Annandale Community Insider - March 23
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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,
At Annandale, we have long held a shared belief that our diversity is our greatest strength. This week, we celebrated Inclusion Revolution Week, which honors the many perspectives and experiences of our students. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year as it showcases the very best of Atom Nation.
The week concluded with our annual FanQuest pep rally, where students on the Special Olympics teams from Annandale and Marshall took to the court in front of a crowd of cheering fans. This event is a celebration of inclusion and respect in which we come together to honor the unique strengths of each student. It is truly moving to watch our entire student body captivated by the Special Olympics student athletes as they cheer on both teams. Check out the story “Annandale High School hosts Special Olympics Unified Sports” featured on Fox 5 News.
Moreover, at halftime of the game, we celebrated Annandale High School being one of nine schools across the Commonwealth to be recognized as a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School. This recognition celebrates our commitment to inclusion, leadership, and unified sports. I am so proud to be a part of a community that not only values, but actively celebrates every member of Atom Nation.
Finally, this week marks the end of the 3rd quarter. Parents can view their student’s grades by logging into SIS ParentVUE. If you have questions about a particular class, please reach out to the teacher. Their email address can be found on our staff directory or in ParentVue. You can also reach out to their counselor if you have any questions. In addition, information about academic support and tutoring opportunities for students is listed below.
Have a great week, Atom Nation. As always, reach out with any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
Important DatesMarch 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
March 27 - Student of the Month Celebration
March 28 - Quarter 3 Ends
March 31 - Eid Al Fitr Holiday (No School)
April 1 - Teacher Workday (No School)
April 2 - Junior Library Day
April 2 - Senior Breakfast
April 3 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show
April 8 - Letters from the Battlefield Screening, 5:15pm
April 8 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
April 9 - NOVA Regional College Fair
April 10 - Virtual Military Night
March 31 - Eid Al Fitr Holiday (No School): There is no school on Wednesday, April 10 to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
April 1 - Teacher Workday (No School): There is no school for students on Tuesday April 1. Check out the FCPS calendar for details.
April 2 - Junior Extended Essay Library Day: This year we have 95 juniors that have started their IB diploma journey. To support these students on one of their requirements, the Extended Essay, they will participate in an in-school field trip to the AHS library. Students will spend the day crafting their research question, finding sources, and developing an outline. Mary Johnson, Extended Essay coordinator, and our librarians will provide guidance.
April 2 - Senior Breakfast: Senior Breakfast is on April 2 and will take place during W4 and PRIDE Time. The event will start in the auditorium, where seniors will receive important information about senior exams, senior activities, graduation, and the All Night Grad Party. Following the presentation, students will head to the cafeteria for a breakfast and celebration with their classmates.
We are still looking for both Senior Breakfast donations and volunteers to help with setup, serving, and cleanup. Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach our goal.
April 3 - Annual Annandale Pyramid Art Show, 6pm: Every spring, the schools within the Annandale Pyramid gather at Annandale High School for a collective art show that celebrates our artists grades K-12. This year we will be hosting the Annandale Pyramid Art Show Thursday, April 3 from 6pm to 8pm in Clausen Hall. Participants in the show include Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, Bren Mar Park ES, Columbia ES, North Springfield ES, Weyanoke ES, Holmes MS, Poe MS, and Annandale HS. This is a huge community event showcasing our sequential and cumulative arts curriculum in a gallery style show. There will be activities for younger ones and the event is completely free. All are welcome!
April 7 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, April 7 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our spring sports and activities. If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Sutphin.
April 8 - Documentary Screening - Letters from the Battlefield: Join us for a powerful documentary by Annandale graduate Jacqueline Lundquist (Class of 1982), exploring her father’s experience in the Vietnam War through his letters and audio tapes. Decades after his passing, Jacqueline retraced his footsteps and unexpectedly connected with a former North Vietnamese soldier, revealing two parallel yet deeply human stories. This documentary is truly an Annandale production—director Jude Pago and videographer Andre Jones, both from the Class of 1982, were also part of this incredible project. We will host an in-school screening for students from 9:50-11:15am. That evening, there will be a second showing at 6:00pm. Prior to the evening screening, the PTSA will host a social gathering beginning at 5:15pm. This is a unique opportunity to experience a moving story of war, family, and reconciliation.
Awesome AtomsAHS Students Visit NOVA Woodbridge Campus: Last week, Annandale High School students visited the NOVA Woodbridge Campus to explore its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) programs. Students learned about the educational path to becoming a licensed HVACR Tradesman in Virginia and gained valuable insights into career opportunities and earning potential in the field.
Annandale FanQuest Featured on Fox 5 News: This year’s FanQuest pep rally was an unforgettable celebration of inclusion, unity, and school spirit as Special Olympics athletes from Annandale and Marshall High Schools took center court. With a gym full of cheering fans, the event highlighted the incredible talents and strength of our student-athletes. We’re proud to share that the story, “Annandale High School hosts Special Olympics Unified Sports,” was featured on Fox 5 News.
Over 80 Students and Families Attend Junior Parent Night: Thursday night, we hosted our Junior Parent Night, where over 80 junior students and their parents gathered for an informative evening. Representatives from GMU, Marymount, NOVA, the Army, and Workforce Development shared valuable insights into post-secondary options, providing students with a deeper understanding of their future possibilities. We are also excited to announce that Matilda Moreland, won the $1,000 scholarship raffle—congratulations, Matilda! For students who have questions about their senior year plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to your counselor or Ms. Acosta for guidance and support.
Dr. Sarah Eqab Named Interim Principal of Poe Middle School
We are proud to share that Dr. Sarah Eqab has been named the Interim Principal of Poe Middle School. As an Assistant Principal at Annandale, Dr. Eqab has been a passionate advocate for equity, leading the English and ESOL departments and supporting collaborative teaching practices. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on our school community. While she will be deeply missed at Annandale, we are excited to see her continue supporting students and families within the Annandale Pyramid in this new role. Congratulations, Dr. Eqab!
Spanish Honor Society Induction: Last week, the Annandale Chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society held its induction ceremony, welcoming thirteen new members. The event was led by SNS President, Anjheli Cordova Canaviri, Vice President, Lilian Gomez Bonilla, and Secretary Giancarlos Parada Rivas. Following the ceremony, students gathered with family and friends to commemorate this achievement. A huge thank you to Mr. Meijer for organizing the event and to all the families who came out to support our students!
Important InformationNow through March 29 - Ramadan: This year Ramadan begins at sunset the evening of February 28 and ends at sunset the evening of March 29. During this time, many of our Muslim students may be fasting and it is important for those students to have a quiet, alternative location to go to during lunchtime. Therefore, the library will be open to students who would prefer to go there during lunch rather than the cafeteria. If you have questions, please contact Hanna Langstein.
Safety Drills in March: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. Last week, we conducted our annual tornado drill. This week we will conduct our second required lockdown drill of the school year and our monthly fire drill. Your student may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your student about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Here are some helpful tips for families to use to support their students before and after school lockdown drills. Working together, we create a safe, secure environment for students to learn and grow in our schools.
OpportunitiesCareer Exploration Opportunity - Sign Up to Take the ASVAB! The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a free career exploration assessment that helps students identify their strengths and explore career options in fields like skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and the military. This test isn’t just for those considering military service—it’s a valuable tool for any student looking to understand their skills and plan for life after high school. Plus, students who earn a qualifying score will receive the Career Readiness Medal to wear at graduation. The ASVAB will be offered during school on April 11, so sign up today! For questions, see Ms. Acosta, College & Career Specialist. Sign up to take the ASVAB today!
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer: Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students. Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
CTE & Institute for the Arts Summer Camp: CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
CTE and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30am to 2pm. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration is now open and will end Friday, June 6.
All Night Grad Tickets On Sale Now! We’re excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year’s All Night Grad Celebration. This event is a safe and fun place for your kids to enjoy a night out. This is adult supervised and volunteer run by Annandale High School PTSA and parents. This year the event takes place on June 4, beginning at 11pm, Doors will close at Midnight. The cost is $45 with prices increasing to $60 at the door. The evening will feature delicious food, games, DJ, and top-notch entertainment—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! *Discounted tickets are also available for students in need. If your child would like to apply, they can speak directly to their school counselor. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate in a welcoming and secure environment. Get your tickets now! To make this event a success, we need your help! Sign up to volunteer here. Email Rheanna Bernard with any questions.
Follow Annandale HS on Social MediaStay connected with Annandale High School by following our award-winning social media! Recently named, FCPS Best in Social Media (High School), our socials are the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on in #AtomNation. Links: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
News from Student ServicesAcademic Advising Update: Academic advising has officially wrapped up, and families may be wondering what courses their students have selected for next year. Parents and guardians can review course selections through SIS Parent Vue, clicking “Course Requests” on the left toolbar. Please note that this information is not a schedule, it is a list of courses only. Schedules will be finalized and released in August before school starts.
Hazel Health - Virtual Therapy for High School Students: Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7am-7pm Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage
Academic Support & Tutoring OpportunitiesNeed Help in Your Class? Stay After School With Your Teacher: 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.
Need to Retake an Assessment? The Retake Room in Room 299 (at the end of the Social Studies hall) is available for students who need to retake assessments or make up missed assignments. Retakes are offered after school on Late Bus Days and every White Day during PRIDE Time. Students must coordinate with their teacher to sign up. Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your grades and demonstrate your learning!
Need Writing Help? Visit the Atoms Writing Center! The Atoms Writing Center (AWC) is here to support all Annandale students with their writing in any subject. Whether you're working on an essay, lab report, or college application, our trained peer tutors provide free, judgment-free assistance to help you improve your writing skills. We are available in Room 274 on Wednesdays after school from 3-4 PM and during PRIDE Time. Students can also submit their work online and receive feedback from a tutor within 48 hours. To sign up for a tutoring session, use our 3rd Quarter Cover Sheet here. Take advantage of this great resource to gain confidence and strengthen your writing—we look forward to working with you.
Get Free Live Tutoring with Varsity Tutors! Annandale students have free access to live tutoring through Varsity Tutors! Whether you need help understanding a challenging concept, preparing for a test, or getting feedback on your writing, expert tutors are available to support you. Take advantage of this great resource to strengthen your skills and boost your confidence in any subject. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
April 26 - Super Saturdays Begin: Annandale will continue the tradition of success that was established prior to, and even during COVID, by supporting students with Super Saturday SOL prep prior to testing. Invitations will be going out to students to attend these events beginning in early April. Below is the tentative Saturday School schedule: April 26- Reading, Algebra 2, Geometry, IB Business, and IB Environmental Science; May 3- Algebra 1 and IB Geography; May 10- Biology, Chemistry, and IB Math. Due to Spring Break, in lieu of a Super Saturday, Geosystems will have an In-School Blitz.
College & Career Assistance and Financial AidCollege & Career Resources Schoology Site: Check out the Student Services: Annandale High School Schoology Page, 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.
College Application Help: Annandale High School offers free college application support. Students can visit the College and Career Center during PRIDE Time, lunch or by appointment. In addition, assistance is available on Thursdays from 3-4pm in Trailer 14. It’s not too late for seniors to apply for FAFSA and NOVA and now is a great time for juniors to get a head start on their college applications. In addition, the Atoms Writing Center will be available to help students with their college essays and supplemental application questions during PRIDE Time and Wednesdays after school from 3-4pm in room 274. If you have any questions, please email Viri Acosta.
April 9 - NOVA Regional College Fair: The Office of Admissions at George Mason University is holding its annual Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF) on Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30-8:30pm at EagleBank Arena. Students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities. This will be a great opportunity to get students motivated and excited about their post-secondary plans while equipping them with the tools and information necessary to successfully navigate the college search and application process.
April 10 - Virtual Military Night: FCPS School Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual Military Night on Thursday, April 10 from 6-8pm. This event is open to high school students and their families who want to explore military career pathways. Representatives will share information about enlistment, service academies, and ROTC programs, providing valuable insights into the opportunities available. Don’t miss this chance to learn more and ask questions! If you have questions, please email Meredith Kim.
News from the Activities OfficeAt Annandale, we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. To learn more about Annandale's program, check out this week’s “Atoms Athletics and Activities Newsletter." In addition, learn more about Annandale High School Athletics and Activities by visiting their website, AHS Athletics Twitter or Instagram page.
Booster Membership Fee Reduced! The cost of Booster Memberships is now 50% less! The new low price will be Adults $35 and Students $15 (including Elementary, Middle, and High School Students). The Booster pass allows Free Admission to all regular season JV and Varisty games. This includes ALL Spring season sports: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, and Lacrosse. Check Atoms Athletics schedules and buy your Booster Pass here.
April 7 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, April 7 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our spring sports and activities. If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Sutphin.
Concession Stand Coverage - Help Wanted! Click on a link below to sign up and support our Atoms Booster club! If anyone has trouble with the above links, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your support!
Softball & Baseball: Sign Up Here
Soccer: Sign Up Here
Lacrosse: Sign Up Here
Atoms Gear On Sale Now! We’re thrilled to share that we have a new Atoms online store! The new store has a variety of brands like Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon, and more. You will find hundreds of different design options, kids and toddler clothing, new accessories, and direct to your door shipping. Grab your gear now!
Save the Date! Athletic Physical Exams: On Monday, June 2, 2025, Annandale High School will host an opportunity for student-athletes to complete their Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) for the 2025-26 academic year. This exam will ensure eligibility for all sports through June 30, 2026. The event also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Annandale Athletic Training Program, which relies entirely on donations to cover essential medical supplies and equipment. Your support makes a tremendous difference for our athletes and trainers!
Appointments will run from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and slots are expected to fill quickly, so don’t wait. Walk-in exams are $60; however, if you pre-register, the cost is reduced to $50. To take advantage of the discounted rate and secure your appointment, email Mr. Ryan Hughes at [email protected] as soon as possible. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and helping ensure a healthy, successful season ahead!
Save the Date! June 23 - Annandale High School Golf Tournament! Get ready to hit the greens! The Annandale High School Golf Tournament is back and set for Monday, June 23, at 8:30am at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to play, sponsor, or support while benefiting Annandale Athletics. Registration opens soon, so start gathering your team! For details on sponsorship opportunities or to learn more, visit the Atoms Booster Club Golf Tournament page.
News from the PTSAJoin the PTSA! The Annandale High School PTSA is committed to helping our students and community. Together, we sponsor many programs and activities for our students, parents, and staff, including teacher grants, community outreach events, AHS Food Pantry, All Night Grad Celebration, Senior Scholarships, and more! Please consider joining by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.
PTSA Nominating Committee: Each year the PTSA forms a committee to identify people interested in serving as PTSA officers. The Nominating Committee advertises the opportunities available and explains how to apply, receives nominations and identifies potential candidates, and presents a slate of nominees at the April PTSA general membership meeting. Contact Angela Torres at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.
Volunteers Needed for the All Night Grad Celebration: We also need volunteers to support the All Night Grad Celebration! Lets keep the legacy of this amazing event, providing a safe environment for our Seniors to celebrate their graduation. Sign up here to support the day of the event.
PTSA Pantry Is Always Restocking and Needs Your Help! The AHS PTSA Pantry supports current AHS students who experience food insecurity. We are gearing up for the new school year and need your help to restock our shelves! In addition, the pantry distribution schedule for the school year can be found here. All donations to the AHS PTSA Pantry are tax deductible. Contact the pantry with questions.
Shop Locally
Please see our list of most frequently needed items here, you can shop in your local store. Items may be brought to the front office during school hours.
Amazon
Items can be shipped directly from our Amazon Wishlist.
Funding
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Sign up to be a red bag donor.
- Fill the red bag with the list provided
- Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors! More information on signups upcoming!
Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.
Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters.” Payment is due on the first day of camp.
Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 16-18, 20 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm.
Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 23-27 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.
Wrestling Camp – K-12 - July 7-11 ($120 individual/$200 sibling): This camp is for all ages wrestling camp will spend time developing the skills in all three styles of wrestling, one style each of the first three days. In addition to technique and various games, on the last two days of camp there will be a takedown tournament and individually bracketed tournament! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Josh Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.
Basketball Camp - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - July 21-25 ($225): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.
Baseball Skills Camp - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - August 12-16, 5pm-7pm ($110, or $25 a session) This camp is designed for 3rd - 9th graders and will be held on the baseball field at Annandale High. Focus will be on preparation for fall season and overall skill development. Camp will be conducted by Annandale High School Coaches and current college baseball players. Camp will run from 5pm-7pm. Questions, reach out to head baseball coach and camp director Kevin Rudd.
4700 Medford Drive Annandale, VA 22003 | Main Office: 703.642.4100
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