AHS News | Annandale High School

Annandale Community Insider - March 30

AHS News2 days 8 hours ago

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

It is hard to believe, but this week marks the start of the fourth quarter! This is an especially important time for our seniors. On Wednesday, senior parents will host our annual Senior Breakfast, an event that kicks off senior celebration season. Prior to the breakfast, seniors will gather in the auditorium where they will receive important information about end of year events, including prom and graduation. Thank you to all who have donated to this event and to Christine Peck for coordinating the efforts.

Speaking of celebrating our seniors, the All Night Grad Celebration Auction is now live, and we invite you to join in the fun while supporting our amazing Class of 2025! With more than 70 items to bid on—including sports and theatre tickets, VIP seating at AHS events, wine tastings, gift cards, local rec club memberships, and more—there is something for everyone! Every bid directly supports the All Night Grad Party, which provides a safe, memorable, fun-filled graduation night for our seniors. The auction will remain open until 11:59pm on Friday, April 4, so don’t miss your chance to score fantastic items and experiences! Please share the auction link with family, friends, and neighbors to help spread the word.

Finally, at Annandale, we believe in working together to support our students. This week, families will receive a personalized progress report by email, which includes current grades and details about any academic support their student is receiving. It will also share suggestions for how families can stay involved—like reviewing progress together and using guiding questions to start conversations about school. In addition, families of seniors who may be at risk of not meeting graduation requirements will receive a separate email outlining their senior’s progress towards graduation requirements. This communication is meant to help families as they support students in prioritizing tasks needed for graduation. We are grateful for your continued partnership in ensuring all students finish the year strong.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

SOL and IB Exam Schedule

Proctors Needed for IB Exams: Calling all Volunteers! The IB exams are starting soon and we are in need of help to proctor the exams. Volunteers are needed to walk around the testing room occasionally and sit/monitor students. No special training is needed ahead of time. Each testing room will have at least one experienced proctor that will be in charge of administering the test. We just need additional adult supervision. Volunteers must be 21 or older. Bring your driver’s license to check-in at the main office. Dress casually with comfortable shoes!

Check out this Sign Up Genius. Questions? Please email Linda Bradshaw, IB DP Coordinator. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated! Thanks for supporting our IB students!

Important Dates

March 31 - Eid Al Fitr Holiday (No School)

April 1 - Teacher Workday (No School)

April 2 - Junior Library Day

April 2 - Senior Breakfast

April 2 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

April 3 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show, 6pm

April 4 - School Librarian Day

April 7 - Special Olympics Feet Meet

April 8 - Letters from the Battlefield Screening, 5:15pm

April 8 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

April 9 - Purple Up! Day

April 9 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

April 9 - NOVA Regional College Fair

April 10 - Virtual Military Night

April 11 - ASVAB Testing

April 14-18 - Spring Break

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 2 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PTSD), 6:30pm: Annandale High School will be hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving on April 2 at 6:30pm. The state of Virginia requires students and their parents to attend one session of Partners for Safe Teen Driving in order to receive their Pink Card (DEC-8). If the parent and student are not in the auditorium at 6:30pm then they will be asked to attend another session. If you have any questions, please email Lizzie McManus.

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 on Thursday, April 3 from 6-8pm 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 community event showcases 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 - Special Olympics Annandale Feet Meet: We’re excited to welcome schools from across the region to the Special Olympics Annandale Feet Meet, happening on Monday, April 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This beloved event celebrates inclusion, fitness, and friendship, bringing together students for a joyful morning of connection and community. The Feet Meet is a highlight of the year—and with regional participation growing, this year promises to be our biggest and most inspiring yet!

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 Atoms

FanQuest Pep Rally: Celebrating Inclusion Through Sports! This year, Annandale hosted the Marshall Statesmen for our annual FanQuest, the highlight of Inclusion Revolution Week! Students packed the gym for a high-energy pep rally to cheer on our Special Olympics basketball team as they showcased their skills in a spirited match against Marshall.

FanQuest brought the full game-day experience to life, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of support, pride, and inclusion. It was a powerful celebration of what it means to belong—and the energy was so electric, Special Olympics featured our event on their official Instagram! Check it out here: FanQuest on Instagram.

AHS Seniors Earn Career Readiness Medal: We are proud to celebrate 98 Annandale seniors who have been awarded the Virginia Career Readiness Medal! This recognition honors students who have demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and readiness to thrive in today’s workforce. This recognition is earned by students who receive a qualifying score on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)—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. Congratulations to our medal recipients! Seniors who have not yet taken the ASVAB can sign up here to take it on April 11 during the school day.

Chris Bagot Wins Washington Capitals Educator of the Year Award: Congratulations to Coach Bagot who was awarded the Capitals Educator of the Year during Educator Appreciation night at the Washington Capitals game last weekend. Chris was recognized for his dedication to our students and staff in and out of the classroom, on the sports fields, and in our community. The Capitals Educator Award emphasizes commitment to a team, and Coach Bagot has shown continued dedication and positive contributions to the Atoms in so many ways. Thanks for all you do, Coach!

Annandale Students Honored at Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair! Congratulations to our regional science fair award winners from Annandale High School! These students worked hard over the course of a few months to design, implement, and present their experiments at both the school and regional levels. Check out the award-winners and their projects here!

Annandale High School Awarded ExxonMobil Education Alliance Grant! We’re proud to share that Annandale High School has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance! This generous support helps enhance math and science programs, providing valuable resources that directly benefit our students’ learning and growth. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the award with an in-person check presentation—a moment of recognition for the ongoing partnership that supports excellence in education at Annandale. Learn more about the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance here. Thank you to ExxonMobil for fueling student success!

Important Information

April 29 through May 21 - IB Testing: IB Testing will start soon. Here is the link to the detailed IB Testing calendar with arrival time and test duration. IB does not offer make-up exams. Locations consist of the upper gym and the library. Students testing in the afternoon should eat A lunch. Students are required to remain in the testing room for the full duration of each exam. Students should bring pens and pencils as well as a calculator. Backpacks and cell phones will be stored in the back of the room and can not be accessed during testing. If the exam is scheduled to continue after the final school bell, students need to arrange for alternative transportation home. In order for a student to receive a score, students must sit for all portions of the assessment including submitting an internal assessment.

Students with IB approved testing accommodations will be notified prior to testing. Late arrival/early dismissal forms for IB testing dates can be found in the Attendance Office after spring break. Contact Linda Bradshaw with any questions.

Opportunities

Career 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!

Free Prom Dresses and Suits at Promise: Do you need a dress or suit for Prom? Do you know someone that might need one? We got you! Prom is coming up on May 9th at the River View in Occoquan, and Annandale’s premiere prom fashion shop has you covered. Promise offers gently used, yet stylish dresses, suits, shoes, clutches and accessories for you to wear to prom – and to keep! Check out our updated inventory that offers a style for everyone’s taste. Stay tuned for the announcement for our grand opening and we look forward to helping you find a perfect look for Prom 2025. For further information reach out to Mr. Henceroth or visit him in room 210. We "Promise" Annandale Prom 2025 will be a night to remember!

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 Media

Stay 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 Services

Academic 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 Opportunities

Need 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 Aid

College & 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 Office

At Annandale, we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. 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.

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, 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 5:30 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 PTSA

Join 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)

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

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
Attendance: 703.642.4150 | Web | Twitter

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News3 days 10 hours ago

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Atoms Athletics Recap

Baseball was back on the diamond this week with two district games vs Falls Church and Hayfield. Game one of the week saw the Atoms travel to the Church. The Atoms can't are looking forward to warmer weather to hopefully heat up the bats as they continued to stay cold vs the Jaguars, who took care of business to get the district win. Friday evening saw a home date with the Hayfield Hawks. The Hawks pitching and hitting dominated the Atoms throughout the night. The Atoms played gritty but couldn't hold the Hawks at bay to drop their second game of the week. The JV Atoms continue to improve and play hard but fell short in both of their games this week. The Atoms play Justice on Tuesday.

Softball made a short trip up 495 to Falls Church Tuesday evening and came home with an impressive 11-7 win over the Jaguars. The Atoms played a great all around game to secure the district win and move to 3-0 in district play to start the season. Next was a home game vs Hayfield Friday evening. The Hawks showed why they are perennial contender to win the district every year as they got up early on the Atoms and ran away with a district win. The JV Atoms continue to improve as they defeated Falls Church but fell to the Hawks this week. Next up is a date with Justice.

Boys Lacrosse took a drive over to Reston to face off with South Lakes. The Atoms kept it close early but the Seahawks were too much for the Atoms as they sent the team back to Annandale with a non-district loss. The Atoms welcome Hayfield to school for their district opener Tuesday.

Girls Lacrosse took on a tough South Lakes team Friday evening. The Atoms were no match the Seahawks as they took an early lead and never looked back. The Atoms played hard throughout and now prep for their first district game of the season on Tuesday vs Hayfield.

Boys Soccer welcomed a talented Westfield team to campus Tuesday evening. The Bulldogs got up early on the Atoms but didn't put the finishing touches on the game. The Atoms played a resilient game on their way to a comeback 3-2 win over a team that will compete for a region title in the Northern Region. The Atoms have an extended break between games and return to the field Friday when they welcome Hayfield to campus.

Girls Soccer traveled to Westfield Tuesday evening. The game was a tough back and forth with the Atoms missing a couple scoring chances to get on the board. It was the same story for the Bulldogs as they put two in the back of the net to secure a 2-0 win. The Atoms finally paly their home opener Wednesday evening with C.D. Hylton coming to Annandale.

Boys Tennis went 1-2 in their three matches of the week. First up was Justice Tuesday evening at Mason District Park. The Wolves were all over the young Atoms as they got the W. Next up was a match with Lewis. It was a different story on this evening as the Atoms took care of business across their matches to come home with the 6-3 win! The final match of the week was a date with Hayfield. The Hawks soared through the matches to take back a win to Alexandria. Next up is a match with district power TJ Wednesday.

Girls Tennis matched the boys for the week going 1-1. The Wolves wore down the Atoms to secure a district win. Lewis traveled to Annandale Thursday to serve it up. The Atoms dismantled the Lancers to win comfortably 6-3! The Atoms continue to improve every match and look to get back on track Wednesday vs TJ.

Outdoor Track traveled to TJ Wednesday evening for their second meet of the year. The Atoms had good performances from multiples athletes who qualified for the National District Meet in May. They will look to secure qualifying times for region next week at Justice.

Spring Sports Pictures

Pictures are complete and now is the time to place your order! Team and individual pictures for spring sports occurred on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Ordering info:

Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to events.legacystudios.com.
Please use code 4542E25 to view your images on the website.

Please note that if your images have not uploaded to the site yet, when entering that code you'll receive a 'Gallery not found' notification. Please allow 7 days after picture day before trying to access your images to avoid any frustration.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

Attention Parents! Volunteers are needed to sell concessions at games throughout the year. We welcome any and all parents to volunteer but when parents of a particular sport work a game, a portion of concessions sales directly benefit that team. If you are not able to help directly at home games, there are many ways you can get involved with the Atoms Athletics Boosters by attending our monthly meetings or being a team liaison. Thank you for your support for Atom’s Athletics!

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Baseball & Softball Concession Signups

Soccer Concession Signups

Lacrosse Concession Signups

Annandale High School Golf Tournament

Welcome back the Annandale High School Golf Tournament! This years tournament will be held Monday, June 23 at 8:30am at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club. Looking to sponsor or participate?! Check out our Atoms Booster Page to learn more about the tournament. Registration for the tournament will start this week, so get your teams together!!

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

We are completing our Winter seasons and many of our Atoms student-athletes have earned postseason All-District and All-Region recognition. Check out our winter athletes, who were selected for postseason recognition. Check out the recipients using the link below:

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

Winter 2024-25 All District, Region, & State Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass (REDUCED PRICES!!!)

With the new pricing for tickets for FCPS, The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are a no brainer! The Atoms 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

SAVE THE DATE!! Annandale High School Physical Night

On Monday, June 2nd, 2025 Annandale High School will host an opportunity for student athletes to receive a complete pre-participation VHSL physical exam (PPE) that will be valid for all sports for the 2025-26 academic year, until June 30th, 2026!

This event will serve as the primary fundraiser for the Annandale Athletic Training Program, which receives zero financial assistance to operate in terms of medical supplies and equipment – we thank you for your support and donation!

Appointments begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm – appointments will fill quickly, so please do not delay! Walk-in exams are $60.00, BUT…

…PRE-REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND SAVE $10! ($50 EXAM):

*email Ryan Hughes to access first availability to pre-register*

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

Wrestling – 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 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 Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

*NEW CAMP ANNOUNCED* Volleyball Camp - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - July 7-11 ($120): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their volleyball skills and playing small sided games. Campers will work on improvement and understanding how to play volleyball. Campers will have a 30 minute break from 11:00-11:30am for snacks or eat lunch. Campers should bring their own snack/lunch or purchase items at camp. Hours are 9:00am-1:30pm.

For questions about volleyball camp please reach out to Camp Directors, Girls Head CoachAJ Witkofsky, Boys Head Coach Willem Hawthorne, or Coach Eli Rosinke

Basketball - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - July 21-25 ($225): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a 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. To pay for Basketball Camp, CLICK HERE

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Camp Directors, Boys Head Coach Jerome McAvoy or Girls Head Coach Chelsea Harrison.

Baseball Skills Camp- Aug 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

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

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 and show of your Atoms pride!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

Annandale High School has a rich history of success, community support, and strong alumni base that stretches back to its creation in 1954. There is a legacy that surrounds Annandale that many are proud to be a part of as it feels like home to those who have walked our halls. We want to provide our students, alumni, and community members the opportunity to be a part of the Annandale legacy. Looking for a graduation gift, birthday gift, or to share your own legacy with the Annandale community, then purchase an acrylic block for $100, that will be on displayed along the stadium field wall!

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Looking for a piece of Atoms furniture to add to your house?! Purchase an Atoms chair! New chairs were ordered this summer for events around school and we're selling our old chairs. There is a limited amount of chairs so get yours before they're gone! Price is $60 for one, $100 for two. Contact Brandon Sutphin to purchase yours!

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Included in Grade 10 Health & PE is one quarter, or 30-36 hours, of in-classroom driver education. To obtain 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 or legal 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 630pm in the auditorium. You must attend with a parent or legal 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 or legal guardian. You may attend a session outside of your Driver Education quarter.

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Are you 15 and a half years old (or older) and ready to start your driving journey? Annandale High School is offering the Virginia Learner’s Permit Test after school in Room 43 on various Mondays throughout the school year.

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Annandale Community Insider - March 23

AHS News1 week 2 days ago

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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 Dates

March 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.

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!

Awesome Atoms

AHS 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 Information

Now 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.

Opportunities

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

Academic Support & Tutoring Opportunities

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 Aid

News from the Activities Office

Softball & Baseball: Sign Up Here

Soccer: Sign Up Here

Lacrosse: Sign Up Here

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!

News from the PTSA

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News1 week 3 days ago

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Atoms Athletics Recap

Baseball opened the season with two games this week. Opening day saw the Atoms welcome Justice to Atoms Park. The Atoms had a rough day in the field thanks to some high winds and coupled that with hot bats from the Wolves, led to a 9-5 loss. The second game of the week was a road game to Mount Vernon. Unfortunately, the Atoms came away with a loss as they couldn't get anything going at the plate to fall to the Majors. JV Atoms beat Justice in their first game Tuesday but fell to Mt. Vernon Friday evening. The Atoms take on Falls Church Tuesday evening.

Softball played three games to get their season underway this week. The Atoms took care of Justice in their opening game Monday evening 12-2 to get Coach Morgan Neild her first victory as a head coach. The Atoms took on Meridian Wednesday but a different result this time as the Mustangs took a win back to Falls Church City. The final game of the week was a road game at Mount Vernon. The Atoms played hard and took care of business to come home with an 11-9 district win! The JV Atoms went 1-1 this week with a 20-9 win over Justice but fell to Meridian in their second game. Game vs Falls Church is next.

Boys Lacrosse got their season off to a winning way as they matched up with Osbourn for their opening game Monday. The Atoms got up early and took care of business as they finished off the Eagle 11-6. Game two of the week welcomed Marshall to town. This was a different story as the Statesmen scored early and often to take down a gritty Atoms. JV Atoms continue to work on improvement and development as they fell in both of their games this week. Next up for the Atoms is a game with South Lakes

Girls Lacrosse traveled to Marshal to open their season. The Atoms were unable to keep up with the Statesmen on the scoreboard as they came home with a non-district loss. The Atoms have their home opener Friday as they welcome South Lakes to Annandale. JV Atoms played hard vs Marshall but came away with a loss.

Boys Soccer had three matches to start their 25 season off. Game one was a road trip to Forest Park. The game was a competitive back and forth match with the Atoms falling short 3-2. A quick turnaround to Tuesday, welcoming the Meridian Mustangs to Annandale. This was a tight game throughout with a team that is a perennial state contender on the 3A level and one that saw the Atoms score a late goal to get a 1-0 win! The final game of the week vs Washington-Liberty was Thursday evening. It was a sluggish start that doomed the Atoms as the Generals scored 3 goals in the first half. The Atoms battled in the second half but came up short in a 5-3 loss. JV Atoms went 1-0-2 this week in their respective games. Next up is Westfield Tuesday.

Girls Soccer got underway with two games in their opening week. Game one was a bus ride to Meridian. The Atoms looked a team on a mission as they dismantled the Mustangs to come home with a 4-1 win! Next up was another bus ride but this time to W-L. It was a competitive back and forth game but unfortunately the Generals were able to sneak a couple into the net to win 2-0. The JV Atoms played hard in their opening week but came away with two losses. Next is another road test at Westfield Tuesday.

Boys Tennis opening their season with Falls Church. A young team lies ahead for the Atoms as they have one senior and the opening match saw the youth as the Atoms fell 9-0 to the Jaguars. However, the youth of the Atoms contains a lot of talent and they will grow as the season goes along. The Atoms play a rescheduled match Monday vs Hayfield.

Girls Tennis traveled to Falls Church Tuesday evening to start their 25 campaign. The Atoms battled in each of their matches vs Jaguars but came up short falling 6-3. The Atoms roster makeup is similar to the boys with youth across the board but have high hopes for continuous improvement and growth. Next up is a makeup date with a road trip to Hayfield Monday

Outdoor Track started their season with a meet at Falls Church Wednesday evening. The Atoms had some impressive showings in their first meet and look to build as they attempt to make a run at a district championship meet in May. They travel to TJ Wednesday for their second meet of the season.

Spring Sports Pictures

Pictures are complete and now is the time to place your order! Team and individual pictures for spring sports occurred on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Ordering info:

Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to events.legacystudios.com.
Please use code 4542E25 to view your images on the website.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Baseball & Softball Concession Signups

Soccer Concession Signups

Lacrosse Concession Signups

Annandale High School Golf Tournament

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

We are completing our Winter seasons and many of our Atoms student-athletes have earned postseason All-District and All-Region recognition. Check back next week as we recognize our winter athletes selected for postseason recognition. Check out the recipients using the link below:

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass (REDUCED PRICES!!!)

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

SAVE THE DATE!! Annandale High School Physical Night

Appointments begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm – appointments will fill quickly, so please do not delay! Walk-in exams are $60.00, BUT…

…PRE-REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND SAVE $10! ($50 EXAM):

*email Ryan Hughes to access first availability to pre-register*

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

For questions about volleyball camp please reach out to Camp Directors, Girls Head CoachAJ Witkofsky, Boys Head Coach Willem Hawthorne, or Coach Eli Rosinke

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Camp Directors, Boys Head Coach Jerome McAvoy or Girls Head Coach Chelsea Harrison.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Congratulations Dr. Sarah Eqab!

AHS News2 weeks 1 day ago

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

We are excited to share that Dr. Sarah Eqab has been selected as the interim principal of Poe Middle School. While we will miss her leadership at Annandale, we look forward to seeing her take on this new role and continue her commitment to supporting students and families in the Annandale Pyramid.

As an Assistant Principal at Annandale, Dr. Eqab has been a passionate advocate for equity and student achievement. She has overseen the English and ESOL departments and led the administrative team’s collaborative team (CT), strengthening instructional practices and expanding co-teaching opportunities. Her leadership has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for both students and staff.

Dr. Eqab’s new role is a reflection of her dedication and impact, and while we are sad to see her go, we know she will bring the same passion and expertise to Poe Middle School. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Eqab on this well-earned opportunity.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

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

Annandale Community Insider - March 16

AHS News2 weeks 2 days ago

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

This week, we are excited to celebrate Inclusion Revolution Week, a time when our commitment to finding strength in diversity and fostering belonging is on full display!

Each day students and staff will have the opportunity to show their school spirit and support for inclusion! Monday is Mix It Up Day—wear mismatched outfits to celebrate diversity. Tuesday is Neon & Tie-Dye Day—shine bright in neon or wear tie-dye to reflect the power of community. Wednesday is Inspiration Day—dress as a superhero or celebrity who inspires you. Thursday is Culture Pride Day—wear clothing that represents your heritage. Finally, Friday is a Red Out—wear red to show your Annandale pride and support our Special Olympics athletes at the FanQuest Pep Rally.

We will kick off the week with our monthly W4 Activities Day, an opportunity for students to build connections and engage with Atom Nation in a fun and meaningful way. Whether playing pickleball, painting nails, making felt flowers, singing karaoke, or collaborating on club projects, students will find spaces to explore their interests and foster a sense of belonging. We are proud to be one of the few high schools that successfully plans and organizes this event each month. A huge thank you to Lizzy McManus, our acting Assistant Director of Student Activities, along with our dedicated teachers and staff, for making this possible!

We will wrap up the week with our annual FanQuest Pep Rally, an event that celebrates inclusion and respect for students with disabilities. During W4, students will gather to cheer on our Special Olympics basketball team as they take on the Marshall Statesmen in a showcase game. FanQuest provides a true game-day atmosphere, giving our athletes the opportunity to compete as their peers cheer from the stands. Check out this video to see the energy and excitement that is shared every year at this event!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

March 17-21 - Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - PRIDE Time 4.0 Begins

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

March 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 3 - Annandale Pyramid Art Show

April 8 - Letters from the Battlefield Screening, 5:15pm

March 17-21 - Annandale Inclusion Revolution Week: Join us for our annual Annandale Inclusion Revolution Week as we celebrate our commitment to an inclusive school community! Show your Atom pride by dressing up each day and don’t miss FanQuest, our signature event highlighting inclusion and unity. Let’s come together to make this week unforgettable!

March 17 - W4 Activities Day: Our next W4 Activities Day is on Monday, March 17. W4 Activities Day is a time set aside for students to explore clubs and activities and connect with classmates and staff over shared interests. The schedule for the period will remain unchanged. Students were given access to the preview slideshow and registration form through their W4 and Schoology and will be emailed to each student’s FCPS account. If you have any questions, please contact Lizzy McManus.

March 19 - PRIDE Time 4.0 Begins: PRIDE Time 4.0 is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 19. This latest iteration of PRIDE Time will focus on identifying students in need of preparation for the upcoming SOLs. Students who are not identified for intervention will be assigned a Study Hall PRIDE Time and will have the ability to complete assignments or request assistance from another Study Hall PRIDE Time teacher. On March 18, students will be able to view their new PRIDE Time assignment in SIS StudentVue as their period 11 class.

March 19 - ASAP 4.0 Begins: Our After School Academic Program (ASAP) is one way we support students needing intervention in more than one subject area. Students selected to participate in ASAP work with an assigned teacher after school from 3:10-4:10pm. Students who have been identified for ASAP and their parents will receive an email with updated ASAP assignments. Teachers will also provide students with paper invitations during class. Students are expected to attend ASAP before other extracurricular activities, including sports and detention. Late buses are available, and Super Snack is provided in the cafeteria after 4:15pm. If you have questions about your student’s ASAP assignment, please reach out to Lizzie McManus.

March 19 - Spring Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Students in grades 9-12 use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally: On Friday, March 21, the Annandale Special Olympics Basketball team will be hosting “FanQuest” versus Marshall HS. FanQuest is an event that promotes inclusion and respect for students with disabilities. It will give our Special Olympics athletes an opportunity to showcase their basketball skills and experience a real game day atmosphere in front of their peers. This year, our Annandale Special Olympics team was named a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School and will raise the Unified Champions Schools Banner during halftime. The pep rally will be held during W4/ Pride Time.

April 3 - 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!

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Students Visit NOVA Medical Education Campus: Annandale High School students had the exciting opportunity to explore NOVA’s Medical Education Campus, where they learned about career pathways in Emergency Medicine, Dental Hygiene, Sonography, Nursing, and Respiratory Therapy. Funded by a grant from Educate Fairfax, this trip gave students hands-on experience in simulation rooms and a chance to explore the campus library. Interested in a future in healthcare? Students can reach out to Ms. Acosta during the school day or visit T-14 after school for more information on applying to these programs!

Sara and Sage Nagle Present at FCPS Family Summit: Congrats to Sara and Sage Nagle who were selected to showcase the Annandale Special Olympics program at the 2025 FCPS Family Summit at South Lakes High School. Their presentation highlighted how Special Olympics fosters inclusivity and provides opportunities for students of all abilities to engage in sports, leadership, and advocacy. The Family Summit featured FCPS students showcasing projects that promote inclusivity in schools through posters, essays, videos, songs, and artwork. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about fostering a more inclusive school community, making the event a valuable experience for all who participated.

AHS Students Visit the Embassy of Belgium - In celebration of International Women’s Day, three Annandale High School students visited the Embassy of Belgium to explore diplomacy and global leadership. Ambassador Bernard welcomed them, and diplomats Maite Morren and Hamed Mobasser shared insights on multilingualism, education, and empowering young women. The students reflected on how they plan to make a difference in their communities and future careers, offering unique perspectives on intercultural exchange. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for all!

Annandale HS Highlighted in New FCPS Boys Volleyball & Girls Wrestling Video! Fairfax County Public Schools made history this year by introducing Varsity Boys Volleyball and Varsity Girls Wrestling as official VHSL-sponsored sports. Student-athletes from across the county, including those from Annandale High School, showcased their dedication, skill, and school pride on the courts and mats. From the rapid growth of girls wrestling to standout performances in boys volleyball, this season was a milestone for FCPS athletics. Check out the Annandale students featured in the video.

Important Information

Make Sure Your Student is Up-to-Date on Immunizations: Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy! Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Safety Drills in March: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. WE recently conducted our annual tornado drill. Later this month, we will conduct our monthly fire drill and our semi-annual lockdown drill. Your student may share at home about their experience. 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.

Opportunities

Now through March 28 - Student Fasting Meal Kits Available: FCPS is offering a new meal kit program for students who are fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025. These meal kits include balanced, nutritious meals—protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk—similar to those served at school. Meals will be kept cold for freshness and can be heated at home. To sign up, parents/guardians must complete a Fasting Meals Request Form each week for each student. Students can grab their meal kits at the end of the school day at any point in the school day in the cafeteria. Any student fasting during the school day can participate. If a student eats breakfast or lunch at school, they are not eligible for a meal kit that day. Meal kits will be charged to student meal accounts based on their usual eligibility status—free for students who qualify, and regular pricing for paid-status students. be sure to complete the Fasting Meals Request Form each week to ensure your student receives a meal kit.

Find out more and submit requests on the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services website. March 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24.

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.

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

Academic Support & Tutoring Opportunities

College & Career Assistance and Financial Aid

News from the Activities Office

News from the PTSA

Support Our Seniors! Donate Your Time or Items to Our Auction: We're gearing up for our All Night Grad Auction, and we need your help to make it unforgettable! We're seeking item donations to auction off, with all proceeds benefiting the All Night Grad Celebration, an amazing event for our graduating class. Items We’re Looking For: Gift cards, themed baskets, vacation or getaway donations, event tickets, services, or any creative contributions! Ready to donate? Visit http://bit.ly/40jc0AZ. Deadline to Donate: March 1. Thank you for your generosity!

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News2 weeks 3 days ago

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Annandale One Acts State Championship Show

Annandale One Acts had a great performance last Saturday on their way to a fourth place finish in the VHSL One Acts State Championships. The Atoms may not have won but their spirit and love for their performance were on display throughout the evening. Congratulations on a great year and representing Annandale proudly!

Atoms Athletics Recap

Boys Basketball had the old saying of, "it's not how you start but how you finish." The team had an up and down first half of the season where they stood at 4-7 after a January 17 date with Edison, in which the Eagles could do no wrong in the game. After that game, it was different story as the Atoms hit the road to Philadelphia the next day and came back to Annandale with a win and from there, the Atoms started to roll. They won 10 of their final 12 games of the season, including a revenge game win over Edison to secure the number three seed in the district tournament. First round saw the Atoms roll over the Wolves of Justice and set up a rematch with Edison. The semifinal game was an exciting one but saw the Eagles prevail setting up a first round region game vs West Springfield. Missing a couple key players and a few with some injuries proved to be too much as the Spartans won a thrilling game in overtime to bring the Atoms season to an end.

Girls Basketball played hard and gritty all year after losing their best two players from last years team. The Atoms battled hard game in and game out and were competitive for many of their games. The Atoms started the season off with a win over Gar-Field. The Atoms would get back in the win column over the winter break in a Holiday Tournament at Mount Vernon. After losing round one vs Marshall, the Atoms came back strong in day 2 and 3 of the tournament, getting wins over Forest Park and Gar-Field to finish 5th place! The lone district win of the season came a week later vs Lewis but unfortunately fell short in a few games to get a second win. They played the number one seed Hayfield in the district tournament, who closed the Atoms out to bring the season to a close.

Gymnastics had a small team this year with a couple of the gymnasts battling injuries throughout. The Atoms worked hard everyday to improve their skills and it showed as they continued to earn personal scores with each meet. All four gymnasts are underclassman and return next year including two time region qualifier Kate Hanlen.

Indoor Track welcomed many newcomers to the team and saw personal best and personal records set during multiple meets throughout the season. The girls team is were paced by many underclassman but had several seniors who were great leaders and leave the team in a great hands. The boys team had a few region qualifiers and were highlighted by junior Jeremiah Nelson and his state runner up finish in the high jump.

Girls Wrestling completed a successful inaugural season with as many as 14 girls competing during the season. Several wrestlers won multiple matches during tournaments this year. The Atoms were led by Darling Saravia who won her weight class at the Luchadore Tournament at Lewis in January and followed that up as she became the first ever girls District Champion for Annandale in February at the National District Championships.

Boys Wrestling completed one of their best seasons since pre-COVID as they finished with a team record of 12-12. The Atoms had several wrestlers who won multiple matches across their tournaments and enjoyed success during their annual Morgantown trip. The Atoms improved throughout the season and were highlighted by multiple region qualifiers including district champion Isaac Readinger and runner up Jordy Lopez-Funes. Jordy would go on to the region meet and finish fourth to qualify for the VHSL state championship where he would finish 12th.

Swim/Dive had another successful season. The Atoms showed their swimming abilities, winning several of their meets throughout the season. The Atoms had multiple region qualifiers for both boys and girls team. Noah Popp (200 IM) and James Chilton (50 Free) led the Atoms in the district championship meet in their respective events. During the 200 Freestyle Relay, James Chilton qualified for the state meet with his split time. At the Occoquan Region meet, the 200IM Relay and 200 Freestyle Relay teams set school records on their way to qualifying for the state meet and join James (who was a member of both relay teams). All three had successful state meets, qualifying for the B Final of each event. The 200 Freestyle Relay (Noah Popp, James Chilton, Rickey Nguyen, and Finn Sample) broke their school record on the final swim of some of their high school careers.

Spring Sports Pictures

Pictures are complete and now is the time to place your order! Team and individual pictures for spring sports occurred on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Ordering info:

Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to events.legacystudios.com.
Please use code 4542E25 to view your images on the website.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Baseball & Softball Concession Signups

Soccer Concession Signups

Lacrosse Concession Signups

Annandale High School Golf Tournament

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass (REDUCED PRICES!!!)

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

SAVE THE DATE!! Annandale High School Physical Night

Appointments begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm – appointments will fill quickly, so please do not delay! Walk-in exams are $60.00, BUT…

…PRE-REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND SAVE $10! ($50 EXAM):

*email Ryan Hughes to access first availability to pre-register*

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below **Payment link to come!**

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

Wrestling – 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 Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

Basketball - 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.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Mulch Madness Ends Tomorrow!

AHS News2 weeks 4 days ago

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Mulch Madness Ends Tomorrow!

Annandale High School PTSA Mulch Madness is your chance to refresh your yard while supporting the Class of 2025! This fundraiser directly benefits the All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC), providing a safe and memorable event for our seniors.

We need your help to reach our goal of selling 2,500 bags of mulch. Order here by tomorrow, March 15.

Mulch is available for $6.50 per bag with delivery for orders of 15+ bags within a five-mile radius of AHS or $5.50 per bag for self-pickup. Each bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs approximately 50 lbs. Pick-up will be available at Annandale High School on Saturday, March 22, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

In addition to purchasing mulch, we need volunteers to assist with loading, deliveries, and other tasks to ensure a smooth event. If you can help, sign up to volunteer today! For questions, please email Rai Kent. Thank you for supporting our graduating seniors!

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

Celebrating Our IB Success & Looking Ahead

AHS News2 weeks 5 days ago

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Annandale Community:

We recently welcomed visitors from the International Baccalaureate (IBO) Evaluation Team as part of our five-year IB review. This visit allowed us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our successes, and identify areas for growth as we continue to strengthen our IB programs. Throughout the week, the team observed classrooms, met with students, staff, and families, and provided valuable insights into our work.

Key Strengths Identified: The IB team highlighted several strengths that make our schools a thriving IB community. They recognized our strong alignment with the IB mission, with a clear commitment to diversity, lifelong learning, and student success. They also praised our collaborative learning environment, noting the dedication of our coordinators, teachers, and staff in delivering high-quality instruction and providing extensive support systems for all students, including Multilingual Learners and Special Education students. Our inclusive culture was another standout feature, as academic barriers have been removed, ensuring that IB courses reflect the diverse demographics of our student body. Additionally, they noted the engaging and student-centered teaching practices that foster positive relationships, create supportive learning environments, and utilize effective instructional strategies. Most importantly, our students themselves shared powerful reflections on their IB experience, describing it as diverse, supportive, reflective, collaborative, and both challenging and rewarding.

Opportunities for Growth: While the IB team highlighted many areas of success, they also provided valuable recommendations for continued growth. One key area is the deeper integration of the IB Learner Profile, ensuring that IB values are consistently embedded across all aspects of learning. They also emphasized the importance of expanding student reflection and inquiry-based learning to deepen conceptual understanding across all subjects. Finally, the team encouraged us to enhance community engagement by creating more structured opportunities for staff, students, and families to share feedback and actively participate in shaping the future of our IB programs.

We are incredibly proud of the work happening in our schools and grateful for our students, families, and staff who make our IB programs so successful. As we move forward, we invite our community to continue partnering with us in this journey of growth. Together, we will ensure that our IB programs remain dynamic, inclusive, and enriching for all students.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

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

Special Movie Screening - Letters from the Battlefield

AHS News3 weeks 1 day ago

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Annandale Community,

I am excited to invite you to a special screening of Letters from the Battlefield, a powerful documentary created by three Annandale graduates: Jacqueline Lundquist, Jude Pago, and Andre Jones, all from the Class of 1982.

This film explores Jacqueline’s father’s experience in the Vietnam War through his letters and audio tapes. Decades after his passing, she retraced his footsteps and, in an unexpected turn, connected with a former North Vietnamese soldier—revealing two parallel yet deeply human stories.

Letters from the Battlefield is more than just a reflection on history. It is a testament to the power of understanding different perspectives and finding connection across cultures, something that defines who we are as an Annandale community.

On Tuesday, April 8, we invite you to join us at 6:00pm for a community screening at Annandale High School. Before the screening, the PTSA will host a social gathering at 5:15pm, providing an opportunity to connect before the film. Following the event, there will be a brief PTSA meeting for those who would like to stay and participate.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a powerful story of war, family, and reconciliation—one that comes from our community and speaks to the spirit of Atom Nation. I hope you’ll join us!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

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

Annandale Community Insider - March 9

AHS News3 weeks 2 days ago

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

Congratulations to the Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) for competing in the VHSL State One-Act Championship last night at Piedmont Virginia Community College! After their first-place finishes at both Districts and Regionals, our talented cast and crew took the stage with Juliet Wakes Up and delivered an amazing performance. This incredible achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students and Theater Arts teacher, Kylie Murray.

Moreover, the Annandale High School Wind Ensemble earned a Superior rating at the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) Assessment this weekend. Under the leadership of Director Chad Steffey, the ensemble's dedication and musicianship were on full display during their performance. You can watch their performance of "Variations on Scarborough Fair" online.

These achievements are not just individual highlights but part of our ongoing commitment to providing diverse and meaningful artistic opportunities for all. At Annandale, we recognize the value of arts education and the many benefits it provides to students. These achievements are not isolated moments; they are part of a larger commitment to providing students with diverse and enriching artistic opportunities. For instance, coming up this week, music lovers won’t want to miss Careers in Music with DJ Hapa this Friday, March 14 at 6:30pm in the Annandale auditorium. This interactive performance will feature nationally recognized DJ and keynote speaker, DJ Hapa who will share live music, mixing, and behind-the-scenes industry insights.

Finally, with warmer temperatures expected this week, now is the perfect time to start prepping your yard. Support the Class of 2025 by purchasing mulch from Annandale High School’s annual Mulch Sale—a great way to refresh your landscape while contributing to the All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC), a safe and memorable send-off for our seniors. Orders are due by March 15. Visit the PTSA website for more information!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

March 10 - ASVAB Testing, 8am

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm

March 11 - Tornado Drill

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

March 14 - Careers in Music w/DJ Hapa, 6:30pm

March 17-21 Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - PRIDE Time 4.0 Begins

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

March 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 27 - Student of the Month Celebration

March 28 - Quarter 3 Ends

March 10 - ASVAB Testing: The ASVAB is not just for students considering military service—it is a valuable career planning tool that can help them make informed decisions about their future. Note: The results of this assessment will only be shared with the armed services if your student specifically requests it. The ASVAB will be offered on March 10 and April 11. The March 10 sign up is now closed. Students who are interested in taking the ASVAB on April 11, can sign up here. Additionally, we will be hosting a virtual event to help families understand how to interpret ASVAB results and use them for postsecondary planning.

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night: Parents and guardians of spring athletes are invited to join us for Spring Meet the Coaches Night on Monday, March 10, at 6:30pm in the Auditorium. This informative session will provide an opportunity to hear from the athletic office staff, athletic trainer, athletic boosters, and your student-athlete’s coach. The evening will begin with a general session in the cafeteria, followed by team-specific breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a great spring season!

March 11 - Tornado Drill: We will be conducting our required yearly tornado drill on March 11.

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00pm 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.

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due: Virginia Boys State is a week-long study of government and the operation, laws and procedures of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AHS Student Services is currently identifying Juniors who are interested in submitting applications for this summer enrichment opportunity. Participants represent AHS at the 2025 Boys State convention. To participate students must be United States citizens or legal residents of the United States. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. For more details, go to the Virginia Boys State website. Boys State will be held at Radford University from Saturday, June 15 to Friday, June 21, 2025. If you are a Junior and interested in applying, request a nomination form by emailing Mr. Perla.

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving: Annandale High School is hosting Partners for Safe Teen Driving for students in Health & PE 10 on March 12 at 6:30pm in the auditorium. This 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program is required for both student and parent/guardian. Participants must arrive on time as doors close at 6:30pm. Parents and their teen must stay for the duration of the presentation for your attendance to be verified. If you have any questions, contact Lizzie McManus. Additional sessions of Partners for Safe Teen Driving at Annandale High School are: April 2; and May 14.

March 14 - Careers in Music with DJ Hapa, 6:30pm: Join us Friday, March 14, at 6:30 PM in the Annandale Auditorium for an interactive, high-energy experience with DJ Hapa! A nationally recognized DJ and keynote speaker, Hapa will share live music, mixing, and behind-the-scenes industry insights. This free event is open to all FCPS students and community members—a must-see for music lovers! Special thanks to local music shop, Day Violins, who have supported our students with professional-level instruments, helping Annandale graduates pursue music in college.

Support the All Night Grad Celebration - Order Your Mulch Today! Annandale High School’s annual mulch sale is a vital fundraiser for our All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC), a PTSA-organized, independently funded, and adult-supervised event that provides a safe and memorable celebration for the Class of 2025. Mulch is available for $6.50 per bag with delivery (15-bag minimum within a five-mile radius of AHS) or $5.50 per bag for self pick-up. Each bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs approximately 50 lbs. Orders are due by March 15, and mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 22, from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Order today!

In addition to purchasing mulch, we need volunteers to help with this event—whether it's a big role or a small task, every effort makes a difference in ensuring the success of our largest and most impactful fundraiser of the year. Sign up to volunteer today! For more information, email Rai Kent. Thank you for your support!

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Students Explore Auto Tech at NOVA! Annandale students got a firsthand look at the exciting world of auto tech at NOVA Alexandria! From diagnosing engines to exploring electric vehicles, our students were immersed in the latest technology. The GM Automotive Service Education Program sparked interest in many, with some planning to enroll at NOVA!

Emilson Reyes & Jeremias Ramirez Orellana Awarded Lions Grant! Congratulations to Emilson Reyes and Jeremias Ramirez Orellana for being awarded the Joe Lipomi Memorial Scholastic Grant! sponsored by the Virginia Lions Eye Institute and local Lions clubs, this grant supports visually impaired students in achieving their goals. We are so proud of Emilson and Jeremias for their hard work and determination. To learn more about the scholarship and view pictures from the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, visit the Virginia Lions Eye Institute Foundation’s gallery.

Senior, Sage Nagle, Recognized at Fairfax Peace Awards: Sage Nagle was one of 28 recipients honored at the Fairfax County Peace Awards Reception this past week. U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly praised the work of the awardees and introduced a Resolution recognizing their work as “the building blocks of a more peaceful and tolerant world.” For the last four years, Sage has worked to foster inclusion and community through the Special Olympics program. Inspired by her belief in “growing peace from within,” Sage has worked to create a space where all students feel valued and connected. The award includes a scholarship and a charitable donation to the organization of her choice, which go to the Alliance for Peacebuilding. Read about the Annandale High School Student Peace Awards Recipients on the website.

Advanced Art and Psychology Students Explore the Hirshhorn: Last week, advanced art and psychology students took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to the Hirshhorn Museum’s Osgemeos exhibit. The vibrant murals, sculptures, and installations by Brazilian street artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo provided a unique exploration of artistic expression and psychological interpretation. This cross-curricular experience deepened students' understanding of how visual culture shapes human experience.

Annandale Journalism Project Welcomes Back Esteemed Mentors: Students in the Annandale Journalism Project had the opportunity to learn from top journalists on Thursday, as they welcomed back three industry experts. Former Wall Street Journal Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Seib, NPR Morning Edition host Michel Martin, and former Wall Street Journal tech, tax, and politics reporter John McKinnon.

Participants, who applied to join the Annandale Journalism Project, led by English teacher and former journalist Elizabeth Crowley, received guidance on their reporting and storytelling skills. The mentors helped students refine their journalistic approach and plan their next steps in investigative work. This marks the third visit in 2025 for Seib, who, alongside retired editor and Wall Street Journal reporter Barb Rosewicz, has played a key role in inspiring students to develop and craft compelling news feature stories.

Important Information

Safety Drills in March: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. This month, we will conduct our monthly fire drill, our semi-annual lockdown drill and our annual tornado drill. Your student may share at home about their experience. 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.

Opportunities

Find out more and submit requests on the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services website. March 10, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 17. March 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24.

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

Become Unskippable - Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl: Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

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

College Application Help: Annandale High School offers free college application support twice each week. Wednesdays during Lunch in the Career Center (Room 103) and Thursdays 3-4pm in Trailer 14. 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.

News from the Activities Office

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night: Parents and guardians of spring athletes are invited to join us for Spring Meet the Coaches Night on Monday, March 10, at 6:30 PM in the Annandale Cafeteria. This informative session will provide an opportunity to hear from the athletic office staff, athletic trainer, athletic boosters, and your student-athlete’s coach. The evening will begin with a general session in the cafeteria, followed by team-specific breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a great spring season!

Purchase Your 'Atoms Pass' for 2024-2025! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are back! The "Atoms Pass" provides you general admission access to all regular season home events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass! To purchase your Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!

News from the PTSA

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News3 weeks 3 days ago

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Annandale One Acts State Championship Show

Make your way down to Charlottesville this afternoon and support our Annandale Atoms One Acts as they compete in the VHSL State Championship! The Atoms will compete against three other schools for the chance to be state champions! The show starts at 4:00pm at Piedmont Community College, V. Earl Dickinson Building and Annandale will be leading off the performances at 4:25pm.

Atoms Athletics Recap

Swim/Dive. Our 200IM Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and James Chilton in the 100 Freestyle all competed in the VHSL State Championship Wednesday at the Jeff Rouse Swim Center. James and both relays all qualified for the finals Wednesday evening after impressive prelims swim earlier in the morning! The 200 freestyle relay team broke the school record after breaking it a few weeks before at regionals! A great way to finish off their season!

**Check back next week for a special Atoms Athletics Recap as we look back at the Winter Seasons!** Spring Sports Pictures

Pictures are complete and now is the time to place your order! Team and individual pictures for spring sports occurred on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Ordering info:

Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to events.legacystudios.com.
Please use code 4542E25 to view your images on the website.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Baseball & Softball Concession Signups

Soccer Concession Signups

Lacrosse Concession Signups

**LOCATION CHANGE TO THE AUDITORIUM FOR MEET THE COACHES NIGHT** Annandale High School Golf Tournament

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass (REDUCED PRICES!!!)

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

SAVE THE DATE!! Annandale High School Physical Night

Appointments begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm – appointments will fill quickly, so please do not delay! Walk-in exams are $60.00, BUT…

…PRE-REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND SAVE $10! ($50 EXAM):

*email Ryan Hughes to access first availability to pre-register*

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below **Payment link to come!**

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Annandale Community Insider - March 2

AHS News4 weeks 2 days ago

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

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Virtual Principal Check-In. It was a great opportunity to share important updates about our school’s priorities, student support systems, and our continued commitment to academic success and community engagement.

During the session, we discussed our vision for Annandale High School as a community that finds strength in diversity, fosters belonging, and inspires lifelong learning. We also highlighted our three key priorities: relationships and support, high-quality instruction, and strong collaboration. Additionally, we shared insights into our interventions, including W4 Check-Ins, after-school support, the retake room, and structured interventions during PRIDE Time, all designed to ensure student success.

We also emphasized the importance of sharing our story as a school. While many in our community witness firsthand the incredible work happening at Annandale, misconceptions about our school are sometimes shared online or in passing. That’s why we are committed to highlighting the achievements of our students and staff and reinforcing what makes Annandale a special place.

Our one-page document, "Separating Fact from Fiction: Discover the Truth About Annandale High School," highlights key facts about our academic achievements, college preparation programs, and student success, ensuring our community has an accurate picture of what Annandale has to offer. Check it out and share it with friends and neighbors!

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

March 3-7 - National School Social Worker Week

March 3, 4, & 7 - Spring Sports Picture Days

March 5 - Student Experience Survey

March 10 - ASVAB Testing, 8am

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

March 14 - Careers in Music w/DJ Hapa, 6:30pm

March 17-21 Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm: Join us on Monday, March 3 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 activities and support plans.

March 3-7 - National School Social Worker Week: This week, we honor and appreciate the incredible work of our school social workers, Ghada Khalaf and Christina Ferrari, during National School Social Work Week! Our school social workers play a vital role in supporting our students' emotional well-being, academic success, and overall personal growth. Whether providing one-on-one counseling, leading group sessions, or connecting families with valuable resources, Ms. Khalaf and Ms. Ferrari are always there with a compassionate heart and expert guidance.

March 3, 4, & 7 - Spring Sports Picture Days: Team and individual pictures for spring sports will take place on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Photos can be accessed online through Legacy Studios Events by visiting events.legacystudios.com and entering the code 4542E25 to view your images. If your photos are not yet available, you may receive a "Gallery not found" notification—please allow seven days after picture day for images to be uploaded before checking again. Don't miss the chance to capture this season's memories!

March 5 - Student Experience Survey: On March 5, Annandale students will have the opportunity to participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This important initiative aims to provide valuable insights into students’ experiences within our schools. It will take approximately 30 minutes and offers a meaningful way for students to share their perspectives to help shape the future of FCPS. Students will take the survey in their W4 classes.

March 8 - Virginia One-Act State Championship: The Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) is heading to the Virginia One-Act State Championship after an incredible season of success. Following their first-place victories at both Districts and Regionals, the cast and crew will take the stage once again with Juliet Wakes Up, a performance that has impressed audiences and judges alike. The state competition will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 4:30pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville.

March 10 - ASVAB Testing: The ASVAB is not just for students considering military service—it is a valuable career planning tool that can help them make informed decisions about their future. Note: The results of this assessment will only be shared with the armed services if your student specifically requests it. The ASVAB will be offered on March 10 and April 11. Students who are interested in taking the ASVAB, can sign up here. Additionally, we will be hosting a virtual event to help families understand how to interpret ASVAB results and use them for postsecondary planning. Stay tuned for more details!

Awesome Atoms

Financial Aid Event a Success! Annandale High School recently hosted its second Financial Aid Completion Event with the support of College Access Fairfax and Northern Virginia Community College. Seniors and their families received valuable assistance in completing their financial aid applications for college. It was great to see so many families take advantage of this opportunity.

Congressman Beyer Visits Annandale – Celebrating the Power of the Arts: We were honored to welcome Congressman Don Beyer to Annandale, where we had the opportunity to showcase the incredible impact that performing arts has on our students. He spent time with Annie Ray and our Crescendo Orchestra students where he engaged with different bow rhythms and hearing upcoming concert pieces. Congressman Beyer also visited our award-winning theatre program where he explored creative movement with Kylie Murray and our Spotlight Ensemble students. We were also joined by Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and FCPS School Board members Ricardy Anderson and Ilryong Moon, whose presence highlighted the strong community support for performing arts education.

NOVA Parent Night - Exploring Opportunities at NOVA: On February 28, Annandale High School hosted NOVA Parent Night, welcoming nearly 70 parents and students. Attendees learned about Northern Virginia Community College’s admission process, cost, financial aid options, programs of study, ADVANCE transfer program, and workforce training. It was great to see both students and parents exploring the opportunities NOVA has to offer.

Annandale Special Olympics Basketball: Our Annandale Atoms Special Olympics team played their hearts out in two fantastic games against Madison HS and West Potomac HS in their final tournament of the season! Their determination, teamwork, and spirit were truly inspiring. Next up: FanQuest on March 21 vs. Marshall HS!

Important Information

Eating Disorder Awareness Resources: Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Nearly 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. To help families navigate this important topic, FCPS has partnered with the Fairfax County Health Department to provide a dedicated web page with helpful information and resources. Parents and guardians of students in grades five through twelve will receive this information electronically.

Safety Drills in March: Keeping students and staff safe is a priority at Annandale High School. This month, we will conduct our monthly fire drill, our semi-annual lockdown drill and our annual tornado 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.

Opportunities

Find out more and submit requests on the FCPS FNS website.

Registration Deadlines: March 3, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 10. March 10, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 17. March 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24.

Application Open for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board: The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible. To learn more and apply check out the FCPS Website.

Purple Up! Gear On Sale Now! April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of FCPS military-connected children. To show our support, FCPS will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Please note that this date has been adjusted to align with our spring break schedule. On this day, school staff and students are encouraged to wear purple, symbolizing unity and support for military families across all service branches. Purchase the FCPS Purple Up! T-shirt and/or hoodie between now and March 7 to wear on Purple Up! Day!

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

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

News from the Activities Office

News from the PTSA

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News1 month ago

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

Annandale One Acts State Championship Show

Make your way down to Charlottesville Saturday, March 8 and support our Annandale Atoms One Acts as they compete in the VHSL State Championship! The Atoms will compete against three other schools for the chance to be state champions! The show starts at 4:00pm at Piedmont Community College, V. Earl Dickinson Building and Annandale will be leading off the performances at 4:25pm.

Atoms Athletics Recap

Boys Basketball welcome West Springfield to Robert Hardage Gymnasium Monday evening for the first round of the Occoquan Region Basketball Tournament. Fans were treated to an exciting game from the opening tip that saw the Spartans and Atoms trade baskets throughout the first quarter and half. The Atoms went on a run to hold a nine point advantage heading into halftime. The Spartans grinded their way back into a tie midway through the third and took the lead early in the fourth and held a five point advantage with about two minutes to go. The Atoms didn't go quietly as they hit a few big shots including a go ahead three by Noah Lenn with under 15 seconds to play. However, the Spartans matched that with a deep three to tie it and send the game to OT. The Spartans jumped out early and didn't look back as they took home an 85-79 win, bringing the Atoms season to a close.

Boys & Girls Wrestling. Darling Saravia participated in the Open State Championship Wednesday and Thursday in Richmond. It may not have been the showing that Darling wanted as she lost her opening two matches to be eliminated from the tournament but her hard work and dedication and to reach the state championship is what Annandale High School is truly proud of! Jordy Lopez Funes competes in the VHSL State Championship today in Virginia Beach.

Swim/Dive. Our 200IM Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and James Chilton in the 100 Freestyle are geared up and ready to go for the VHSL State Championships Wednesday at the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.

Spring Sports Pictures

March 3, 4, and 7 - Spring Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for spring sports will occur on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Friday, March 7. Ordering info:

Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to events.legacystudios.com.
Please use code 4542E25 to view your images on the website.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Baseball & Softball Concession Signups

Soccer Concession Signups

Lacrosse Concession Signups

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

SAVE THE DATE!! Annandale High School Physical Night

Appointments begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm – appointments will fill quickly, so please do not delay! Walk-in exams are $60.00, BUT…

…PRE-REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND SAVE $10! ($50 EXAM):

*email Ryan Hughes to access first availability to pre-register*

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below **Payment link to come!**

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Annandale Community Insider - February 23

AHS News1 month ago

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

Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

At Annandale, we have always believed that our diversity is our greatest strength. This week, that belief came to life through two of our most anticipated events, showcasing the rich cultures and diverse perspectives that make our community so special.

On Friday afternoon, we hosted the Just World Festival, organized by the Just World Interact Club. This year’s theme, Confidence in Culture, encouraged students to embrace their roles in both local and global communities while exploring topics like environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, and social action. The festival featured student-led workshops, cultural food and experiences, and local organizations dedicated to creating positive change. We were honored to welcome State Department diplomat Marion Ekpuk as our keynote speaker. With experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and beyond, she spoke about the importance of cultural knowledge in communication and diplomacy.

The celebration continued on Saturday with Heritage Night, one of Annandale’s most anticipated traditions. Students took the stage with dance performances and a fashion show, proudly sharing their cultural heritage as families and friends cheered them on.

I am incredibly proud to be part of a community that not only values diversity but actively celebrates it. A huge thank you to the staff, students, families, and community organizations who made this week’s events so meaningful. Your dedication and passion continue to make Annandale a place where everyone belongs.

Looking ahead, our Spring sports season begins tomorrow, February 24. We encourage all students to get involved. Studies show that student-athletes perform better in school, build strong time management skills, and stay connected to their community. No previous experience is necessary—just bring your effort and enthusiasm. Come out, give it a try, and be part of something great! See below for this week’s tryout schedule.

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 24 - Spring Sports Begin

February 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

February 27 - NOVA Parent Night, 5:30pm

March 3-7 - National School Social Worker Week

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

March 5 - Student Experience Survey

March 10 - ASVAB Testing

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

March 12 - Boys State Interest Form Due

March 17-21 Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin: Spring sports tryouts will begin Monday, February 24. Spring sports include lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, and outdoor track. In order to participate, you must have the following two items 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. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

February 27 – NOVA Parent Night: On Thursday, February 27 at 5:30pm in Clausen Hall. This program is for students and parents interested in learning about the opportunities at Northern Virginia Community College. Participants will learn about admission requirements, cost, financial aid, 4-year university transfer options, and workforce programs. For questions contact Viri Acosta, College and Career Specialist.

March 10 - ASVAB Testing: The ASVAB is not just for students considering military service—it is a valuable career planning tool that can help them make informed decisions about their future. Note: The results of this assessment will only be shared with the armed services if your student specifically requests it. The ASVAB will be offered on March 10 and April 11. Students who are interested in taking the ASVAB, can sign up here. Additionally, we will be hosting a virtual event to help families understand how to interpret ASVAB results and use them for postsecondary planning. Stay tuned for more details!

Awesome Atoms

Celebrating Our Edison Academy Award Winners! We are excited to recognize Callia Uviedo and Guillermo Lopez-Quintero for earning Student of the Quarter honors at Edison Academy for the second quarter! Callia, a student in Cosmetology 1, and Guillermo, a student in Electrical Construction 1, have demonstrated outstanding dedication and achievement in their respective programs. Their hard work and commitment to excellence have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

Students Visit Instruction 2 Industry Conference: AHS College and Career Specialist Viri Acosta partnered with Marketing teacher, Dayton Henceroth, Career & Transition Teacher, Kelley Brown, and CAT B Teacher, Jill Hunt brought 28 students to the first Instruction 2 Industry - Future Ready Conference at the Inova Conference Center. Students explored various career fields, networked with industry professionals, and even participated in mock interviews. It was a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience and make important connections. Looking forward to attending again next year!

Annandale Wins Regional One-Act Championship! Congratulations to the Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) who won the VHSL Occoquan Region One-Act Championship! After their incredible first-place finish at Districts, our talented cast and crew took the stage with Juliet Wakes Up, delivering a performance that wowed the judges and secured their victory at Regionals. The Virginia One-Act State Championship will be held on March 8 at 4:30pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. You can follow all of the amazing things happening by visiting the Annandale Theatre Company’s website annandaletheatre.org.

Just World Festival - A Celebration of Culture and Service: On Friday, the Just World Club hosted its 19th annual Just World Festival with the theme "Confidence in Culture." Keynote speaker Marion Ekpuk, a retired diplomat, spoke about the importance of cultural knowledge in communication and diplomacy. More than 25 student clubs and community organizations participated, offering food, games, and raffle prizes. The festival also focused on giving back, with participants packing 32 hygiene bags for the AHS food pantry and writing notes of support for youth affected by the California wildfires. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!

Important Information

Opportunities

February 28 - March 28 - Student Fasting Meal Kits Available: FCPS is offering a new meal kit program for students who are fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025. These meal kits include balanced, nutritious meals—protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk—similar to those served at school. Meals will be kept cold for freshness and can be heated at home. To sign up, parents/guardians must complete a Fasting Meals Request Form each week for each student. Students can grab their meal kits at the end of the school day at any point in the school day in the cafeteria. Any student fasting during the school day can participate. If a student eats breakfast or lunch at school, they are not eligible for a meal kit that day. Meal kits will be charged to student meal accounts based on their usual eligibility status—free for students who qualify, and regular pricing for paid-status students. be sure to complete the Fasting Meals Request Form each week to ensure your student receives a meal kit.

Find out more and submit requests on the FCPS FNS website.

Registration Deadlines: February 24, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for February 28 & the week of March 3. March 3, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 10. March 10, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 17. March 17, 2025 - Deadline to register for meal kits for the week of March 24.

'Fresh Views of the American Revolution' Special Exhibition - Call for Student Artists Submissions: Student artists are invited to answer the question “What does your America look like?" through two-dimensional artwork. This opportunity is in conjunction with the upcoming ‘Fresh Views of the American Revolution’ exhibition scheduled to be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown October 2025 – May 2026. Submitted artwork must be delivered to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and remain for the duration of the exhibition. Submissions due by March 14.

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

Academic Advising for the 2025-26 School Year: At Annandale, we want to ensure students and families know where to access all the information needed for course selection. Our Academic Advising page has the grade level information presented by counselors and the course selection Google forms that students must complete. We encourage you to visit this site with your student to discuss courses for next year.

Please reach out to our counselors if any questions or concerns arise. Their emails and phone numbers can be found on our Student Services page. We are here to help and look forward to supporting our students through this process! In addition, below is an overview of how we are supporting students with the course selection process.

Now through February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings: Students will meet one-on-one with their counselors to finalize their course selections for next year. Students will be given specific appointment times through their English classes. Students will receive their appointment times via email. We will begin with current juniors on January 21 and will conclude with current freshmen in February.

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

News from the Activities Office

News from the PTSA

PTSA Membership for the 2024-25 School Year: 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 for the 2024-2025 school year by filling out the online Membership Form. For more information about membership visit the Annandale PTSA website.

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News1 month 1 week ago

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

Atoms One Acts wins Occoquan Region Championship!

Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) won the VHSL Occoquan Region One-Act Championship Tuesday evening at Fairfax High School. After their incredible first-place finish at Districts, our talented cast and crew took the stage with Juliet Wakes Up, delivering a performance that wowed the judges and secured their victory at Regionals.

They now move on to compete in the Virginia One-Act State Championship on March 8 at 4:30pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville.

Atoms Athletics Recap

Boys Basketball hosted Justice in the first round of the district tournament Tuesday evening. The Atoms were hot early and held a 10 point lead at the half. The Atoms got up by as many as 16 before the Wolves battled back and cut the lead down to three. However, that would be as close as it would get as the Atoms pulled away to get the 63-48 win to move on to the semifinals. It was a quick turnaround as the Atoms traveled to Edison Wednesday evening for a chance to play in the district championship. The first half was a game of trading baskets for each team and buzzer beater just before the half by Otto Tune made it a one point lead for the Atoms. The third quarter was a tough scene for the Atoms as they missed 8 free throws and found themselves trailing by 8 at the start of the fourth. Getting down by as many as ten in the fourth, the Atoms cut the lead to 4 with just over two minutes to go but that was as close as it would get as Edison sealed the deal with free throws down the stretch. The Atoms move on and will host West Springfield in the first round of the Occoquan Region Tournament at 6:30pm. Tickets for the game are $5 for students and $10 for adults!

Girls Basketball traveled to take on number one seed Hayfield in the opening round of the National District Tournament. Unfortunately for the Atoms, it would not be their night as they Hawks jumped out early and flew away from the Atoms to move on in the tournament. The Atoms completed the season with lot to be proud of and many returners to the program next year.

Boys & Girls Wrestling are preparing for their state championship tournaments. Darling Saravia will participate in the girls Open State Championship Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27 in Richmond, while Jordy Lopez Funes competes Saturday, March 1, at Salem High School in Virginia Beach.

Swim/Dive are preparing for the VHSL State Championships on Wednesday, March 5 at the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.

Spring Sports Tryouts

Spring sports tryouts are right around the corner. The first day of tryouts is Monday, February 24

Spring sports include lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, and outdoor track. In order to participate, you must have the following two items 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, February 21 will not be allowed to tryout on Monday, February 24. Athletes submitting physicals and registration post February 24 will be eligible to tryout the day after the physical and registration have been submitted. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

To learn more about a specific teams' tryout, reach out to one of our spring coaches below.

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below **Payment link to come!**

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, February 20, 2025 - **ADDED DATE**

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

Annandale Theatre Company – VHSL Regional Champions!

AHS News1 month 1 week ago

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Annandale Community,

We have exciting news to celebrate—Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) has won the VHSL Occoquan Region One-Act Championship! After their incredible first-place finish at Districts, our talented cast and crew took the stage with Juliet Wakes Up, delivering a performance that wowed the judges and secured their victory at Regionals.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students and Theatre Arts teacher, Kylie Murray. We are so proud of their commitment to excellence in the arts, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for ATC as they continue their journey.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our theatre program. The Virginia One-Act State Championship will be held on March 8 at 4:30pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville.

You can follow all of the amazing things happening by visiting the Annandale Theatre Company’s website, annandaletheatre.org.

Go Atoms!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

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

Important Update - Heritage Night

AHS News1 month 1 week ago

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Annandale Students, Staff, and Community,

Thank you for your continued support of Heritage Night, one of our most cherished traditions. Due to low ticket sales for our matinee performance, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the afternoon (2:00pm) show. However, we are excited for the 6:00pm show and look forward to an incredible evening celebrating our students' cultures through music, dance, and fashion.

We have reached out to those who had already purchased a ticket for the matinee for a refund. If you have questions regarding ticket sales, please contact Kim Falvey. For questions about the performance, please contact Selvana Ayoub.

We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to see you at the show!

Shawn DeRose, Principal

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

Annandale Community Insider - February 16

AHS News1 month 1 week ago

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Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

This week, Annandale will host several events that connect with our school’s diverse community, highlight our global awareness, and showcase our cultural pride.

As part of our commitment to keeping families informed and engaged, I invite you to join me on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30pm for a Virtual Principal Check-In, where I will share information about our approach, as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Please submit questions that you would like to be addressed in the presentation here. A link to the meeting will be emailed to all families prior to the event.

On Friday, February 21, the Just World Interact Club will host the 19th annual Just World Festival, with this year’s theme, "Confidence in Culture." This festival encourages students to see themselves as part of both their local and global communities, focusing on global and environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, and social action. We are honored to welcome State Department diplomat Marion Ekpuk as our keynote speaker. Having served in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Afghanistan, Ekpuk will provide valuable insights into international affairs.

Then, on Saturday, February 22, we will host Heritage Night, one of Annandale’s most anticipated events of the year! Students will showcase their cultures through music, dance, fashion, and more in two performances at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Tickets are on sale now for just $10—but act fast! No tickets will be sold at the door, and doors will remain closed once the performance begins. Secure your spot early for this unforgettable night of cultural pride and talent!

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 14-18 - Student Information System (SIS) Upgrade

February 17 - Presidents Day (No School)

February 18 - Annandale Theatre Company Competes at VHSL Regionals

February 18 - Virtual Winter Principal Check-In, 6:30pm

February 20 - Financial Aid Completion Workshop, 5:30pm

February 20 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

February 21 - Just World Festival

February 22 - Heritage Night, 2pm & 6pm

February 24 - Spring Sports Begin

February 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

February 27 - NOVA Parent Night, 5:30pm

March 3-7 - National School Social Worker Week

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

March 10 - ASVAB Testing

March 10 - Spring Meet the Coaches Night, 6:30pm

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

March 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, 6:30pm

February 14-18 - Student Information System (SIS) Upgrade: FCPS will upgrade the SIS platform over President's Day Weekend ensuring limited downtime impact during instructional hours. SIS StudentVUE, and ParentVUE will be unavailable beginning 5:00pm, Friday, February 14, through 6:00am, Tuesday, February 18.

February 17 - Presidents Day (No School): As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 18. See the complete 2024-25 School Year Calendar.

February 18 - Principal Check-In: Please join me on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30pm for a Virtual Principal Check-In, where I will share information about our approach to instruction and assessment, as well as how we are supporting students with a focus on our priorities. Please submit questions that you would like to be addressed in the presentation here. A link to the meeting will be sent out on Tuesday morning.

February 20 - Financial Aid Completion Workshop, 5:30pm: Annandale High School will hold a College Financial Aid Workshop on February 20 at 5:30pm where students and families can get assistance completing the FAFSA financial aid application or VASA financial aid application for undocumented students. Students may also sign up to meet with Ms. Mahieu, our financial aid champion, on Fridays during lunch. Students can ask their counselor or Ms. Acosta to sign them up for the appropriate lunch block. Ms. Mahieu can help students with both account creation and completing the FAFSA.

February 20 - 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 (6) PSTD presentations this school year, one-to-two each 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. If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie McManus. Upcoming Partners for Safe Teen Driving dates at Annandale High School: March 12, 2025; April 2, 2025; and May 14, 2025.

February 21 - Just World Festival: On Friday, February 21, the Just World Interact Club will host the 19th annual Just World Festival. The theme for this year’s Just World festival is "Confidence in Culture." The festival aims to inspire youth that they are not only a part of their local community but a global one as well. We want to educate the community about global and environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, equality, and most importantly, social action. The keynote speaker will be State Department diplomat Marion Ekpuk, who has served in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Benin, Afghanistan, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

February 22 - Heritage Night: Heritage Night performance will take place at two different times. Our first show will be from 2-4pm and our second show is 6-8pm. This is another opportunity for Annandale students to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Tickets go on sale January 21. Cost is $10. No tickets will be available for purchase at the door! Doors will close once the performance starts and we will not re-open doors. This event has been incredibly popular in the past, so we highly recommend purchasing your tickets now to ensure a spot at this incredible performance!

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin: Spring sports tryouts will begin Monday, February 24. Spring sports include lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, and outdoor track.

Support the All Night Grad Celebration – Order Your Mulch Today! Annandale High School’s annual mulch sale is a vital fundraiser for our All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC), a PTSA-organized, independently funded, and adult-supervised event that provides a safe and memorable celebration for the Class of 2025. Mulch is available for $6.50 per bag with delivery (15-bag minimum within a five-mile radius of AHS) or $5.50 per bag for self pick-up. Each bag covers 3 cubic feet and weighs approximately 50 lbs. Orders are due by March 15, and mulch will be available for pick-up at AHS on Saturday, March 22, from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Order today!

Annandale Celebrates Black History Month

February is Black History Month. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor”. Throughout the month, we will celebrate and honor the experiences, achievements, and contributions made by African Americans and their central role in US History.

Our Social Studies teams are offering students opportunities to make their own connections to curriculum content and providing resources to further their learning. Currently, our US/VA History classes are wrapping up their Reconstruction unit, studying the African American experience during the Reconstruction era and the empowerment of Black elected officials into government office. In their next unit on Urbanization and Progressivism, students will be looking at the contributions of Black workers, progressivists, and the rise of Black Wall Street, especially during their Great Migration lesson.

In World History, students are wrapping up their Imperialism unit, learning about how African nations were impacted by imperialism. Students will soon learn about WWI and the role African Americans played in the war effort. In Government, students are about to begin their Executive Branch unit. During this unit, students will study presidential executive orders which advanced racial equality beginning with the Emancipation Proclamation.

In addition, our African American History students are exploring black communities through the Latin American diaspora. Through the unit, students explored contributions to these communities and throughout Latin America. Over the past two years, students created school-wide lessons to highlight the contributions African Americans have made in shaping our country’s history. These lessons will be used again during W4 this year, as a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn from and with each other.

Awesome Atoms

Annandale Students Recognized for Service at the Mission Center Dental Office: Throughout 2024, our dedicated students made a meaningful impact at the Mission Center’s dental office, volunteering their time and skills every Wednesday from 4 to 8pm. Their hard work did not go unnoticed!

From greeting patients and assisting families with forms to providing comfort to children in the waiting room, our students played a vital role in creating a welcoming environment. They also supported the dentist with teeth cleanings, gained hands-on experience for potential internships, and provided interpretation services for Spanish-speaking families. We are so proud of their commitment to service and their willingness to make a difference in the community!

Congratulations, Rosario Carrasco! We are thrilled to share that Rosario Carrasco has been promoted to a Student Information Assistant I position at White Oaks Elementary School! For the past four years, Rosario has been an incredible Family Liaison at Annandale, providing unwavering support to students, staff, parents, and our community. Her dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact, and while we will miss her, we are so proud of this well-earned next step in her career. Her new role begins on March 3, 2025—congratulations, Rosario!

Student Spotlight: Sage Nagle’s Leadership in Special Olympics: Annandale High School’s own Sage Nagle continues to make an impact beyond our school community! Sage recently presented to the Virginia Special Olympics Youth Professional Board of Richmond, sharing insights about the state council she serves on and discussing the broader mission of Special Olympics. This was an incredible opportunity to connect with other leaders and advocate for inclusion and athletics. We are so proud of Sage for representing Annandale and for her dedication to making a difference! Keep up the great work!

Annandale Choir Students Place in All-Virginia Chorus: Congratulations to Lina Abuelhawa (4th Chair, Alto 2 – SSAA Choir) and Tyler Miller (1st Chair, Bass 2 – SATB Choir) for earning spots in the prestigious All-Virginia Chorus! Tyler’s selection marks his third consecutive year in All-VA. Additionally, Megan Murray, Lucy Baboyian, Drew McKenna, Finn Sample, and Noah Plank were named alternates. These students competed among the top vocalists in the state and will perform in Richmond after intensive rehearsals in April. Congratulations to these students for their incredible achievement!

Annandale Pyramid Shines at FCPS School Communicators Conference! The Annandale Pyramid was proudly represented at the Third Annual FCPS School Communicators Conference and Awards, bringing home top honors in multiple categories. Weyanoke Elementary School won Best Newsletter (Elementary), Annandale Terrace Elementary School earned Best Website (Elementary), Columbia Elementary School received Best Social Media (Elementary), and Annandale High School was recognized for Best Social Media (High School). It is an honor to be recognized alongside the dedicated principals and school leaders of the Annandale Pyramid, who work to engage and inform our communities. Way to go, Annandale Pyramid!

Important Information

February 18-21 - Annandale Pyramid IB Evaluation Visit: Annandale, Holmes, and Poe are excited to host an Evaluation Team from the International Baccalaureate (IB) this week! Every five years, the IB Evaluation Team visits IB schools to gather ways their approach aligns to the mission and purpose of IB.

As an IB school, all of our students at Annandale are part of the IB Middle Years Programme (6th-10th grade), and the number of our students electing to take IB Diploma Programme courses and graduating with an IB Diploma is increasing every year! Across all of our classes, we are committed to developing critical, globally-minded students who seek to learn from diverse perspectives and serve within their own communities and the world at large.

Throughout this week, IB Team members will visit classrooms and meet with staff, students and families at all three schools. As the culmination of the visit, the team will share celebrations and recommendations for next steps. We look forward to sharing the IB Evaluation Team’s findings with you all!

Opportunities

Now through February 17 - Application to Participate in the 2025 Family Summit Open:The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

Now through February 21 - Heritage Night Tickets on Sale: Due to popular demand, we will hold two performances of Heritage Night. The performances will take place February 22 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for Annandale students to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Cost is $10. No tickets will be available for purchase at the door! This event has been incredibly popular in the past, so we highly recommend purchasing your tickets now to ensure a spot at this incredible performance! Get your tickets today!

February 18 - Annandale Theatre Company Competes at VHSL Regionals – Come Support! Fresh off their first-place victory at Districts, the Annandale Theatre Company is headed to the VHSL Regional One-Act competition on Tuesday, February 18! ATC will take the stage with Juliet Wakes Up, a dark comedic sequel to Romeo and Juliet. We invite Atom Nation to come out and support our talented cast and crew—let’s pack the house and bring the energy! The performance will take place at Fairfax High School, with free entry. Plan to arrive at 6pm for the 6:30pm show. Don’t miss this chance to cheer on our incredible theatre students! More details at annandaletheatre.org.

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin! Spring sports tryouts are just around the corner, starting on Monday, February 24. This season includes lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, and outdoor track. To participate, all athletes must complete two requirements prior to Friday, February 21: submit a completed sports physical to Athletic Trainer Ryan Hughes and complete the online activity registration, which includes the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. Athletes who do not have these items on file by February 21 will not be allowed to try out on February 24. Those who submit their physical and registration after this date will become eligible to try out starting the day after their forms are received. For more information and updates, visit www.annandaleatoms.net. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action—get ready to represent Atom Nation this spring!

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due: Virginia Boys State is a week-long study of government and the operation, laws and procedures of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AHS Student Services is currently identifying Juniors who are interested in submitting applications for this summer enrichment opportunity. Participants represent AHS at the 2025 Boys State convention. To participate students must be United States citizens or legal residents of the United States. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. For more details, go to the Virginia Boys State website. Boys State will be held at Radford University from Saturday June 15 to Friday June 21, 2025. If you are a Junior and interested in applying, request a nomination form by emailing Mr. Perla.

Follow Annandale HS on Social Media

News from Student Services

Now through February 19 - High School Academy Open Houses: FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January. A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses. Click here to learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

News from the Activities Office

News from the PTSA

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

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.

Summer Sports Camps - Registration Now Open!

Registration for all camps can be found here. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

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

Annandale High School Athletics/Activities

AHS News1 month 2 weeks ago

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Atoms Athletics Recap

Boys Basketball had two pivotal district games to complete their regular season. The Atoms went into the week needing two wins to secure a top three seed in the district. On Monday, the Atoms traveled to Edison to take on the Eagles. The Atoms saw themselves in a double digit deficit early and at the half before making a comeback and taking a two point lead with less than ten seconds. The Eagle rebounded a miss free throw and drove the length of the court only to have a goaltending call cancel the basket. The Atoms squeaked out the win to make a three way tie for second place. The Atoms completed their regular season at Mt. Vernon. The game was a nailbiter to the end that ultimately saw the Atoms secure a late victory to secure the number three seed in the National District Tournament. They will host Lewis or Mt. Vernon on Tuesday at Annandale with a tip-off time of 6:30pm.

Girls Basketball completed their final week of the regular season this week. On Monday, the Atoms welcomed Edison for their final regular season game of the season. The Atoms caught the Eagles off guard early as they battled the Eagles throughout the first half, trailing by three with just under three minutes to play in the first half. However, that was as close as it would get as the Eagles took off and soared away from the Atoms to take the district win. The Atoms wrapped up their season with a visit to Mt. Vernon Thursday. This game was a much closer contest then the first time these two teams played but it was the Majors who came out victorious to complete their season. The Atoms now prepare for the National District Quarterfinals, where they will travel to Hayfield Tuesday evening at 5:30pm.

Boys & Girls Wrestling. Girls competed in their National District Championship Meet last Saturday at Annandale. It was a great tournament for all the girls involved and the Atoms represented well! The Atoms finished third overall as a team and had multiple wrestlers in the finals including Darling Saravia who took home the District Championship in her weight class! The boys wrestled in the Occoquan Region Championship Thursday at Fairfax. The Atoms may not have finished how they were planning to but Jordy Lopez Funes finished fourth in his weight class to qualify for the VHSL State Championship Meet next Friday and Saturday in Virginia Beach. Isaac Readinger and Junior Vera Puna are alternates for the state tournament.

Swim/Dive are preparing for the VHSL State Championships, February 22 in at the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.

Gymnastics completed their season Monday at the Occoquan Region Championships as Kate Hanlen competed and had a great evening representing the Atoms. All four gymnasts improved throughout the year and all four return next year with the hope to continue growing and improving their skills!

Spring Sports Tryouts

Spring sports tryouts are right around the corner. The first day of tryouts is Monday, February 24

To learn more about a specific teams' tryout, reach out to one of our spring coaches below.

Atoms Recognized for Postseason Teams

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:

Fall 2024 All District and Region Recognition

New Ticket Prices for 2024-25

Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season and district tournament entry fees for general admission.

Adults (18 and over) will be $7.

FCPS students will be $5.

Schools will continue to offer free admission to senior citizens and children under 6. The VHSL sets ticket prices for VHSL State Competitions.

Schools are not allocated funding for uniforms and consumable supplies and ticket revenue is the primary funding source for those items.

**UPDATED Region Ticket Prices**

In addition, the Occoquan Region ticket prices have changed as well. Team sports, single game events will be priced as follows:

Adults (18 and over) will be $10

FCPS Students will remain $5

All day individual/team tournaments (wrestling, gymnastics, swim/dive) will be priced separately.

**Booster passes are not accepted at postseason events**

Purchase your Atoms Pass

To purchase your Atoms Pass click HERE

Annandale HS Summer Camps

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net.

Payment is due on the first day of camp or can be made online by clicking on the camps link below **Payment link to come!**

Save the dates for our camps below!

Camp Information

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach.

For questions about Wrestling Camp please reach out to Joshua Damico, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at Josh Damico

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy or Chelsea Harrison Camp Directors and Varsity Coaches.

Multiple Campers - please fill out the form for each child.

Atoms Boosters Concession Stand Help

For questions about concession stand sign ups, contact Odessa Murray.

Boys Basketball Concessions

NEW ATOMS ONLINE STORE!!

ANNANDALE ATOMS ONLINE STORE

Annandale Legacy Wall

**Updated picture of the wall below**

To purchase a block and leave your legacy, click here

*Note orders will be made once the quantity reaches 50 purchased blocks*

For more information, contact Brandon Sutphin

Atoms Chairs for Sale

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

Patterns for Safe Teen Driving Dates at Annandale High School:

Wednesday, February 20, 2025 - **ADDED DATE**

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Learner's Permit Testing at Annandale

Click HERE for more information.

Any questions can be directed to Lizzie McManus

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

15 minutes 51 seconds ago

Annandale High School News and Announcements

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