS - 6:30pm

National District Field Hockey Finals vs TBD - 6:30pm (Must win Wednesday)

F/JV Football @ Mount Vernon- 5:30/7:30

Friday, October 20

V Football vs Mount Vernon - 7:00pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

Saturday, October 21

Marching Atoms @ Charlottesville

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

This past week was a great demonstration of our priority of relationships and support in action. On Monday, we held our first W4 Activities Day, which was a tremendous success for our students! It was so fun to see students connect with each other and staff through activities such as making lanterns, playing games and sports, starting the college application process, and working in our courtyard garden. Few other schools the size of Annandale manage to organize an event like this, which we hold 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 Wednesday, November 8. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school. 

This week, we also launched PRIDE Time. Held during the second half of each W4 (4th period), students attend a class for targeted intervention based on their academic or attendance needs, or attend a study hall, where they can complete assignments or be requested for support from other Study Hall teachers. In November, our instructional coaches and teachers will reevaluate students’ needs and determine their new PRIDE Time placements. The planning required to provide such intentional school-wide targeted support for students is incredibly complex, and I am so proud of our staff for all the ways they work together to support our students’ needs. Student’s PRIDE Time assignments can be found in SIS, as their period 11. Please reach out to your student’s teacher with any questions.

Tomorrow is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and a school holiday for students. Annandale staff will come together for donuts and coffee, sponsored by a local real estate agent. We will spend the morning engaging in equity-centered professional learning. Then, staff we will have lunch, catered by an Annandale family! We are so grateful to our families and community members, who support us in so many ways - thank you!

Finally, on Wednesday, October 11 we will be administering the PSAT to sophomores and juniors, and the SAT to our seniors who registered for the exam. Freshmen and Seniors not taking the SAT will not not report to school on Wednesday. Instead, they will complete a catch up day lesson on the Annandale Schoology Page. Students who report to school will be dismissed at 12:55pm with a grab n’ go lunch.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

Seven AHS Students Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Congratulations to Annandale students Semir Ali, Bram Johnson, Adam Michelman, Bridget Murray, Keane Byron Ong, Anh Tim Phan, and Jazlyn Tang for their outstanding achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT and recently being names as a Commended Scholar by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

 

Norma Foti, AHS PTSA Pantry Coordinator, Featured in Patch.com Article! Norma Foti and the Annandale PTSA Pantry was recently featured in a Patch.com article, “Annandale Area Students Need Your Help!” The AHS Pantry is partnering with Food for Neighbors to help stock their shelves. Please sign up to be a red bag donor. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just sign up to be a red bag donor. Fill the red bag with the list provided by email of full-sized items needed. Then, put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days. 

Paula Prettyman, Food For Neighbors' Falls Church Area Manager, is equally excited about the partnership. "I've been amazed by the commitment of the Annandale High School PTSA in recent years to support their food insecure students and families," shared Prettyman. "Even through the pandemic, the Annandale HS Food Pantry was open. I'm looking forward to working with the PTSA and Annandale HS Principal, Shawn DeRose, to bring even more of the community in to support their high school. I hope every household who can will become an FFN Red Bag Donor."

 

Kathleen Mathis Receives Fulbright Award: Kathleen Mathis of Annandale High School in Virginia has received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award. As a Fulbright recipient, Mathis will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad. Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their classrooms in the United States, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars and educators to their school or campus and encouraging their colleagues and students to go abroad. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world.

 

Tag Day A Huge Success! On Saturday, September 16, our Performing Arts Department came together for our annual Tag Day. This is one way we support the performing arts at Annandale High School and build connections with our community. Over 125 students from band, choir, orchestra and theatre came together to walk specific routes to seek help from the community and spread awareness of the many performance opportunities that are scheduled for this school year at AHS. Funds raised from this effort will be divided among the disciplines and will be used for uniforms, clinician costs, marching band competitions, costumes, new string instruments, etc. If you haven’t had the opportunity to give to the performing arts efforts, you can do so on the Boosters webpage.

 

Celebrating Annandale Custodians: Custodian Appreciation Day was October 2. Over the past two years we have made significant investments in our building. Thanks to our custodians, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. Across the division, Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors. We appreciate everything our custodians do to make Atom Nation a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and community!

Important Information

Need Help in Your Class? Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers three (3) late bus transportation days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.

 

2023-24 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees. 

FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam.  The IB exam calendar can be found here.  When IB scores are released in July 2024, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out.

To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Opt-Out forms are due by October 20. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.

 

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.

Important Dates

Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month

October 9 - Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School for Students)

October 10 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day (No School for Freshmen, 2 Hour Early Release)

October 13 - W4 Check Ins Begin

October 15 - FCPS College Fair

October 16 - Fall Band Concert

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night

October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6pm

October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes

October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day

October 19 - Fall Orchestra Concert

October 23 - Annandale Parade

October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)

November 6 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 7 - Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

 

Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, FCPS and Annandale High School recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

October 9 - Indigenous Peoples' Day: Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.

 

October 10 - PTSA Meeting: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00pm in the library. Spanish translation will be available. 

 

October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day: Annandale High School will offer access to PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day for rising 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments. See below for more information.

 

October 13 - W4 Check-Ins Begin: Over the next several weeks W4 teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with each W4 student. These W4 check-ins are an opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships with students, and identify student needs.

 

October 18 - Fall Principal Check-In, 6:00pm: Join us on Wednesday, October 18 at 6:00pm for a Virtual Fall Principal Check-In, where I will share information about our practices as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Check your email for a link to join.

 

October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes: Seniors can schedule retakes after school from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Visit this link to schedule.

Adjusted Schedules for Wednesday, October 11

Annandale High School is hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 11. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 11, as follows:

• No school for students in Grade 9 and Seniors who did not register for the SAT
• Students in Grades 10 & 11, CAT B students, and Seniors who registered for the SAT will have a 2-hour early release.
• Academy classes and shuttles are canceled. 

 

Grade 9 - Catch Up Day: Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments.

 

Grades 10 and 11 - PSAT School Day: All students in Grades 10 and 11 will participate in the PSAT. No registration is required. The test is offered at no cost to families. All FCPS students have access to Khan Academy’s free online test preparation, whether they are taking the PSAT for the first time or preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship Qualification. The Khan Academy online curriculum is customized for students based on any previous PSAT or SAT scores. In addition, the website offers general test preparation tips for students. 

For PSAT day, all students MUST bring their school assigned school laptops and chargers as tests are virtual this year. Students will be using the BlueBook App for all PSAT testing. Students are allowed to bring a calculator for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review.

 

Grade 12 - SAT School Day: Grade 12 students who registered will have the opportunity to take the SAT. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. Students are responsible for bringing their own calculators and pencils for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at Annandale High School, please contact Brian Yeagley. 

Seniors who did not register for the SAT School Day will use this as a catch-up day and are not expected to be present on testing day.

 

CAT B Students - Two Hour Early Release: Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.

Opportunities

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID 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. 

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

Honor Societies

Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.

 

Due October 13 - Science National Honor Society: Juniors or Seniors enrolled in an IB Science course with a GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply to be a member of the Science Honor Society. Members of SNHS are recognized for excellence in encouraging and recognizing scientific and intellectual thought. Application link is available here.

 

Due October 16 - Computer Science Honor Society: All students who are interested in learning and sharing information related to computer science topics and who will participate in community service to teach others in the community about CS. Meetings will be held one or two times per month where students can learn about Computer Science topics and also receive support if they are currently enrolled in a Computer Science course. Apply here!

 

Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.

Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.

 

Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.

 

Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

October 15 - FCPS College Fair: High school students and their families are invited to attend the FCPS College Fair at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7pm. The fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. Register here!

 

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will offer two virtual events on Monday & Tuesday, October 16 & 17 from 5-8pm. The events will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. 

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Tuesday, October 10

JV/V Field Hockey vs Justice - 6:15/7:30pm

Cross Country vs Falls Church @ Burke Lake - 5:00pm

Wednesday, October 11

F/JV/V Volleyball vs TJ - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (DIG PINK NIGHT)

JV/V Field Hockey @ Mount Vernon - 6:15/7:30pm

Thursday, October 12

National District Cheer Competition @ Hayfield SS - 6:30pm

F/JV Football @ Edison - 5:30/7:30pm

Friday, October 13

V Football vs Edison - 7:00pm 

Saturday, October 14

Marching Atoms @ Annapolis

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Atom Nation

Another quiet week at home for the Atoms as the only event on campus was freshman and JV football. Both teams provided an exciting atmosphere vs Justice, something we continue to strive to build at Annandale High School. Many of our programs were on the road and represented Annandale well! We are beginning to wind down our regular season in fall sports but there is still plenty of action to catch and we encourage all of you to come out and support our Atom student-athletes!

As you prepare to attend our games make sure that you have purchased your Atoms Booster Pass and skip the line as you come out and support!

Check out our newsletter where you can find the following information:

* Athletics recap, Dig Pink Night, purchase a red card, field hockey clinics, and boosters information!

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

Determination and grit was on display this week in Atoms Athletics! A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Golf officially ended their season with Carter Demers competing the region tournament Monday at Twin Lakes. Carter represented the Atoms well and with one graduating senior, the future is bright for the golf program.

Atoms Field Hockey moved to 5-0 in district play and positioned themselves for the number one overall seed in the upcoming district tournament with only two games left! The Atoms took down TJ in convincing fashion with a 4-0 win Wednesday evening! The Atoms finish the regular season with a home game vs Justice Tuesday evening and hit the road to Mount Vernon Wednesday. The Atoms have guaranteed themselves a first round home game that is scheduled for Monday, October 16.

Atoms Volleyball fell in both matches for the week but not without providing some excitement both evenings. The Atoms fell to Justice but gave the Wolves everything they had during the match. The Atoms took Lewis to five sets Thursday evening before ultimately falling to the lancers in the fifth set. The Atoms return to the court for their annual DIG PINK night on Wednesday vs TJ. Make sure to get out and support the Atoms and a great cause!

Atoms Cross Country celebrated senior night Wednesday evening vs Justice. It was a special night for our seniors capped off by a victory for our boys cross country team. The girls had another strong showing with many runners continuing to set personal best times for the year. The Atoms hit the trail again this week with a race vs Falls Church Tuesday evening at Burke Lake.

Atoms Football traveled to Justice last night and fell short in their comeback attempt 14-12. The Atoms found themselves in a 14-0 halftime deficit behind but came out with some trickery scoring on the first drive of the second half with a double pass. The Atoms defense was tough all night holding the Wolves to no points in the second half. The offense moved the ball all night but a couple penalties doomed the Atoms in the end. The team played hard until the last whistle and look to get back on track as they host Edison Friday evening at Annandale.

Atoms Cheer competes in the first round of the National District Cheer competition at Hayfield Secondary Thursday, October 12. The Atoms will hit the mat at 6:30pm, so make sure to get there ahead of time and support the Atoms Cheer team!

Volleyball Dig Pink Night

Join us Wednesday, October 11 for Annandale Volleyball annual Dig Pink Night! The team will hold a bake sale throughout the night that will help raise funds that goes to the Side Out Foundation to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Come out and support a great cause and the Atoms volleyball team!

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Annandale Youth Field Hockey Clinics

Annandale Field Hockey will be holding Youth Field Hockey Clinics for players in Kindergarten- 8th grade. Please register on the following Link. Please contact Coach Uviedo if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Directors Cut Chorus Fall Concert: It’s a Wonderful Life Tuesday, October 24 7:00 p.m.

This life is full of ups and downs, but it is all wonderful! Come and enjoy the choirs from AHS as they present It’s a Wonderful Life! This first concert of the year will feature all four of our choirs here at Annandale. Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber and the Annandale Singers will present songs of encouragement, positivity, hope and joy to remind us all how music can impact our lives. The concert will open with Gwyneth Walker’s setting of How Can I Keep from Singing? sung by the entire department followed by Atom Chorale singing Fill Your Life with Music and Shine Like Stars. Men’s Chorale will share Scott Farthing’s Come Travel with Me and Mark Patterson’s I Would Be True. Chamber will continue the concert with I Believe by Mark Miller based on a poem found after the Holocaust, A Letter from a Girl to the World and Flight by Ryan Murphy. The Annandale Singers will then offer Dan Forrest’s The Music of Living, Andrea Ramsey’s That Which Remains based on words by Helen Keller and will conclude with a really fun and upbeat piece entitled Nyon Nyon by Jake Runestad. The entire department concludes our concert with The Rhythm of Life from the musical Sweet Charity. This will be a great concert and we hope that you will come and be a part as we celebrate this great life!

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Attention Parents! Volunteers are needed to sell concessions at games throughout the year, starting with fall sports Football and Volleyball. We welcome any and all parents to volunteer but when parents of the particular sport work a game, a portion of concessions sales directly benefit that team. Concessions not your thing? We need drivers to pick up Chick-Fil-A or to drop the bags back off (slots are on the sign up). Or help out with parking control or spirit wear sales. If you are not able to help directly at home games, there are many ways you can get involved with the Atoms Athletics Boosters and we would love parents to come to meetings and learn how. Watch out for the Booster Blast and come to the next scheduled meeting, all are welcome! Thank you for your support for Atom’s Athletics!

Varsity Football Visitor Side Concessions:

Football Concessions  

Varsity Football Spiritwear/Parking Control:

Parking & Spirit Wear 

Volleyball Concessions:

Volleyball Concessions 

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule October 9 - October 14

Tuesday, October 10

JV/V Field Hockey vs Justice - 6:15/7:30pm

Cross Country vs Falls Church @ Burke Lake - 5:00pm

Wednesday, October 11

F/JV/V Volleyball vs TJ - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (DIG PINK NIGHT)

JV/V Field Hockey @ Mount Vernon - 6:15/7:30pm

Thursday, October 12

National District Cheer Competition @ Hayfield SS - 6:30pm

F/JV Football @ Edison - 5:30/7:30

Friday, October 13

V Football vs Edison - 7:00pm 

Saturday, October 14

Marching Atoms @ Annapolis

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

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Annandale Students, Parents and Community:

Homecoming Week was a huge success! It was so fun to see our staff and students show their school spirit as they dressed for Spirit Week. Our admin team twinned on Tuesday with Annandale gear, we saw lots of great jerseys on Wednesday, staff and students alike leaned way into wearing comfy pajamas on Thursday, and then lots of all black for Friday. Friday’s pep rally was held in our stadium where students came together to cheer on our Fall athletes, homecoming court, and their class. The final event was our annual flag football match in which the class of 2024 pulled a surprise victory ;)

The fun continued into the weekend. Many community members came out for the homecoming tailgate hosted by our student clubs. The festivities were followed by an exciting game against Bishop Ireton. The stands were packed with fans decked out in all black showing their Atom Nation spirit with a “black out.” And finally, on Saturday, almost 700 students attended the Homecoming dance, where they enjoyed food trucks, dancing, and a photo booth. I love to see our students participate in these opportunities to deepen their connection to Atom Nation. For many students, these are the most memorable moments from high school. A big thank you to our Leadership class and the Activities Office for planning these events and to all our staff and students for participating with such spirit!

Another way we provide opportunities for students to make connections outside of the classroom is through W4 Activities days. On Monday, we will hold our first W4 Activities Day of the year. This is a monthly event during which students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of self-selected options, such as clubs and honor society meetings, sports and games, arts and crafts, and much, much more! Last week, students selected their preferred activity. Assignments were made based on space and interest, and priority was given to students who do not have any tardies. Students received an email on Friday with their assignment for tomorrow.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 4, we will begin PRIDE Time. To support our students’ diverse academic needs, our instructional coaches and teachers work together to identify students for specific subject-area interventions based on student data 5-6 times each year. Students who have been identified will receive targeted support to help ensure they can pass SOLs and courses. Students not identified for intervention will be placed in a Study Hall, where they will be encouraged to access their grades, complete assignments, and work with teachers who may request them. Students will be able to view their PRIDE Time assignment in StudentVue as their period 11 class on Tuesday. Please ask your student about their PRIDE Time assignment and how they are using this time to their advantage. Reach out to your student’s teachers with any questions you may have.

Have a great week, Atom Nation. As always, reach out with any questions.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Awesome Atoms

School Resource Officer Adam Curcio Promoted to Sergeant: Congrats to SRO Adam Curcio who was recently promoted to Sergeant, a supervisory rank with the Fairfax County Police Department. Officer Curcio, a 14 year veteran, has been the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Annandale High School for the past 7 years. 

Sergeant Curcio has been a leader in the Public Safety Cadet Program, spending countless hours on nights and weekends mentoring, coaching, and recruiting our future leaders in law enforcement. In addition, he was recently selected as the SRO training coordinator due to his continued commitment to maintaining a high level of knowledge and skills, benefiting the department and school community.

 

Marching Atoms Visit Annandale Terrace Elementary School: On Friday, September 22, the Marching Atoms walked to ATES to join the Cougars for their beginning of the year pep rally. Students at ATES dressed in their “house” colors and cheered, sang, and danced as the Marching Atoms played. Several Annandale HS alumni who teach at ATES joined in the fight song. Band members who attended ATES took photos with their favorite teachers and encouraged the elementary students to join band. ATES principal, Ms. Ingrid Badia, had each “house” compete for the Spirit Stick award by chanting the school’s song. While band members joined in the chant, they were no match for the Yellow house Grade 4 who won with a deafening Cougar roar!

 

Annandale SEALs Attend FCPS Kickoff Celebration: Congratulations to Sage Nagle, Christina Abouzeki, Sosan Barakzai, and Husna Basiri, Annandale’s Student Equity Ambassador Leaders (SEALs). SEALs amplify student voices and provide an increased understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion through leadership development, projects, and relevant experiences of high school students. This week our SEALs attended the FCPS Kickoff Celebration at Lewis High School.

 

Congratulations to Sage Nagle, Special Olympics Youth Leader: Congratulations to Annandale Junior Sage Nagle who has been named to the Special Olympics of Virginia Youth Leadership Council. As a member of the council, Sage will advocate for her peers at the state level, through social media platforms and by helping with Special Olympics Virginia resources and initiatives. Sage will also have the opportunity to participate in training to extend her leadership skills and public speaking while promoting equality and respect for those with intellectual disabilities across Virginia. Way to represent Atom Nation, Sage!

 

Annandale Culinary Students Visit Ovoka Farms: This past Tuesday, Chef Plum and the culinary arts classes went on a tour of Ovoka Farms located in Paris, VA. They learned about the crossbreeding of cattle and the different levels of Wagyu. They also got to pet some cattle as well as try F1 (50/50 Angus and Wagyu) hotdogs. The tour took them through the process of calving to the final pastures before they are sent off to be processed for meat. Ovoka Farms really cares about their three-year-long process of raising the cattle and how they are humanely slaughtered and treated. It was fun to see how the farm hand could call out to the cattle and they would all come running.  

 

AHS Celebrates International Day: On September 21, the Just World Club at Annandale celebrated the International Day of Peace with our annual Chalk4Peace event, in which students use chalk to write messages advocating for peace.

Important Dates

October 2 - W4 Activities Day

October 2 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

October 4 - PRIDE Time Begins

October 4 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving

October 5 - World Language Credit Exam Deadline

October 9 - Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School for Students)

October 10 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

October 11 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 15 - FCPS College Fair

October 16 - Fall Band Concert

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night

October 18, 19, 20 & November 3 - Senior Picture Retakes

October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day

October 19 - Fall Orchestra Concert

October 31 - Underclass Picture Retakes

June 3 - AHS Graduation, 9:30am

 

Now Through October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, FCPS and Annandale High School recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

October 2 - W4 Activities Day: One of our goals this year is to increase student involvement at Annandale outside of the classroom. One way we are doing this is by providing opportunities for clubs to meet during the school day. These opportunities will occur on the first White Monday of each month from October to April. Check out the following module for more information about W4 Activities Day.

 

October 2 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us at our next Atoms Booster Club meeting on Tuesday, October 2 at 6pm in Room 43. You can also check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale!

 

October 4 - PRIDE Time Begins: At Annandale, we work together to support our students’ needs. One way we do this is through our approach to targeted intervention through PRIDE Time. This year, PRIDE Time 1.0 will begin on October 4. Coaches will be using a comprehensive data wall to identify students, and CTs will collaborate to determine their approach to PRIDE Time. Students not identified for PRIDE Time will be placed in a Study Hall and can be requested by other Study Hall teachers to receive support, as needed. Students’ schedules will be updated in SIS no later than October 3. Please reach out to Erik Healey with questions.

 

October 4 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving: Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME, and remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. Register here for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie McManus. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School: October 4, January 10, March 13, April 17 and May 8.

 

October 5 - World Language Credit Exam Deadline: The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty (30) languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Registration opens on Tuesday, September 5 at 8:00am and closes on Thursday, October 5 at 4:00pm. Late registrations will not be accepted. School counselors at Annandale will register interested students. Credit exam information can be accessed at on the FCPS website.

 

October 19 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day: On Thursday, October 19, IB Seniors will be in the library all day working on their Extended Essays with support from librarians, coordinators, and extended essay supervisors.

 

June 3 - Class of 2024 Graduation: Mark your calendars! The Annandale Class of 2024 will graduate on Monday, June 3, at 9:30am, at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.

Important Information

2023-24 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees. 

FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam.  The IB exam calendar can be found here.  When IB scores are released in July 2024, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out.

To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Opt-Out forms are due by October 20. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.

 

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October: One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener. The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.

Adjusted Schedules for Wednesday, October 11

Annandale High School is hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 11. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 11, as follows:

• No School for students in grade 9 and Seniors who did not register for the SAT
• Students in grades 10 & 11, CAT B students, and Seniors who registered for the SAT will have a 2-hour early release.
• Academy classes and shuttles are canceled. 

 

Grade 9 - Catch Up Day: Students in Grade 9 and seniors who are not taking the SAT Test will not be in school on October 11. Instead, students should use this time to work on any outstanding assignments.

 

Grades 10 and 11 - PSAT School Day: All students in Grades 10 and 11 will participate in the PSAT. No registration is required. The test is offered at no cost to families. All FCPS students have access to Khan Academy’s free online test preparation, whether they are taking the PSAT for the first time or preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship Qualification. The Khan Academy online curriculum is customized for students based on any previous PSAT or SAT scores. In addition, the website offers general test preparation tips for students. 

For PSAT day, all students MUST bring their school assigned school laptops and chargers as tests are virtual this year. Students will be using the BlueBook App for all PSAT testing. Students are allowed to bring a calculator for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review.

 

Grade 12 - SAT School Day: Grade 12 students who registered will have the opportunity to take the SAT. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. Students are responsible for bringing their own calculators and pencils for testing. Acceptable calculator policy is linked here for your review. If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at Annandale High School, please contact Brian Yeagley. 

Seniors who did not register for the SAT School Day will use this as a catch-up day and are not expected to be present on testing day.

 

CAT B Students - Two Hour Early Release: Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.

Opportunities

Annandale Tutoring Center Open Mondays: Students can now get tutoring from AVID and honor society members, every Monday in Room 287 from 3:00-400pm. Tutors will be available to help in math, science and social studies. Contact Ms. Lukacs with questions.

 

Thursday College Application Workshops: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm in Room 90 (near the Cafeteria), Counselors and AVID students will be assisting students with various topics: Making a College List; Transcript Request Form; Common App; Recommendation Requests. These topics will be repeated, starting September 21. Students are welcome to drop in with questions about any aspect of the process. 

 

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers: High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. Learn how to opt your students into this service.

 

IB Parent Meeting Presentations: Linda Bradshaw, IB Coordinator, held presentations at Back to School Night on September 21st. Families of IB students learned the core requirements of the IB diploma and how to support their students through their IB journey. For those that were unable to attend, please check out the presentations here: IB Junior Parent Meeting Slides (Class of 2025), IB Senior Parent Meeting Slides (Class of 2024). Email Linda Bradshaw with any questions.

Honor Societies

Students at Annandale High School have the opportunity to join many different honor societies. Below you will find the eligibility criteria and application information, including deadlines.

 

Due October 6 - Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica: The Spanish Honor Society is an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and/or Portuguese. Eligible students maintain a 3.5 GPA in the study of Spanish for a minimum of three semesters at the High School Level. Freshmen cannot be inducted without special permission from the SHH Director. Current members don’t need to reapply. Meetings are held during W4 Clubs & Activities Days. Applications for membership are available in room M23 during the month of September. The application deadline for the current year is October 6. Acceptance decisions will be shared with students via emails by October 16.

 

Due October 13 - Science National Honor Society: Juniors or Seniors enrolled in an IB Science course with a GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply to be a member of the Science Honor Society. Members of SNHS are recognized for excellence in encouraging and recognizing scientific and intellectual thought. Application link is available here.

 

Due October 16 - Computer Science Honor Society: All students who are interested in learning and sharing information related to computer science topics and who will participate in community service to teach others in the community about CS. Meetings will be held one or two times per month where students can learn about Computer Science topics and also receive support if they are currently enrolled in a Computer Science course. Apply here!

 

Due October 31 - National Honor Society: Applications for Annandale National Honor Society will begin in October. In order to make ensure every student who us interested in applying recieves application information, students can sign up early using this Google Form that will put them on an email list used to share the application when it is available. Eligible students who wish to apply will receive an acceptance invitation in November via their school emails with further information.

Students in grades 10-12 who currently have an overall unweighted GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply. The application will also consider students’ previous service, leadership and character examples/experiences. Current members do not need to reapply this year and will receive information about our first members meeting for this school year by the end of September. If students have any questions, they can email Michelle Luka.

 

Due November 10 - National Art Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12 who maintain a B or better in an upper level art course are taking an art class are eligible to join this society of artists who hold each other accountable, lift up our members, give back to our community, and stand out as artistic leaders. We take on cool service projects and collaborate across different mediums of art to make Annandale a better place. Applications open up toward the end of the first quarter and are due by November 10. Questions? See Ms. Lucas in Rm 148 or Ms. Mahoney in Rm 146.

 

Coming in March - Société Honoraire de Français: Members of the National French Honor Society excel in the areas of scholarship, character, and leadership. The goals of the organization are to promote and reward high standards of scholarship, stimulate interest in the study of French, and create enthusiasm for and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

FHS is invitation only. Personal letters of invitation sent in March to students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are enrolled in or have completed French III or higher, maintain an “A” in French coursework, maintain an exemplary discipline record. Upon acceptance, new members will participate in the induction ceremony in the Spring and attend FHS meetings through the end of the year. Current members will receive updated information in September via email and Schoology regarding future meetings, activities and opportunities.

News from Student Services

College & Career Planning Google Site: Check out the College & Career Planning Google site, which provides up-to-date information on the college application process; college representative visits; financial aid and FAFSA/VASA workshops; military options; information on apprenticeships; as well as resources for finding a job. The website also provides contact information for our School Counselors, as well as our College and Career Specialist.

 

Register For College Rep Visits: Are you interested in hearing from college admissions representatives from colleges you are interested in applying to? Please follow the directions below to register. (Juniors and Seniors ONLY). Log into Naviance and click "Student Naviance Login." Click on "Colleges" at the top of the page and then click on "college visits." You will then see a list of all the colleges that are visiting, along with the dates and times. Click "register now" for the visits you would like to attend. Students must show the email to their teacher and get permission at attend. Students who are not registered in Naviance for a college visit will be denied entry. Please note that students are limited to registering for up to six college visits!

 

October 15 - FCPS College Fair: High school students and their families are invited to attend the FCPS College Fair at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7pm. The fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. Register here!

 

October 16 & 17 - Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will offer two virtual events on Monday & Tuesday, October 16 & 17 from 5-8pm. The events will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. 

News from the Activities Office

Check out the latest information from the Activities Office in their weekly newsletter. In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website or the AHS Athletics Twitter page. Please email Brandon Sutphin if you have any questions.

 

This Week’s Schedule: 

Monday, October 2

Occoquan Region Golf Tournament @ Twin Lakes

Tuesday, October 3

F/JV/V Volleyball @ Justice - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Wednesday, October 4

JV/V Field Hockey @ Justice - 6:15/7:30pm

Cross Country vs Justice @ Mason District - 5:00pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

Thursday, October 5

F/JV Football @ Justice - 5:30/7:30

F/JV/V Volleyball @ Lewis - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Friday, October 6

V Football @ Justice - 7:00pm 

Saturday, October 7

Marching Atoms @ JMU

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

Atom Nation

This week was an incredible week of school spirit shown by faculty and students of Annandale High School! From our theme days to our flag football game that was won by the class of 2026, to our pep rally Friday afternoon, all leading up to the main event of Friday Night football at Annandale High School. Our student section was packed and full of energy, community members were out in full support, and alumni were around telling stories of what Annandale was like during their time. It was an amazing night that shows why Annandale is so special!

As you prepare to attend our games make sure that you have purchased your Atoms Booster Pass and skip the line as you come out and support!

Check out our newsletter where you can find the following information:

* Athletics recap, purchase a red card, field hockey clinics, and boosters information!

GO ATOMS!!! Atoms Athletics Recap

Determination and grit was on display this week in Atoms Athletics! A quick recap from the week is below.

Atoms Golf completed their season Monday at the National District Golf Tournament. Carter Demers with a score of 85 was the lone Atom to qualify of the regional tournament at Twin Lakes Monday morning. The Atoms competed well and had a lot of growth and improvements throughout the season and with one senior return a team that looks to continue that positive outlook for the program. 

Atoms Field Hockey finished the week with two big district wins to push their district record to 4-0. On Tuesday, the Atoms traveled to Hayfield and came away with hard fought 2-1 win. They followed it up with a 6-0 win over Lewis Thursday evening for senior night. They look to move to 5-0 this week as they travel to take on Thomas Jefferson, Wednesday evening.

Atoms Volleyball played hard in both matches this week but came up short. They fell to a good Falls Church team Tuesday evening with each set being competitive. The Atoms played host to Hayfield Thursday evening and fell in three sets to the Hawks. The Atoms hit the road both games next week with stops at Justice Tuesday evening and Lewis Thursday.

Atoms Cross Country had a great showing in their race Tuesday evening with an overall strong showing from both teams! They hold senior night Wednesday evening at Mason District Wednesday afternoon.

Atoms Football hosted Bishop Ireton for Homecoming last night. The Atoms got off to a hot start on the first drive but were unable to put points on the board. The offense held strong despite a couple injuries to key starters. The rest of the team stepped up in their absence and played a hard fought game! The Atoms hit the road as they travel to Justice next Friday evening.

You can still Purchase a Red Card!

Still looking to purchase a red card?! Then reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities.

All funds raised goes to the Activities Office and our fall athletic programs, meaning it goes back to our student-athletes! Get yours today!

Annandale Youth Field Hockey Clinics

Annandale Field Hockey will be holding Youth Field Hockey Clinics for players in Kindergarten- 8th grade. Please register on the following Link. Please contact Coach Uviedo if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Atoms Booster Blast and Spirit Wear JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT BOOSTER MEETING, MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 6:00PM in the driver education room.

Interested in knowing more about our Atoms Booster Club?! Then check out the Atoms Booster Blast to learn more about how you can get involved and help support our student-athletes at Annandale! 

Interested in ordering some Atoms spirit wear? Check out our online store and get your Atoms merch! Atoms Online Store

Atoms Booster Passes

The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season pass provides you general admission access to all regular season HOME football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!

To purchase your Atoms Pass click  here! 23-24 Atoms Booster Pass 

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Attention Parents! Volunteers are needed to sell concessions at games throughout the year, starting with fall sports Football and Volleyball. We welcome any and all parents to volunteer but when parents of the particular sport work a game, a portion of concessions sales directly benefit that team. Concessions not your thing? We need drivers to pick up Chick-Fil-A or to drop the bags back off (slots are on the sign up). Or help out with parking control or spirit wear sales. If you are not able to help directly at home games, there are many ways you can get involved with the Atoms Athletics Boosters and we would love parents to come to meetings and learn how. Watch out for the Booster Blast and come to the next scheduled meeting, all are welcome! Thank you for your support for Atom’s Athletics!

Varsity Football Visitor Side Concessions:

Football Concessions  

Varsity Football Spiritwear/Parking Control:

Parking & Spirit Wear 

Volleyball Concessions:

Volleyball Concessions 

Special Ask... Atoms After School Snack Bar

As many of you know, the Atoms Athletic Boosters has been able to open our concessions stand after school for your children to grab a bite to eat prior to heading to their activities. If your schedule allows, please consider volunteering 1 day a week or even just 1-2 days a month. The hours are 3:15-4:15. This is a rare benefit in Fairfax County that we are able to provide for our kids, but we can’t do it without parent help. Please contact at [email protected] or (703) 626-9647 if interested in helping.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To get your driver’s license in Virginia, you must successfully complete, or pass, the classroom portion of driver education. You must also attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, or PSTD, with a parent/guardian. Annandale High School is hosting five (5) PSTD presentations this school year, one each quarter and two during the fourth quarter. They are free to students enrolled in Health & PE 10 at Annandale HS and begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent/guardian, arrive ON TIME as the door is locked at 6:30pm, and you must remain the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. Choose a date convenient for you and your parent/guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Register HERE for a PSTD session that works for you! If you have any questions, please let me know!

 

  Live Streaming

Don't miss out on the Atoms because you can't attend in person. All of our events that take place on our stadium field and in our gymnasium will continue to be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Get your subscription today to avoid missing the action!

Prices - $11.99 per month or $79.99 for an annual subscription. 

For more information...

NFHS Network - Sign Up

Live Stream

 

Weekly Schedule October 2 - October 7

Monday, October 2

Occoquan Region Golf Tournament @ Twin Lakes

Tuesday, October 3

F/JV/V Volleyball @ Justice - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Wednesday, October 4

JV/V Field Hockey @ Justice - 6:15/7:30pm

Cross Country vs Justice @ Mason District - 5:00pm (SENIOR NIGHT)

Thursday, October 5

F/JV Football @ Justice - 5:30/7:30

F/JV/V Volleyball @ Lewis - 5:00/6:00/7:15pm

Friday, October 6

V Football @ Justice - 7:00pm 

Saturday, October 7

Marching Atoms @ JMU

4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter