There are a few schedule updates for tomorrow, February 13.
Basketball games vs Mt. Vernon are ON as scheduled!
There has been a site change for JV Girls and Freshman Boys basketball games. The games are as follows:
At Annandale HS
4:30pm - Freshmen Girls
5:45pm - Freshman Boys
7:15pm - JV Boys
At Mount Vernon HS
4:30pm - JV Girls
5:45pm - Varsity Girls
7:30pm - Varsity Boys
Indoor Track will have a 1:00 PM start at PG Sports Plex for Region Championships. Most of the events will happen tomorrow. Any athletes competing on Day 2 will occur on Friday from 11AM to 2PM at Episcopal High School with a few remaining events to be completed.
Wrestling qualifiers will compete tomorrow in the Occoquan Region Championships tomorrow at Fairfax High School with a 10:00 AM start.
I am excited to announce that Annandale High School has been recognized as the Best in Social Media among all FCPS high schools! From showcasing Inclusion Revolution Week to warmly welcoming future Atoms, our social media platforms highlight the diverse Annandale community. Through engaging and creative content on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, we celebrate our students, staff, and school spirit. A huge shoutout to Jen Cory and Jae Lee, our Social Media Coordinators, for their dedication to bringing Annandale’s story to life! #AtomNation
This past week, we had the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate our incredible school counselors during Counselor Appreciation Week! Each day, our counselors were recognized with heartfelt cards from students, special breakfasts and lunches, and small gifts. If you have not done so already, please reach out to our counselors to show them your appreciation! Their contact information can be found here.
Finally, tomorrow we will conduct our monthly W4 Activities Day, a time for students to explore clubs and activities, connect with classmates and staff, and engage in shared interests. In addition, from now through February 14, teachers are conducting one-on-one check-ins with students in their W4 Advisory classes to support their social and emotional wellness. These conversations help build caring and trusting relationships, and create a supportive environment where every student feels seen and heard.
Have a great week, Atom Nation, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
Important Dates
Now through February 14 - W4 Check-ins
February 10 - W4 Activities Day
February 11 - PTSA Social & Meeting, 5:30pm
February 12 - PRIDE Time 3.0 Begins
February 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
February 13 - Singing Valentines
February 15 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 17 - Presidents Day (No School)
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
February 24 - Spring Sports Begin
February 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
February 27 - NOVA Parent Night, 5:30pm
Now through February 14 - W4 Check-ins: The social and emotional wellness of our students continue to be a priority at Annandale. Once again this semester, teachers have been conducting one-on-one check-ins with students in their advisory (W4) class. These conversations are another opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships, and identify student needs.
February 10 - W4 Activities Day: Tomorrow, February 10 is our next W4 Activities Day, 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 assignments will be emailed to each student’s FCPS account.
February 11 - PTSA Valentine’s Social & Meeting, 5:30pm: Our next meeting will be on February 11. Please join us early for a PTSA Valentine's Social. We'll have treats and decorations. Come mingle with other AHS families. We will open the doors for the social at 5:30pm. The monthly PTSA meeting will directly follow the social. Interested in helping with the social? Contact Angela at 571-618-8316, or atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com.
February 12 - PRIDE Time 3.0 Begins: Because of the two-hour delay last Thursday, new PRIDE Time 3.0 assignments will begin on Wednesday, February 12. PRIDE Time rosters have been updated in SIS. Students can find their new PRIDE Time assignments as period 11 in their schedule.
February 13 - Singing Valentines: On Thursday, February 13, the Choirs of AHS will deliver “Singing Valentines” throughout the day. Students can purchase a song for another student during all lunches, February 3-12.
February 15 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day: On February 15, School Resource Officers are nationally recognized for their service in schools. SROs serve as liaisons to community services that support the well-being of youth and their families. SROs help educate students on crime prevention, safety measures, drug awareness, conflict resolution strategies, and insights into the legal system and law enforcement operations. Annandale High School thanks SRO Hannah Isabella for her service to our school community.
February 17 - Presidents Day (No School): As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 18. See the complete 2023-24 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 prior to the meeting.
Annandale Celebrates Our School Counselors!
School Counselors at Annandale are engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in partnership with families as they encounter challenges of raising children in today’s world; focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development; and work with teachers and other educators to provide an education system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. We cannot thank our counseling team enough for all of their hard work and dedication to the welfare of our students!
If you have not done so already, please reach out to our counselors to show them your appreciation! Their contact information can be found here.
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 HS Wins FCPS Best in Social Media Award! Annandale HS recently received the award for Best in Social Media in FCPS. From highlighting Inclusion Revolution Week to welcoming future Atoms, our Instagram and Facebook consistently celebrate our diverse community, engaging followers with creative, high-quality content. A huge shoutout to Jen Cory and Jae Lee, our Social Media Coordinators, for their dedication to making Annandale’s story come to life! #AtomNation #BestInSocialMedia
Annandale Pyramid Shines at FCPS School Communicators Conference! The Annandale Pyramid was proudly represented at theThird 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!
Mentors Make a Difference at Annandale: Ms. Kapuscinski and Ingrid have been working together as mentor and mentee, focusing on navigating tough conversations with teachers to advocate for support in challenging classes. Ingrid has made great strides in building confidence and communication skills, and while she’s not at the finish line just yet, she’s making steady progress. With hard work and determination, our eyes are on the prize—graduation is within reach! Way to go Ingrid and Ms. Kapuscinski!
English Classes Visit Holocaust Museum: Last week, 50 seniors in English 11 and 12 classes visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. After finishing the memoir Night, students connected themes in literature with artifacts from history and were able to speak with a Holocaust survivor. These 12th grade students exemplified our Atoms Agreements and impressed their teachers with their insightful observations, thoughtful reflections, and respectful behavior. They left the museum feeling empowered to bear witness to these events and ready to continue to learn and grow as global citizens. Mrs. Kapuscinski and Mrs. Welgoss want to thank Ms. Hedrick and the Educate Fairfax grant that allowed our students this interactive learning opportunity.
Shemaa Elamin Named Finalist for Prestigious GMU University Scholars Program! Congratulations to Shemaa Elamin for being selected as a finalist for George Mason University’s prestigious University Scholars Program! This highly competitive program offers a full-tuition scholarship and a four-year co-curricular experience. Out of more than 2,400 Honors College students, only 165 were chosen for this final stage—a true testament to Shemaa’s academic excellence and community contributions.
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!
February 14-18 - Student Information System (SIS) Upgrade and Downtime: 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.
Opportunities
Spring Sports Tryouts Begin February 24! 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!
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.
'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.
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.
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!
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 us on social media! It's 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
February 11 - PTSA Valentine’s Social & Meeting, 5:30pm: Our next meeting will be on February 11. Please join us early for a PTSA Valentine's Social. We'll have treats and decorations. Come mingle with other AHS families. We will open the doors for the social at 5:30pm. The monthly PTSA meeting will directly follow the social. Interested in helping with the social? Contact Angela at 571-618-8316, or atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com.
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!
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
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!
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
Boys Basketball played two pivotal district games this week and came away two big wins to lead into the final week of the season. Tuesday, the Atoms welcome Lewis to Annandale and sent them home with a complete sweep of wins. The varsity Atoms took and early lead and never looked back on the way to rolling the Lancers. Friday evening had the Atoms on the road looking at redemption against TJ. It was a night of execution perfection for the Atoms as they handled TJ on the way to positioning themselves for a top three seed in the district tournament. Next up a date with second place Edison as the last week of the regular season starts Monday.
Girls Basketball had a packed schedule this week with four games in five days due to early inclement weather reschedules. Girls fell to Herndon on Monday and had a quick turnaround to a district showdown with Lewis Tuesday. The game was a back and forth game between the Lancers and Atoms. Unfortunately for the Atoms, the Lancers pulled away in the fourth quarter to get the win. Thursday had the Atoms on a bus to Osbourn where they got up early and often to run away and get the win! Another quick turnaround to TJ Friday evening showed the fatigue from the week that was as TJ ran all over the Atoms to give the Atoms a second district loss for the week. The Atoms return to Annandale Monday evening vs Edison.
Boys & Girls Wrestling competed in their respective National District Championship Tournaments Friday and Saturday. The Atoms advanced several wrestlers to the region championships, highlighted by National District Championship Isaac Readinger and runner-up Jordy Lopez Funes. The Atoms had their highest team finish since pre-Covid, coming in 4th place! The Atoms now prep for the Occoquan Region Championships that will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Fairfax.
Swim/Dive competed in the National District Championships last week. It was a successful night for the Atoms with several Atoms qualifying for the Occoquan Region Championships that took place last night. The Atoms walked away with two National District Champions in James Chilton in the 50 freestyle and Noah Popp in the 200IM. Last night at the Occoquan Region Championships, the boys 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay qualified for the state meet. In process of qualifying, both teams set new school records with their swims! The swimmers will now prepare for the VHSL State Championships, February 22 in at the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.
Gymnastics competed in the National District Championships at Mt. Vernon Monday evening. The Atoms had their best performances of the year with Kate Hanlen qualifying for the Occoquan Region Championships in the Bar and Vault events. Kate will perform in the region championship Monday, February 10 at Mt. Vernon.
Dance Team Shows Out!
Dance team competed at the Brooke Point Invitational last weekend against dozens of other teams around the region. The Atomic Dancers placed 7th in Small Varsity Hip-Hop, as well as each of the seniors earning medals in the following categories: Maddie Lopez –Senior Jazz Solo, Niky Barrios and Kaylee Rivas-Lobo – Senior Lyrical Solo, and Madison Mueller and Calleigh Widjaja – Senior Lyrical Duet.
Annandale Wins National District One-Acts!
Congratulations to Annandale High School and theater teacher Kylie Murry for their incredible victory at the National District One-Acts competition held at Mt. Vernon on Saturday! The VHSL One-Act Plays competition showcases the creativity and talent of Virginia high school students as they write, direct, design, and perform 35-minute plays. This intense theatrical experience challenges students to explore innovative storytelling and refine their acting, directing, and technical skills, offering a unique platform to shine and share their passion for the arts.
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
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:
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
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!
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 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
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 – 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.
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.
Winter Baseball Clinics
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
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 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*
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, February 20, 2025 - **ADDED DATE**
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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.
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*
EXÁMENES FÍSICOS PREVIOS A LA PARTICIPACIÓN ATLÉTICA
El lunes 2 de junio de 2025, Annandale High School ofrecerá una oportunidad para que los estudiantes atletas reciban un examen físico (PPE) completo previo a la participación que será válido para todos los deportes para el año académico 2025-26, ¡hasta el 30 de junio de 2026!
Este evento servirá como la principal recaudación de fondos para el Programa de Entrenamiento Atlético de Annandale, que no recibe ninguna asistencia financiera para operar en términos de suministros y equipos médicos: ¡le agradecemos su apoyo y donación!
Las citas comienzan a las 5:30 p.m. y terminan a las 7:30 p.m.: las citas se llenarán rápidamente, ¡así que no se demore! Los exámenes sin cita previa cuestan $ 60.00, PERO...
… ¡PREINSCRÍBASE PARA UNA CITA Y AHORRE $10! (EXAMEN DE $50):
*Envíe un correo electrónico al Ryan Hughespara acceder a la primera disponibilidad para preinscribirse*
Join us for our monthly Annandale Athletics Booster Club meeting tonight at 6:00pm. Come find out how you can get involved in supporting our Annandale Athletic Teams and athletes, as well as finding out about upcoming events to support Annandale Athletics!
It was great to see so many students displaying Atom Pride during Spirit Week and at Friday’s pep rally, where we came together to celebrate our winter athletes. A highlight of the event was the fashion show contest, where several staff members volunteered to be “models” and were dressed by students in a creative and spirited competition. A huge thank you to our Leadership students and Student Life team for organizing such a fun and engaging event. And of course, congratulations to all of our winter athletes—we’re proud of your hard work and dedication!
As we shift into February, we also celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and central role of African Americans in U.S. history. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," highlights the impact Black workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders have had in shaping our nation’s economic and social landscape. At Annandale, we believe Black history is American history, and we remain committed to providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage with these important stories—not just this month, but all year long. See below for more details on how we’ll be celebrating throughout February.
In addition, this week marks National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize the incredible impact school counselors have on student success and well-being. Our counselors play a vital role in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally—whether through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual guidance. In honor of their dedication, students had the opportunity to write notes of appreciation during their W4 Advisory class, which will be shared with counselors later this week. If you’d like to learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS, check out the School Counseling Services page.
Have a great week, Atom Nation, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions. Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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.
Important Dates
February 3 - WiDA Testing Begins
February 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm
February 3-7 - National School Counseling Week
February 4 - Report Cards Available in SIS
February 5 - AHS Science Fair
February 6 - PRIDE Time 3.0 Begins
February 10 - W4 Activities Day
February 11 - PTSA Social & Meeting, 5:30pm
February 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
February 13 - Singing Valentines
February 17 - Presidents Day (No School)
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
February 24 - Spring Sports Begin
February 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
February 27 - NOVA Parent Night, 5:30pm
February 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, February 3 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.
February 3-7 - National School Counseling Week: This week is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS. Our counselors focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, work with our teachers to provide an environment where students can realize their potential, and work in a partnership with parents to support the needs of our students. We cannot thank our counseling team enough for all their hard work and dedication to the welfare of our students!
February 4 - Report Cards & Transcripts Available in SIS: Students and parents can now access the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE to view grades. In addition, transcripts will be uploaded and available by the end of the week.
February 5 - AHS Science Fair: On Wednesday, February 5 (after school), Annandale will be holding our in-school science fair. From there, Annandale will select projects to compete in the Regional Science Fair that will take place the weekend of March 21-23. A huge shout-out to all of the teachers who guided students through the science fair project process. Over the last few months our science teams have been working to support students as they prepare their Science Fair Projects.
February 6 - PRIDE Time 3.0 Begins: New PRIDE Time 3.0 assignments will begin on Thursday, February 6. PRIDE Time rosters will be uploaded in SIS by COB on Wednesday, February 5. Students can find their new PRIDE Time assignments as period 11 in their schedule in SIS.
February 11 - PTSA Valentine’s Social & Meeting, 5:30pm: Our next meeting will be on February 11. Please join us early for a PTSA Valentine's Social. We'll have treats and decorations. Come mingle with other AHS families. We will open the doors for the social at 5:30pm. The monthly PTSA meeting will directly follow the social. Interested in helping with the social? Contact Angela at 571-618-8316, or atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com.
February 13 - Singing Valentines: On Thursday, February 13, the Choirs of AHS will deliver “Singing Valentines” throughout the day. Students can purchase a song for another student during all lunches, February 3-12.
Annandale Celebrates Our School Counselors!
School Counselors at Annandale are engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in partnership with families as they encounter challenges of raising children in today’s world; focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development; and work with teachers and other educators to provide an education system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. We cannot thank our counseling team enough for all of their hard work and dedication to the welfare of our students! If you have not done so already, please reach out to our counselors to show them your appreciation! Their contact information can be found here.
Awesome Atoms
Annandale Students Display Biliteracy Excellence: We are incredibly proud of our students who recently took the World Language Credit By Exam assessment. Out of 92 students tested, a total of 84 students earned credits towards their high school diploma. Of those, 71 students earned the full three credits and qualified for the VDOE Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious recognition of their bilingual proficiency. This achievement highlights the dedication of our students and the strength of our language programs. Congratulations to all who participated in this important step toward multilingual excellence.
Mentors Make a Difference at Annandale: Mentors help young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Atom Nation is all about building connections, and the bond between community mentor Connie Hunter and mentee Fatmata is a perfect example. Connie and Fatmata meet regularly over Zoom and get together in person about once a month, strengthening their relationship. This month, Connie has been cheering Fatmata on at her basketball games, inspired by the energy and persistence of her team. Their connection embodies the spirit of teamwork and community that defines Annandale!
Class of 2026 Blizzard Breakfast A Success: This past Saturday, the AHS Class of 2026 hosted the first annual Blizzard Breakfast in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. Families enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast, fun crafts, photo booth, and a story corner designed just for kids. The highlight of the event was a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen, who brought big smiles and even bigger hugs! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Class of 2026. Your participation helps make events like this a success and strengthens our vibrant Annandale community! The Class of 2026 looks forward to seeing our families at Blizzard Breakfast again next year!
AHS Celebrates Quarter 2 Students of the Month: Congratulations to Amelia Barahona Nolasco, Ami Bernard, Tania Bonilla Flores, Diego Castellanos Hernandez, Vicky Chen, Thi Thuc Duong, Dulce Encina Villarroel, Rosselin Escalante-Dominguez, Kevin Escobar Melgarejo, Noah Ezechiel, Daniela Foronda Salazar, Osanin Knight Murillo, Sophia Dominique Laurito, Vy Le, Jason Lopez, Francisco Matom Rivera, Gia Bao Nguyen, Amina Noor, Mansoor Noori, Leydi Ochoa Villatoro, Diana Orellana Barahona, Luis Ortiz Vasquez, Gabriel Pacheco Lobo, Carla Reyes-Fuentes, Saady Rivera Mateo, Eduardo Rivera-Amaya, Esteban Salinas Zambrano, Safa Stanikzai, Nathan Tafesse, and Valentina Vila Pineda for being selected as our Quarter 2 Students of the Month. Each month, Annandale teachers nominate students who exemplify one of our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. In November, December, and January, our focus was on Determination and Empathy. Congratulations to all for being selected as our Student of the Month winners!
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!
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
Opportunities
Spring Sports Tryouts Begin February 24! 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!
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.
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!
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 us on social media! It's 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
February 11 - PTSA Valentine’s Social & Meeting, 5:30pm: Our next meeting will be on February 11. Please join us early for a PTSA Valentine's Social. We'll have treats and decorations. Come mingle with other AHS families. We will open the doors for the social at 5:30pm. The monthly PTSA meeting will directly follow the social. Interested in helping with the social? Contact Angela at 571-618-8316, or atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com.
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!
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
Boys Basketball play two more district games this week. First up was region power Hayfield on Monday evening. It was all Hawks from the get go as they took flight and flew away from the Atoms. Next up was a Thursday evening date with Justice in Robert Hardage Gymnasium. The Atoms got up early and took a 25-16 lead into the half. The second half saw the Wolves battle all the way back to tie it at 40 just after the start of the fourth quarter. The Atoms weathered the storm and outscored the Wolves 20-8 over the final seven minutes of the game to get the win and make it a sweep of the night thanks to a tie by the freshman and a dominating win by the JV team. Varsity boys took on Marshall in a varsity only game at home. Marshall got up early and never looked back as they left Annandale with the victory. Next up the Atoms is a matchup at home vs Lewis.
Girls Basketball took on Hayfield Monday evening and the Hawks soared in their victory over the Atoms. The Atoms traveled to Justice Thursday to take on the Wolves. Freshman and JV fell to Wolves. Varsity took the court and faced a double digit deficit at halftime that they cut to eight in the third quarter. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Atoms would get as the Wolves ran away from the Atoms to get the win. Next up is a date with Lewis on Tuesday.
Indoor Track competed in the National District Championship Meet at Prince George Sportsplex Wednesday and Thursday. Many Atoms completed their season with personal best times in their respective events. We have several athletes who are moving on to the Occoquan Region Meet, including Logan Noyes in three events, Jeremiah Nelson (who has qualified for states) in two events, Teagan, Fiker, and Taniyah qualifying in high jump, and Joelle in the shotput. These athletes move on to the region meet February 12 and 13.
Boys & Girls Wrestling had their final two matches of the season as they traveled to Meridian on Wednesday and came away with a win over Meridian. Pack the Pit was the final match of the year and senior night for the wrestlers. After honoring the seniors, the future of the Grappling Atoms took center stage when the Annandale Mat Rats took on the Braddock Bears. It was a great event for our young wrestlers with several exciting matches. Next up was the Atoms vs Mount Vernon and it was all business for the Atoms as they dominated the Majors to get a 45-22 win and complete their regular season with a 12-12 team record. Next up is the National District Championship on Friday, February 7 at Lewis.
Swim/Dive competed in the National District Championships last night into today. There will be a recap of the meet in next weeks newsletter.
Gymnastics will compete in the National District Championship Championship Meet Monday night at Mount Vernon.
Dance Team Shows Out!
Dance team competed at the Brooke Point Invitational last weekend against dozens of other teams around the region. The Atomic Dancers placed 7th in Small Varsity Hip-Hop, as well as each of the seniors earning medals in the following categories: Maddie Lopez –Senior Jazz Solo, Niky Barrios and Kaylee Rivas-Lobo – Senior Lyrical Solo, and Madison Mueller and Calleigh Widjaja – Senior Lyrical Duet.
Annandale Wins National District One-Acts!
Congratulations to Annandale High School and theater teacher Kylie Murry for their incredible victory at the National District One-Acts competition held at Mt. Vernon on Saturday! The VHSL One-Act Plays competition showcases the creativity and talent of Virginia high school students as they write, direct, design, and perform 35-minute plays. This intense theatrical experience challenges students to explore innovative storytelling and refine their acting, directing, and technical skills, offering a unique platform to shine and share their passion for the arts.
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
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:
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
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!
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 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
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 – 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.
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.
Winter Baseball Clinics
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
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 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*
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, February 20, 2025 - **ADDED DATE**
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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.
This past week, Annandale faculty and staff came together to recognize the nominees for the FCPS Outstanding Awards, as well as announce our school level winners in the following categories: Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding New Teacher, Outstanding Operational Employee, Outstanding Professional Employee and Outstanding Leader. Thank you to those of you who nominated a staff member and congratulations to the school level award winners:
Outstanding Operational Employee - Jen Buchannan, Administrative Assistant
Outstanding New Teacher - Miles Meijer, Spanish Teacher
Outstanding Professional Employee, Karen Olarinde, Instructional Coach
Outstanding Leader - Meg Anderson, Assessment Coach
And a huge congratulations to Karen Olarinde, who was selected to represent the Annandale Pyramid as Outstanding Professional!
We also took time to celebrate our students. Each month, teachers nominate students who demonstrate one of our Atoms Agreements of Empathy, Determination, and Safety. Then, nominees' names are removed, and Leadership students select nine winners. Nominees and winners are announced during W4 Advisory. This Friday, we recognized our Students of the Month at a special VIP party.
As a reminder, the second quarter ends on Tuesday, January 28. The next day, Wednesday, January 29 is a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. We will return to school on Thursday, January 30 to begin the third quarter. As always, reach out with any questions.
Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
School-Family Partnership
Families recently received a personalized student progress report email which includes students’ grades as well as any academic interventions or supports the student is receiving.
Research shows that the single most impactful thing parents can do to support their student’s education is to talk with them about school. As the end of the semester approaches, we encourage you to talk with your student about their classes and how they are taking advantage of PRIDE Time. Here is a question to help get the conversation started...
Thank you for everything you do to support us and your student - we truly work together to support our students’ needs!
Important Dates
February 3-7 - National School Counseling Week
January 27-31 - Winter Spirit Week
January 28 - W4 Check-ins Begin
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair
January 28-February 4 - StudentVue & ParentVue Gradebook Unavailable
January 29 - Student Holiday
January 29 - Pizza & Pizzicato
January 31 - Winter Pep Rally
February 1 - Edison Academy Open House, 10am-1pm
February 3 - WiDA Testing Begins
February 3-7 - National School Counseling Week
February 4 - Report Cards Available in SIS
February 5 - AHS Science Fair
February 6 - PRIDE Time 3.0 Begins
February 10 - W4 Activities Day
February 11 - PTSA Social & Meeting, 5:30pm
February 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
February 17 - Presidents Day (No School)
January 27-January 31 - Winter Spirit Week: Show your Atom Pride, get creative, and have fun dressing up with the following daily themes. Annandale Leadership students will be taking photos of participants to be featured on their Instagram!
Monday: PJ’s/Onsies - Take a deep breath and wear your pajamas and onesies straight from home! You can rest and recharge and remember to stress less!
Tuesday: Crocs/ Slippers - Get comfy by wearing your favorite pair of crocs or slippers. Regular crocs, furry crocs, crazy jibbitz, silly slippers, we want to see it all!
Thursday: Twin Day - Grab a friend and dress alike for Twin Day, Now is the time to show your style with matching outfits, colors, or accessories!
Friday: Class Colors - Represent your class at the pep rally by wearing your class color and cheer on your fellow peers! Freshman will wear warm colors like red, orange, or yellow. Sophomores will wear cold colors such as green, blue, or purple. Juniors will wear neutral colors like white, gray, or tan. Lastly, Seniors will wear black or brown.
January 28 - W4 Check-ins Begin: The social and emotional wellness of our students continue to be a priority at Annandale. This week, teachers will be conducting one-on-one check-ins with students in their advisory (W4) class beginning later this week. These conversations are another opportunity to build a caring and trusting environment for all students, cultivate positive relationships, and identify student needs. The W4 lesson on Friday, January 24 asked students to reflect in order to prepare for their check-in.
January 28 - End of Semester: Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. SIS Gradebook will be unavailable beginning at 4:00pm.
January 28-February 4 - StudentVue & ParentVue Gradebook Unavailable: Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4:00pm to Tuesday, February 4, 6:00am.
January 29 - Lunar New Year (No School For Students): Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
January 31 - Winter Pep Rally: Get ready to rumble for our annual 2025 Winter Pep Rally on January 31! From whipped cream pies to our sports walk, we have a ton of fun activities prepared. Don’t forget to show your Atom Pride by wearing your class colors the day of the Pep Rally: Freshman will wear warm colors like red, orange, or yellow. Sophomores will wear cold colors such as green, blue, or purple. Juniors will wear neutral colors like white, gray, or tan. Lastly, Seniors will wear black or brown.
February 3 - WiDA Testing Begins: WiDA testing will begin on Monday, February 3 with more than 750 students at Annandale scheduled to complete the four-part WiDA annual assessment. Federal law (ESSA) requires that all Level 1-5 English Learners (ELs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment. WiDA ACCESS for ELs consists of the following parts (domains): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each domain is a separate test and students must complete all 4 domains to meet the testing requirement. This assessment is used to determine a student’s English language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning.
February 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, February 3 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.
Awesome Atoms
Annandale Wins National District One-Acts! Congratulations to Annandale High School and theater teacher Kylie Murry for their incredible victory at the National District One-Acts competition held at Mt. Vernon on Saturday! The VHSL One-Act Plays competition showcases the creativity and talent of Virginia high school students as they write, direct, design, and perform 35-minute plays. This intense theatrical experience challenges students to explore innovative storytelling and refine their acting, directing, and technical skills, offering a unique platform to shine and share their passion for the arts.
Featured on WTOP: Annandale Athletes Help Young Readers Succeed! Annandale High School’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been making a lasting impact off the court by mentoring third graders at Braddock Elementary through a reading initiative. Supported by the nonprofit Readers Are Leaders, the program pairs student-athletes with younger students to improve their reading skills and confidence, especially for those from non-English-speaking homes. Beyond fostering academic growth, the initiative builds strong community connections and even enhances teamwork on the court. Learn more about this inspiring program in the full article from WTOP: Fairfax County high school athletes team up to help elementary kids read stronger.
Opportunities
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!
January 26 - CIEE Scholarship Application Deadline: Annandale High School is a Global Navigator School partner with the Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE). This allows Annandale High School students the unique opportunity to gain access to $25,000 worth of scholarships for students to study abroad this summer. The programs and scholarships are intended to open the world to students, helping them navigate across languages, connect with other cultures, and impact global/local issues in today’s interconnected world. Students are invited to choose 3-4 week-long experiential learning programs in over 30 study centers worldwide in Summer 2025! AHS students can learn a new language and culture or a topic they are passionate about like marine science, conservation, business, international relations, leadership, or the arts! The deadline for non-scholarship applications is April 1 or until the program has reached capacity. For more information and to start your application, please visit the CIEE website.
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair: FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28 at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. Registration is open to students and families up to and including the day of the fair. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
February 1 - Edison Academy Open House: Explore Your Future at the Edison Academy Open House! Attend an exciting in-person Open House event at Edison Academy on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00am to 1:00pm (with a snow date of Saturday, February 8). Discover what makes Edison Academy unique by touring the state-of-the-art facilities, meeting talented instructors and students, and exploring the incredible courses offered. The event will take place at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA, with the entrance located at Door 13. Don’t miss this opportunity to see firsthand how Edison Academy can shape your future. For more information, contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101.
AHS Library Pride Time Student Access: Do you have a student who has not been requested for intervention and wants a quiet place to work during Pride Time? The library offers a calm and supportive environment for focused study. Take advantage of this valuable resource to enhance your learning! How it works: The W4 teacher signs the student up for the library. The Pride Time teacher writes the pass to the library. The student gets to the library by the Pride Time bell. The library accepts up to 75 students.
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.
Edu-Futuro Emerging Leaders Program: Edu-Futuro offers a dynamic 5-week Leadership and College Readiness Program designed for high school students in grades 9-12. Through engaging workshops, facilitators guide students through the college and scholarship application process, explaining all the requirements and necessary documentation to achieve their career goals. Students will also explore their interests and potential career paths, virtually attend a college tour, and connect with professionals from various fields. Highlights of the program include the opportunity to compete for scholarships of $1,000 and $500, as well as fun competitions with gift card prizes. If you’re interested in joining, please complete this interest form by January 28. Once you sign up, more details will be sent to you.
Important Information
Follow Annandale HS on Social Media: Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's 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.
Rising 9th Grade Open House Presentations: If you were unable to attend, we have links to all the presentations from the event available for you view below. If you have any questions about the information provided, please feel free to contact our presenters directly.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
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. Here are some questions you can use to engage with your student about course selection:
Which classes most excite you about next year?
What are your electives and why did you select those?
What type of diploma are you going for?
Where would you like to be challenged?
Where do you think you might need support?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: January 26, February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
February 11 - PTSA Valentine’s Social & Meeting, 5:30pm: Our next meeting will be on February 11. Please join us early for a PTSA Valentine's Social. We'll have treats and decorations. Come mingle with other AHS families. We will open the doors for the social at 5:30pm. The monthly PTSA meeting will directly follow the social. Interested in helping with the social? Contact Angela at 571-618-8316, or atoms.ahs.president@gmail.com.
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
Boys Basketball had a full week of games starting with a trip to Philadelphia last Saturday. The Atoms took on a division champion team in Overbrook High School. The game was an intense game that saw the Atoms prevail in the end. The Atoms returned to take on three district opponents and came away with three wins to position themselves for a home district playoff game in a few weeks. The Atoms took care of business Tuesday evening as they held off a resilient Mount Vernon team 66-60. The Atoms traveled to Justice Wednesday and walked out of them gym with a third straight victory. Friday evening was senior night in front an electric packed house! The Atoms held a slim lead early and padded that lead to a double digit margin at halftime. The Jaguars made it interesting in the third but the Atoms put their foot down in the fourth to run away with a 57-38 win. The Atoms take on perennial power Hayfield on Monday.
Girls Basketball played three district games starting with Mount Vernon Tuesday evening. All three teams were swept by the Majors as the Atoms couldn't get anything going on the offensive end to keep up with the Majors. A quick turnaround to Wednesday brought the Justice Wolves to Annandale. Freshman and JV fell but it was a different game for varsity than the night before as the Atoms gave the Wolves all they could handle. The Wolves got up early but the resilience of the Atoms saw the game get cut to five points at the start of the fourth. The Wolves got the win 52-45 but the Atoms played hard throughout and gave the Wolves a game. Friday night was senior night and brought Falls Church to Robert Hardage Gymnasium. The Jaguars separated themselves early and ran away from the Atoms to get the district win. The Atoms return to the court Monday vs Hayfield.
Indoor Track had their final tune-up of the season last Saturday. The Atoms continued to show growth and progression as many Atoms achieved personal best times of the year as the team gears up for the National District Championship Meet January 28-30 at Mount Vernon and Prince George Sportsplex.
Boys & Girls Wrestling grappled on the mat Wednesday in a tri-match at Hayfield. The first match matched the Atoms up with TJ. It was a dominant performance for the Atoms as they ran away from TJ to win 55-21. The second match was a different story as the Atoms fell to Hayfield 49-23. The Atoms are back in action today at Annandale as they picked up a make-up tri match with Robinson and Broad Run. They return home Thursday for their annual "Pack the Pit Night" and senior night as they host Mount Vernon for their final match before the District Championship Meet.
Swim/Dive celebrated senior night prior to warm-ups and kept the celebration going as they dismantled Mount Vernon in the pool. The girls took care of business as they handled the Majors to win the meet 145-117 while the boys left no doubt as they swam over, around, and past the Majors to get a 205-76 win! The Atoms set their sites on the National District Championship Meet next Friday and Saturday at Audrey Moore Rec Center.
Gymnastics rolled onto the mat Thursday evening at Lake Braddock. The gymnast continue to improve on their skills across all events and have on week off before showcasing their talents at the National District Championship Meet on February 3 at Mount Vernon.
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.
**TRYOUT SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST WEEK WILL BE IN THE FEBRUARY 2 NEWSLETTER**
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:
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
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!
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for all winter sports occurred on Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6. To order use the information below:
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.
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 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*
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, February 20, 2025 - **ADDED DATE**
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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.
Tomorrow, we honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dedication to equity, equality, and service. I encourage everyone to use this day as an opportunity to reflect as well as serve. Please see below for opportunities for community members of all ages and abilities to volunteer!
This past Wednesday, we hosted our Rising 9th Grade Open House, one of my favorite events of the year. It was wonderful to meet our incoming students and their families and have the opportunity to showcase our incredible staff. This event is not just about academic programs but also highlights how we support students in their social and emotional development. As I shared during the event, I recently navigated this transition as a parent and understand how overwhelming it can feel. I’ve included links to all the presentations below. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.
As the second quarter concludes on Tuesday, January 28, I encourage everyone to focus on finishing strong. Last week students who have an F in any course, as well as their families, received an email which included steps they might take or resources they might rely on to improve their grade. While semester grades are finalized on Tuesday, our rolling gradebook policy ensures that students have ongoing opportunities to demonstrate progress and improve their performance. So, there is still time to improve your grade!
Looking ahead, Wednesday, January 29 is a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. We will return to school on Thursday, January 30 to begin the third quarter. As always, reach out with any questions.
Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
School-Family Partnership
Families recently received a personalized student progress report email which includes students’ grades as well as any academic interventions or supports the student is receiving.
Research shows that the single most impactful thing parents can do to support their student’s education is to talk with them about school. As the end of the semester approaches, we encourage you to talk with your student about their classes and how they are taking advantage of PRIDE Time. Here is a question to help get the conversation started...
Thank you for everything you do to support us and your student - we truly work together to support our students’ needs!
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend is a great opportunity for students and families to connect with impactful service opportunities while also teaching students about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Here are 5 Ways to Volunteer and Give Back in Fairfax County.
Important Dates
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)
January 21 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
January 21-February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings
January 21 - Heritage Night Tickets on Sale
January 22 - NOVA Virtual Session
January 22 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
January 24 - Student of the Month Celebration
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast, 9am
January 27-31 - Winter Spirit Week
January 28 - W4 Check-ins Begin
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair
January 28-February 4 - StudentVue & ParentVue Gradebook Unavailable
January 29 - Student Holiday
January 29 - Pizza & Pizzicato
January 31 - Winter Pep Rally
February 1 - Edison Academy Open House, 10am-1pm
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday: Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
January 21 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm: Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, January 21 ay 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.
January 21-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.
January 21 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!
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast: This community pancake breakfast will be hosted by the AHS Class of 2026 on January 25 from 9:00-11:30am in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. In addition to breakfast the event will include activities geared towards kids such as crafts and a story corner. There will be a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen! Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door. Please email Erin Mahoney, the Class of 2026 sponsor, with any questions.
January 27-January 31 - Winter Spirit Week: Show your Atom Pride, get creative, and have fun dressing up with the following daily themes. Annandale Leadership students will be taking photos of participants to be featured on their Instagram!
Monday: PJ’s/Onsies - Take a deep breath and wear your pajamas and onesies straight from home! You can rest and recharge and remember to stress less!
Tuesday: Crocs/ Slippers - Get comfy by wearing your favorite pair of crocs or slippers. Regular crocs, furry crocs, crazy jibbitz, silly slippers, we want to see it all!
Thursday: Twin Day - Grab a friend and dress alike for Twin Day, Now is the time to show your style with matching outfits, colors, or accessories!
Friday: Class Colors - Represent your class at the pep rally by wearing your class color and cheer on your fellow peers! Freshman will wear warm colors like red, orange, or yellow. Sophomores will wear cold colors such as green, blue, or purple. Juniors will wear neutral colors like white, gray, or tan. Lastly, Seniors will wear black or brown.
January 28 - End of Semester: Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. SIS Gradebook will be unavailable beginning at 4:00pm.
January 28-February 4 - StudentVue & ParentVue Gradebook Unavailable: Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4:00pm to Tuesday, February 4, 6:00am.
January 29 - Lunar New Year (No School For Students): Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Awesome Atoms
Annandale Welcomes Back AVID Alumni! On Friday, January 10 and Monday January 13 the AHS AVID program welcomed back 13 AVID alumni from the classes of 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, representing seven different colleges and nine different majors, for the annual AVID Alumni celebration. Alumni spoke to current AVID juniors and seniors about the challenge of transitioning from high school to challenge and gave advice about how to overcome that challenge, as well as specific information about their colleges and majors.
Basketball Team Featured for Mentor Program: Recently, FCPS featured the Annandale High School basketball team for their mentoring program. Each Wednesday afternoon during the winter months, the Annandale High School boys and girls basketball teams make the short walk to Braddock Elementary School for a very important match-up. The Atoms athletes are there to mentor third graders who could benefit from a little extra support in reading comprehension. For ten weeks the athletes and younger students sit down on benches in the cafeteria and work through literacy skills in collaboration with the Herndon non-profit, Readers Are Leaders. It’s a successful partnership that has been running between the schools since 2018.
Opportunities
January 21 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!
January 22 - NOVA Virtual Session: Join a Virtual Discover NOVA webinar to explore program options, gain an understanding of our student support resources, and learn how to enroll in classes. All sessions begin at 6:30pm and run for approximately one hour. See the NOVA Virtual Sessions Flyer for all dates and to register.
January 26 - CIEE Scholarship Application Deadline: Annandale High School is a Global Navigator School partner with the Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE). This allows Annandale High School students the unique opportunity to gain access to $25,000 worth of scholarships for students to study abroad this summer. The programs and scholarships are intended to open the world to students, helping them navigate across languages, connect with other cultures, and impact global/local issues in today’s interconnected world. Students are invited to choose 3-4 week-long experiential learning programs in over 30 study centers worldwide in Summer 2025! AHS students can learn a new language and culture or a topic they are passionate about like marine science, conservation, business, international relations, leadership, or the arts! The deadline for non-scholarship applications is April 1 or until the program has reached capacity. For more information and to start your application, please visit the CIEE website.
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair: FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28 at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. Registration is open to students and families up to and including the day of the fair. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
February 1 - Edison Academy Open House: Explore Your Future at the Edison Academy Open House! Attend an exciting in-person Open House event at Edison Academy on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00am to 1:00pm (with a snow date of Saturday, February 8). Discover what makes Edison Academy unique by touring the state-of-the-art facilities, meeting talented instructors and students, and exploring the incredible courses offered. The event will take place at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA, with the entrance located at Door 13. Don’t miss this opportunity to see firsthand how Edison Academy can shape your future. For more information, contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101.
AHS Library Pride Time Student Access: Do you have a student who has not been requested for intervention and wants a quiet place to work during Pride Time? The library offers a calm and supportive environment for focused study. Take advantage of this valuable resource to enhance your learning! How it works: The W4 teacher signs the student up for the library. The Pride Time teacher writes the pass to the library. The student gets to the library by the Pride Time bell. The library accepts up to 75 students.
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.
Edu-Futuro Emerging Leaders Program: Edu-Futuro offers a dynamic 5-week Leadership and College Readiness Program designed for high school students in grades 9-12. Through engaging workshops, facilitators guide students through the college and scholarship application process, explaining all the requirements and necessary documentation to achieve their career goals. Students will also explore their interests and potential career paths, virtually attend a college tour, and connect with professionals from various fields. Highlights of the program include the opportunity to compete for scholarships of $1,000 and $500, as well as fun competitions with gift card prizes. If you’re interested in joining, please complete this interest form by January 28. Once you sign up, more details will be sent to you.
Important Information
Follow Annandale HS on Social Media: Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's 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.
Rising 9th Grade Open House Presentations: It was great seeing many of you at Annandale High School's Rising 9th Grade Open House this week.
If you were unable to attend, we have links to all the presentations from the event available for you to view below. If you have any questions about the information provided, please feel free to contact our presenters directly.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
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. Here are some questions you can use to engage with your student about course selection:
Which classes most excite you about next year?
What are your electives and why did you select those?
What type of diploma are you going for?
Where would you like to be challenged?
Where do you think you might need support?
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.
January 21-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: January 19 for throwing and defense, and January 26, February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
Boys Basketball had a big week of district games. Tuesday was a matchup vs TJ. The JV boys took care of business at TJ while the varsity play at home. Varsity came out cold in the opening quarter to face a 27-7 deficit halfway through the second quarter. A timeout at the four minute mark led to the Atoms putting together a run to cut it to a 29-14 at the half. The second half was a different story as they Atoms came out with pressure and aggressiveness as they battled back to down by single digits heading into the fourth. The last frame saw an incredible back and forth contest, highlighted by an incredible alley oop by Jeremiah Nelson to help spark the comeback. The Atoms took a one point lead into the last two minutes. TJ got a tough basket to go up one. The Atoms were down one with 12 seconds to go but a great defensive play by TJ resulted in free throws to go up three. Noah Lenn's last heave at the buzzer bounced off the rim to secure the win for TJ. The Atoms played region power Hayfield Thursday. The night started off with an incredible buzzer beating win for the Atoms in the JV boys game! Varsity gave the Hawks all they could handle did everything they could to shake off the Atoms. The game was a 10 point game halfway through the third before the Hawks hit a couple three to give themselves some breathing room. The score may have been 62-38 but the score doesn't depict how close the game was. Friday evening, saw the Atoms lead the Eagles 19-15 after one but the second quarter doomed the Atoms, as the Eagles soared to a 69-52 district win. The Atoms play Mount Vernon Tuesday.
Girls Basketball played three games this week due to a makeup. Tuesday saw the Atoms take on TJ. Both freshman and JV were overpowered by TJ as they cruised to the win. Varsity took the floor and got behind early as TJ, put the Atoms away early in the second to take the district win. Thursday was a makeup date with Hayfield from January 3. Freshman and JV played Wednesday and played hard but the Hawks took care of business to get the wins. Varsity played Thursday and battled the Hawks from the opening tip. The Atoms had a cold shooting night as the Hawks pressure and long range shots were falling as they completed the sweep over the Atoms. Not much rest of the Atoms as they traveled to district power Edison Friday. The Eagles got up early and often in all three games as they showed their power to get the clean sweep of the evening. The Atoms return to the court vs Mount Vernon Tuesday.
Indoor Track are at TJ Middle School this afternoon competing as they prepare for the National District Championship Meet the last week of January.
Boys & Girls Wrestling the Atoms girls wrestlers hit the mat last Saturday at Lewis. The Atoms had their first ever girl champion in a weight division when Darling Saravia won the 126lb weight class! Callia Uviedo came up just short in her division as she finished third place to get on the podium. Tuesday, the Atoms traveled to West Potomac to make up for missed matches. The first match pitted the Atoms against Washington-Liberty. The Generals were a little too much across the board as they took the match 49-30. The second match pitted the Atoms against West Potomac. This was a different story as it was a back and forth affair that eventually saw the Atoms get a 41-35 win over the Wolverines! There wasn't much rest for the Atoms as they traveled to Justice to take on the Wolves and Lancers in a pivotal district matchup Wednesday. The first match saw the Atoms dominate the Wolves on their way to a 41-35 win. Next up was against perennial district power Lewis. The Atoms were outmatched as the Lancers cruised to a 55-22 win. The Atoms are in action today in the Atoms Wrestling Tournament at Annandale.
Swim/Dive dove into the pool for their first event since before winter break last night vs Edison. The Atoms had several swimmers compete in new events and turned in impressive times for both teams. The girls fell to a talented Edison team 215-84 while the boys came up just short in 159-140. The Atoms are back in the pool today at Oakmarr vs TJ in a makeup meet from last week.
Gymnastics got back on the mat as they traveled to South County Tuesday. The Atoms had two members compete as two continue to battle injuries. Kate Hanlen and Sylvie Bankester were able to display some of their skills Tuesday in front of the judges. Both continue to improve as they prepare for the National District Championship Meet in a few weeks with their hopes of qualifying for the region tournament. They tumble back onto the mat Thursday evening at Lake Braddock.
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:
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
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!
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for all winter sports occurred on Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6. To order use the information below:
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.
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 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*
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 or Bryan Harris 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, March 12, 2025
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.
This week at Annandale promises to be an exciting one, filled with opportunities for our students to engage, learn, and prepare for the future.
On Monday, during our monthly W4 Activities Day, students will have the chance to explore clubs and activities, connect with peers, and collaborate with staff around shared interests. As part of the day, the Class of 2025 will participate in the Love Like Adam program, a powerful presentation created in memory of Adam Oakes. This program focuses on hazing prevention and the dangers of alcohol intoxication, featuring a presentation, a video about Adam’s story, and a Q&A session with his family. The event is designed to educate and support our students as they prepare for life beyond high school.
On Wednesday, we will host our annual Electives Fair. Students will have the opportunity to attend information sessions for three courses of their choosing, with each session offering a 15-minute overview led by our electives and IB teachers. This event is a great way for students to make informed decisions about their course selections for the upcoming year.
That same evening, we are excited to welcome our future Atoms and their families to the Rising 9th Grade Open House at 6:00pm. This event is one of the highlights of the year, as it provides an opportunity to introduce incoming students to our incredible staff and showcase the many ways we support their academic success and social-emotional growth. As someone who recently experienced this transition as a parent, I understand the excitement and nerves that often come with it. We are here to make the journey as smooth as possible, and I encourage families to reach out with any questions after the event.
Looking ahead, the second quarter will come to a close on Tuesday, January 28. Now is an important time for students to review their grades and assignments, ensuring that any outstanding work is completed and assessments retaken if needed. Please encourage your student to check SIS and Schoology for any missing assignments or reassessment opportunities. Our teachers are available to provide support.
Have a great week and Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
Important Dates
January 13 - W4 Activities Day
January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly
January 14 - Financial Aid Completion Workshop, 5:30pm
January 15 - Electives Fair
January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm
January 17 - Course Selection Day
January 18 - Red Bag Collection
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)
January 21-February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings
January 21 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
January 21 - Heritage Night Tickets on Sale
January 22 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
January 24 - Student of the Month Celebration
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast, 9am
January 29 - Student Holiday
January 13 - W4 Activities Day: Tomorrow, January 13 is our next W4 Activities Day, 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 Bryan Harris.
January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly during W4 Activities Day: We are excited to announce that on tomorrow, January 13 during W4 Activities Day, Annandale High School will be hosting the Love Like Adam program for the Class of 2025. Love Like Adam is a non-profit foundation established with the goal to “support, educate, and equip graduating seniors and their families with the transition from high school to higher education,” particularly around the dangers of hazing and alcohol intoxication. It was established in honor of Adam Oakes, a recent hazing victim, who died in a hazing incident while attending VCU during his freshman year of college.
The program will consist of a presentation on hazing prevention, a video about Adam Oakes’ story and a panel question and answer session with Adam’s family and two of the boys involved in the hazing. You can read more about Adam’s story in an article on the LoudounNow and the VCU website. If you have any questions about this special event, please contact Bryan Harris.
POSTPONED! January 13 - Hidden in Plain Sight: Due to the weather related schedule changes from last week, Annandale’s Hidden in Plain Sight presentation has been postponed. We will share the new date as soon as it has been rescheduled. Thank you to everyone for their interest!
January 14 - Financial Aid Completion Workshop, 5:30pm: Annandale High School will hold a College Financial Aid Workshop on January 14 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. Mayhieu, 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.
January 15 - Electives Fair: Students will visit information sessions on three courses of their choosing during our Course & Elective Fair. Our electives and IB teachers will provide a 15 minute overview of the course to help students make informed decisions about their course selections for next year.
January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 15 from 6-8pm Annandale High School will host an Open House for our rising 9th grade students and families to learn more about what high school at Annandale is all about! We will offer short optional sessions on our various programs, and teachers will be in their classrooms to share all about our core and elective courses. The goal is for students and parents to leave this event excited about all the opportunities students will have as an Annandale Atom and prepared to complete the course request form when students meet with their middle school counselors! Breakout Sessions on the following topics will be offered throughout the evening: Welcome to Annandale, Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages Program; Special Education Office, and Student Life.
January 17 - Course Selection Day: Students in grades 9-11 will select their courses for the 2025-2026 school year during W4 using a Google Form. This will help prepare students for their individual academic advising conversations with their counselors. Students will only be able to submit the form once and a copy will be emailed to their student email account. All students must have selected courses by February 28.
January 18 - Red Bag Collection: Reminder! Red Bag Collection was rescheduled to Saturday, January 18. Our pantry needs snack items and personal hygiene items for our students. Please fill your bag with single serving sized snack items of cereal, nuts, tuna, chocolate milk, juice, protein bars, granola bars, Mac n cheese, peanut butter crackers and trail mix. The personal hygiene items that are needed are bar soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene pads, toothpaste. Thank you! If you aren’t a Red Bag donor please consider signing up here.
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday: Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
January 21 - 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.
January 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!
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast: This community pancake breakfast will be hosted by the AHS Class of 2026 on January 25 from 9:00-11:30am in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. In addition to breakfast the event will include activities geared towards kids such as crafts and a story corner. There will be a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen! Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door. Please email Erin Mahoney, the Class of 2026 sponsor, with any questions.
January 28 - End of Semester: Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. SIS Gradebook will be unavailable beginning at 4:00pm.
January 29 - Lunar New Year (No School For Students): Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Awesome Atoms
AHS CAT B Teacher, Ariana Gallahan-Zarate Featured in FCPS Teacher Spotlight: Seven years ago, Ariana Gallahan-Zarate began her journey with FCPS as an Instructional Assistant, working with students with special needs. Her dedication to education and passion for helping students led her to pursue her teaching degree—taking classes after work while managing a full-time role. Now, as a second-year teacher at Annandale High School, Ms. Gallahan-Zarate reflects on her rewarding decision: "Building relationships with the students and their families has really been a great experience." We’re proud to have Ms. Gallahan-Zarate as part of the Atom Nation! Check out the Teachers Spotlight here!
Annandale Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars: Congratulations to Annandale High School’s William Allison, Joshua Stein, and Safa Touri for earning recognition as National Merit Commended Scholars! They are among 693 FCPS students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation this year, marking a 10% increase in Commended Scholars for FCPS compared to 2023.
Opportunities
January 15 - CIEE Scholarship Application Deadline: Annandale High School is a Global Navigator School partner with the Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE). This allows Annandale High School students the unique opportunity to gain access to $25,000 worth of scholarships for students to study abroad this summer. The programs and scholarships are intended to open the world to students, helping them navigate across languages, connect with other cultures, and impact global/local issues in today’s interconnected world. Students are invited to choose 3-4 week-long experiential learning programs in over 30 study centers worldwide in Summer 2025! AHS students can learn a new language and culture or a topic they are passionate about like marine science, conservation, business, international relations, leadership, or the arts!
You can view the website to see what opportunities are available. The application deadline for scholarships is January 15th. The deadline for non-scholarship applications is April 1 or until the program has reached capacity. For more information and to start your application, please visit the CIEE website. On Wednesday during Pride Time, we will have a help session to finalize essays and submit your final applications. If you have questions or need help, please contact Ms. Hedrick in room 286.
January 22 - NOVA Virtual Session: Join a Virtual Discover NOVA webinar to explore program options, gain an understanding of our student support resources, and learn how to enroll in classes. All sessions begin at 6:30pm and run for approximately one hour. See the NOVA Virtual Sessions Flyer for all dates and to register.
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair: FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28 at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. Registration is open to students and families up to and including the day of the fair. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
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.
Yearbook Ads for Sale: As the calendar flips to 2025, the countdown to graduation begins. Senior year is a milestone, and a personal ad in the 2025 yearbook is the perfect space to include a heartfelt note or a special family photo. Your message will be something your graduate cherishes for years to come. But hurry—there’s only one week left before winter break! Don’t miss your opportunity to create a meaningful keepsake here today!
Important Information
Follow Annandale HS on Social Media: Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's 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.
StudentVue & ParentVue Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter: Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4:00pm to Tuesday, February 4, 6:00am.
2024-25 School Improvement Plan Now Available: The 2024-2025 School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) for Annandale is now available on our website. The plan was developed in alignment with the FCPS Strategic Plan goals, and remains focused on supporting our students’ academic and social achievement. Measurable outcomes are focused on the following: Growth and Performance in Coursework, Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework, and Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered Students.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
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. Here are some questions you can use to engage with your student about course selection:
Which classes most excite you about next year?
When looking at your classes, what are your electives and why did you select those?
What type of diploma are you going for?
Where would you like to be challenged?
Where do you think you might need support?
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.
January 15 - Course & Electives Fair: Students will visit information sessions on three courses of their choosing during our Course & Elective Fair. Our electives and IB teachers will provide a 15 minute overview of the course to help students make informed decisions about their course selections for next year.
January 17 - Course Selection Day: Students in grades 9-11 will select their courses for the 2025-2026 school year during W4 using a Google Form. This will help prepare students for their individual academic advising conversations with their counselors. Students will only be able to submit the form once and a copy will be emailed to their student email account. All students must have selected courses by February 28.
January 21 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: January 12 and 19 for throwing and defense, and January 26, February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
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!
Boys Basketball traveled to Lewis and came away with a complete sweep on the evening. Boys freshman and JV took control early and made quick work of the Lancers to get wins in both of their games. The Varsity tipped off next and it was more of the same from the first two contest of the evening. The Atoms handled the Lancers all over the floor taking a comfortable 66-40 lead into the fourth quarter. It was cruise control during the fourth as the Atoms walked out of the gym with a 78-50 win. The Atoms play TJ on Tuesday.
Girls Basketball welcome the Lewis Lancers to Annandale Friday evening for ABGC Night. The night started off with an exciting one point win by the freshman team! JV played hard but came up on the short end in their loss. Varsity took to the floor next and got up early and cruised to a 20-9 halftime lead. We had a special event during halftime as we welcome our ABGC girls basketball players to the floor. Both teams provided some excitement to the crowd as they were able to showcase their skills with the hopes of them playing in Robert Hardage Gymnasium one day. The Atoms took a 29-15 lead into the third but the fourth quarter saw a Lancers surge that made the game close in the final minutes but the Atoms shut the door to get the 31-24 win. The Atoms return to the floor Tuesday vs TJ.
Indoor Track laced up their shoes for their first meet after the break at TJ Middle School. It was a meet to help get their legs back under them as they have been unable to practice all week due to the snow. Several Atoms still had impressive performances with a few high jumpers qualifying for the district championship meet and a few sprinters narrowly missing region cut times. The night was highlighted by the girls 4x200m relay team who cruised to a heat win and finished in the top five for the event! The Atoms get back to the track next Saturday at TJ Middle School.
Boys & Girls Wrestling traveled to Broad Run last Saturday where they faced off against Briar Woods and John Champe. The first match saw the Atoms take on Briar Woods where they cruised to an impressive 52-23 win. The second match pitted the Atoms against John Champe. The Atoms got up early after the first few matches but Champe came fighting back to take the lead and put the Atoms away to win the match 46-35.
Swim/Dive unfortunately had their meet vs TJ canceled due to inclement weather that was expected Friday night.
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:
Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season, district tournament and region 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.
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! **UPDATED price change for adults**
Our next Booster Membership Meeting is Monday, February 3
Join us on Monday, February 3 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. Come and find out how you can get involved and support out Atoms' athletic programs!
Winter Baseball Clinics
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for all winter sports occurred on Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6. To order use the information below:
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.
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*
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 or Bryan Harris 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, March 12, 2025
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.
What an extended winter break it has been for everyone! Due to the inclement weather from Friday, January 3 through Thursday, January 9, we've had multiple cancelations that have led to the re-scheduling of events. Check below to see information with reschedules.
Basketball vs Hayfield:
Moved from January 3 to Wednesday, January 15 & Thursday, January 16.
UPDATED SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, January 15 @ Hayfield
4:30pm - Freshman Boys
5:45pm - Freshman Girls
7:00pm - JV Girls
Thursday, January 16 @ Annandale
4:30pm - JV Boys
5:45pm - Varsity Girls
7:30pm - Varsity Boys
Basketball vs Justice
Moved from January 8 to Wednesday, January 22
@ Justice
Boys Basketball
@ Annandale
Girls Basketball
Gymnastics at Robinson
Gymnastics at Robinson on January 9 has been CANCELED and will NOT be made up.
JV Wrestling
JV Wrestling at Falls Church on January 9 has been CANCELED and will NOT be made up.
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.
Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and the closure of Fairfax County Public Schools, the Special Olympics event scheduled for tonight, January 8 at George Mason University EagleBank Arena has been cancelled.
While this is disappointing news for all of us, the safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We are currently exploring options to reschedule this exciting event and will share updates as soon as they become available.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
The start of a new year offers a fresh opportunity to reset and focus on achieving our goals. As we step into 2025, I encourage all students to make the most of this moment to grow, improve, and achieve their goals.
At Annandale, PRIDE Time is a great resource for students to catch up on assignments, prepare for assessments, or get extra support from teachers. For additional help, teachers are also available after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—check this schedule to see when your teachers are available.
Students, whether it’s improving academically, building better attendance habits, or getting more involved in school activities, every step forward brings you closer to reaching your goal. These efforts not only benefit you but also strengthen the sense of community and achievement that defines Annandale High School.
Parents, your involvement is vital to your student’s success. Talk with your student daily about their progress, and use SIS ParentVue and Schoology to monitor assignments and grades. If you have any questions, reach out to your student’s teachers or counselor to ensure they are staying on track and receiving the support they need.
Know that the staff at Annandale is here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist you. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together toward success in the year ahead.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
New Mural in the Main Gym!
Thanks to Capital Murals and the generous support of the Class of 1974, we now have an incredible new mural in the main gym celebrating the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our Atoms athletes. This mural is more than artwork—it’s a tribute to the dedication and pride that make Annandale High School extraordinary. Check it out while you watch a game in the gym or see it on our Instagram page!
Important Dates
January 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm
January 8 - Annandale Special Olympics & Orchestra at GMU
January 9 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony
January 13 - W4 Activities Day
January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly
January 13 - Hidden in Plain Sight
January 13-February 28 - Individual Academic Advising Meetings
January 15 - Course & Electives Fair
January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House
January 16 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
January 17 - Course Selection Day
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (No School)
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast
January 29 - Student Holiday
January 6 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting: Join us on Monday, January 6 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Winter sports activities and support plans.
POSTPONED! January 7 & 9: Electives Fair & Course Selection Day: With the possibility of inclement weather that may delay or even cancel school Monday and Tuesday, we have moved the Electives Fair to Wednesday, January 15 and Course Selection Day to Friday, January 17.
January 8 - Annandale Special Olympics & Orchestra at GMU: Join us for an incredible evening of community and talent on January 8th at 7:00PM during George Mason’s basketball game! Our Annandale Special Olympics team will take on the Justice HS Special Olympics team in an exciting halftime matchup. Adding to the excitement, the Annandale Orchestra, along with the Crescendo Orchestra, will perform the National Anthem to kick off the game. Don’t miss this special event—grab your tickets for Section 119 here!
January 9 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony, W4/Pride Time: Our 76 IB Graduates of 2024 will be returning on Thursday, January 9 during W4/Pride Time to share their post high school/college experiences as well as receive their IB certificates. We also invited our current IB diploma juniors and seniors and all sophomores enrolled in advanced chemistry to attend. We will open with a panel led by our graduates about their IB experiences and then distribute certificates. Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony in the IB office. Please be welcoming as graduates may visit teachers in the afternoon.
January 13 - 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 13 and will conclude with current freshmen in February.
January 13 - W4 Activities Day: January 13 is our next W4 Activities Day, 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 last week and will be emailed to each student’s FCPS account today. The final date for registration will be this Tuesday. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Harris.
January 13 - Love Like Adam Assembly during W4 Activities Day: We are excited to announce that on Monday, January 13 during W4 Activities Day, Annandale High School will be hosting the Love Like Adam program for the Class of 2025. Love Like Adam is a non-profit foundation established with the goal to “support, educate, and equip graduating seniors and their families with the transition from high school to higher education,” particularly around the dangers of hazing and alcohol intoxication. It was established in honor of Adam Oakes, a recent hazing victim, who died in a hazing incident while attending VCU during his freshman year of college.
The program will consist of a presentation on hazing prevention, a video about Adam Oakes’ story and a panel question and answer session with Adam’s family and two of the boys involved in the hazing. You can read more about Adam’s story in an article on the LoudounNow and the VCU website. If you have any questions about this special event, please contact Bryan Harris.
January 13 - Hidden in Plain Sight: The Annandale PTSA invites you to “Hidden In Plain Sight” on Monday, January 13 at 6:30pm in Clausen Hall. The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is a unique in-person, interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, vaping, mental health and behavioral concerns, risky sexual behaviors, trending "challenges” and more. Following the HIPS presentation, representatives from The Chris Atwood Foundation and Community Services Board (CSB) will provide additional information about resources available within our community. CSB will also be offering Narcan training to anyone who is interested. Find out more information or register here for this free event!
January 15 - Electives Fair: Students will visit information sessions on three courses of their choosing during our Course & Elective Fair. Our electives and IB teachers will provide a 15 minute overview of the course to help students make informed decisions about their course selections for next year.
January 15 - Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 15 from 6-8pm Annandale High School will host an Open House for our rising 9th grade students and families to learn more about what high school at Annandale is all about! We will offer short optional sessions on our various programs, and teachers will be in their classrooms to share all about our core and elective courses. The goal is for students and parents to leave this event excited about all the opportunities students will have as an Annandale Atom and prepared to complete the course request form when students meet with their middle school counselors! Breakout Sessions on the following topics will be offered throughout the evening: Welcome to Annandale, Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages Program; Special Education Office, and Student Life.
January 17 - Course Selection Day: Students in grades 9-11 will select their courses for the 2025-2026 school year during W4 using a Google Form. This will help prepare students for their individual academic advising conversations with their counselors. Students will only be able to submit the form once and a copy will be emailed to their student email account. All students must have selected courses by February 28.
January 25 - Blizzard Breakfast: This community pancake breakfast will be hosted by the AHS Class of 2026 on January 25 from 9:00-11:30am in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. In addition to breakfast the event will include activities geared towards kids such as crafts and a story corner. There will be a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen! Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door. Please email Erin Mahoney, the Class of 2026 sponsor, with any questions.
Awesome Atoms
Parent Orchestra at the Midwest Clinic: The week before winter break, Annie Ray presented the Fairfax Parent Orchestra at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Midwest Clinic is one of the most renowned music education conferences in the world. As part of the session, Annie gave an eloquent keynote that highlighted the connection that parent ensembles build with students through what she calls “music-ing,” the act of making music. The Parent Orchestra also played a few pieces that displayed our families’ hard work, resilience in learning an instrument, and love of music-ing. Along with Annie, Cat B IA, Nick Jacky, Crescendo Orchestra volunteer, Scott Engdahl, and Hanna Langstein performed with the group. Congrats to Annie and the Fairfax Parent Orchestra!
Congrats Winning4Giving Winners! Congratulations to our top W4 classes in this year’s Winning4Giving competition! Leading the way was Ms. Consumano’s class with an impressive 164 items, followed by Ms. Kline’s class with 100 items, Mr. Clay’s class with 96 items, Ms. Lucas’ class with 58 items, and Mr. Maglisceau’s class with 44 items. These classes also earned points for their Nation as part of the Atoms Games. A huge thank you to Mr. Henceroth’s marketing students for organizing this annual school-wide food drive to benefit the AHS PTSA Pantry. Shoutout to all the students who brought in donations and the W4 teachers who tracked contributions. This year, we set a new record, collecting an incredible 838 items to support families in need—what an amazing achievement!
Congrats to our Deck the Doors Winners! Congratulations to our top W4 classes in this year’s Deck the Doors competition! 1st place goes to Ms. Wright’s Gingerbread House in room 281. In 2nd place is Ms. Dickinson’s Igloo in room 153. In 3rd place is Ms. Souther’s Festive Holiday Scene. The Overall Nation Winner is Nation 4, with their incredible “Holidays Around the World” theme. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who contributed their time and talent to make this competition a success!
Annandale Hosts Winter Olympics Camp for Elementary and Middle School Students: Annandale High School hosted a 2-day Winter Olympics Camp to celebrate the end of Winter Break. Special thanks to Chris Bagot for leading this fun camp. Check out the fun photos below.
Opportunities
January 8 - NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2025 Semester Registration Deadline: NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the Spring semester begin on February 4 and end on April 28, 2025. The deadline to register is January 8, 2024 at 5pm. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. 13 different courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.
January 22 - NOVA Virtual Session: Join a Virtual Discover NOVA webinar to explore program options, gain an understanding of our student support resources, and learn how to enroll in classes. All sessions begin at 6:30pm and run for approximately one hour. See the NOVA Virtual Sessions Flyer for all dates and to register.
January 28 - FCPS Gap Year Fair: FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28 at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. Registration is open to students and families up to and including the day of the fair. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
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.
Yearbook Ads for Sale: As the calendar flips to 2025, the countdown to graduation begins. Senior year is a milestone, and a personal ad in the 2025 yearbook is the perfect space to include a heartfelt note or a special family photo. Your message will be something your graduate cherishes for years to come. But hurry—there’s only one week left before winter break! Don’t miss your opportunity to create a meaningful keepsake here today!
Important Information
Follow Annandale HS on Social Media: Stay connected with Annandale High School by following us on social media! It's 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.
2024-25 School Improvement Plan Now Available: The 2024-2025 School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) for Annandale is now available on our website. The plan was developed in alignment with the FCPS Strategic Plan goals, and remains focused on supporting our students’ academic and social achievement. Measurable outcomes are focused on the following: Growth and Performance in Coursework, Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework, and Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered Students.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
News from Student Services
Academic Advising for the 2024-25 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. Here are some questions you can use to engage with your student about course selection:
Which classes most excite you about next year?
When looking at your classes, what are your electives and why did you select those?
What type of diploma are you going for?
Where would you like to be challenged?
Where do you think you might need support?
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.
January 13 - 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 13 and will conclude with current freshmen in February.
January 15 - Course & Electives Fair: Students will visit information sessions on three courses of their choosing during our Course & Elective Fair. Our electives and IB teachers will provide a 15 minute overview of the course to help students make informed decisions about their course selections for next year.
January 17 - Course Selection Day: Students in grades 9-11 will select their courses for the 2025-2026 school year during W4 using a Google Form. This will help prepare students for their individual academic advising conversations with their counselors. Students will only be able to submit the form once and a copy will be emailed to their student email account. All students must have selected courses by February 28.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Click here to purchase your 2024-25 Atoms Booster Pass!
Annandale Baseball Winter Camp—Sign Up Today! Join us for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp at Annandale High School, designed for players in grades K–8. These skill-focused sessions are led by the Atoms coaching staff and players and will take place in our main and auxiliary gyms. The camp covers key areas like throwing, defense, and hitting, with all necessary equipment provided if your player needs a glove, bat, or helmet. Just wear tennis shoes and come ready to play!
Each session runs from 9:30 to 11:00am, with a cost of $25 per session or $110 for all five sessions. The camp will be held on the following dates: January 12 and 19 for throwing and defense, and January 26, February 9, and February 16 for hitting. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to improve your skills and have fun with the Atoms! Click here to register for the Annandale Baseball Winter Camp.
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!
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.
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.
Make a monetary donation through PayPal by clicking the Donate button below or by check made payable AHS PTSA (Please write AHS Pantry in the memo line and mail it to AHS PTSA, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003)
Sign up to be a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Sign up to be a red bag donor.
Fill the red bag with the list provided
Put the red bag outside your door by 8:30am on the donation days.
After months of updates and renovations, the main gymnasium is officially complete! All games moving forward will have a new seating arrangement. Upon arrival and entering into the gymnasium, all HOME seating will be located on the right side (opposite our new mural). We have moved our team benches to what is now the visitors side. We will have before and after pictures of the gymnasium in next weeks newsletter!
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!
Boys Basketball lone game of the week vs Hayfield was canceled Friday evening and a make up date is still to be determined.
Girls Basketball played in the Winter Holiday Classic at Mt. Vernon, December 27-30. The Atoms faced a tough Marshall team in the first game that saw the Statesman run away with the win in round one. The Atoms returned to the court for day two against Forest Park. The Atoms got up early in a back and forth affair and held a four point advantage at the half. The second was similar to the first half with baskets being traded before the Atoms strung a few together to pull away and get the 42-37 win! Game three saw a rematch from earlier in the season as the Atoms took on Gar-Field. An 8:30am start time wasn't kind to the Atoms early as they trailed 21-18 at the half. However, the Atoms woke up in the second half and turned up the defense as they pulled away from the Red Wolves in the second half to get the 48-32 win to finish in 5th place in the tournament. The Atoms were scheduled to play Hayfield Friday evening but due to inclement weather, the game was canceled.
Boys & Girls Wrestling traveled to Woodbridge for the Battle of the Bridge tournament December 27 and 28. Several Atom wrestlers had impressive outings for the tournament led by Junior Vera Pena and his third place overall finish, including an incredible four match win streak to avenge his early loss in the tournament. The Atoms return to the mat today at Broad Run.
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:
Effective with the start of the 2024-2025 school year all FCPS schools will have consistent regular season, district tournament and region 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.
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! **UPDATED price change for adults**
Our next Booster Membership Meeting is Monday, January 6
* If school is closed Monday, the meeting will be moved to virtual *
Join us on Monday, January 6 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. Come and find out how you can get involved and support out Atoms' athletic programs!
Winter Baseball Clinics
Sundays in January & February - Baseball Skills Camp: Annandale Baseball is hosting their Sunday Skills camps starting in January. Each camp will be held in the main and auxiliary gyms at Annandale High School from 9:30-11:00am. Sessions are $25 each or $110 for all 5!
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.
Winter Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for all winter sports occurred on Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6. To order use the information below:
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.
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*
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 or Bryan Harris 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, March 12, 2025
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.
Join us for tonight’s varsity basketball doubleheader as Annandale hosts region powerhouse, Hayfield! The action begins at 4:30pm with Junior Varsity Boys, followed by Varsity Girls at 5:45pm and concludes with Varsity Boys at 7:30pm.
In addition to watching some exciting basketball, you can check out our stunning new mural in the main gym celebrating the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our Atoms athletes. This mural is more than artwork—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and pride that make Annandale High School special. Special thanks to Capital Murals and the generous support of the Class of 1974 for making this happen!
Finally, as we monitor the forecast for potential inclement weather on Sunday evening into Monday, we want to remind you of how these situations are handled and how you can stay informed about any schedule changes.
As 2024 winds down, this special edition of the Annandale Insider celebrates the incredible "Awesome Atoms" moments that have defined the year. Reliving these highlights reinforces an important truth: Annandale is truly a special place.
We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our staff, students and community over the past year. From academic and athletic achievements to inspiring displays of school spirit and community, Atom Nation has consistently showcased its talent, teamwork, and dedication.
Of course, none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. On behalf of the entire Annandale High School staff, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your support throughout the year. Whether volunteering your time, cheering on our teams, or simply believing in our students, your contributions make all the difference.
Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
January
Annandale Journalism Students Featured in Washington Post: Journalism students Michelle Collins and Shane Gomez were featured in a Washington Post article, highlighting their work with the nonprofit journalism training program, Youthcast Media Group, which provides mentoring and helps students get their work published in major newspapers. Under the guidance and mentorship of Journalism teacher Alan Weintraut, the young journalists were described as “just the kind of budding reporters our nation’s troubled news business needs.” Professional journalists will be visiting AHS to help students interview sources and write their stories.
Annandale Musicians Participate in District Honor Orchestra: In January, 12 Annandale students participated in District Honor Orchestra at Hayfield Secondary School. Congratulations to Christina Abouzeki, Marc Akl, Abem Alemu, Ollie Allen, Melanie Lam, Erica Lee, Ryan Phan, Andrea Rivera Perez, Jazlyn Tang, Lyana Vo, Calleigh Widjaja, and Leyla Yilma for their hard work and incredible performance!
Two Atoms Earn Global Seal of Biliteracy: Congratulations to Kimberly Navarette Calderon and Zeida Patino Hernandez for earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an international credential that conveys proficiency with language skills in two or more languages. This credential offers a competitive advantage for bilingual individuals by helping them earn scholarships, higher pay, advanced placement, increased study abroad opportunities, and so much more.
Annandale NEHS Students Volunteer at Annandale Terrace Elementary School: NEHS students volunteered weekly at Annandale Terrace Elementary School to help with their after-school program. Our students made connections with the elementary students and tutored them in reading, writing, science, and math. Everyone had so much fun and we are very excited to continue this partnership with ATES!
Former AVID Students Return to Support Seniors: Nineteen (19) alumni of the AHS AVID program came back to AHS to speak to current AVID seniors about their experiences. Alumni hailed from the AHS classes of 2019-2023, and attended UVA, Mason, NOVA, Marymount, Randolph, Virginia Tech, Catholic University, VCU, ODU, and Mary Washington, majoring in Psychology, Education, Business, Biology, Civil Engineering, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Information Technology, and Cinema & TV Production. Alumni met with seniors in small groups to discuss specific colleges and majors. As one alumna, Amina Ahmed, said, “I felt really good being able to give advice to students especially because I was in their position just a year ago.”
Annandale Teacher, Sandra Benitez, Featured in FCPS News: Sandra Benitez was recently featured for being a first year U.S. Government teacher for English Learners at Annandale High School, her alma mater. She decided to become a teacher while working as a counselor-in-training for the Fairfax County Park Authority. Throughout her experience at Annandale High School, she volunteered at elementary schools and as a peer tutor. She shared about the connection she still has with her former teachers and how they supported her dream of becoming a teacher. She also shares how her past helps her connect with current students.
Annandale Teachers Earn National Board Certification: Congratulations to Spanish Teacher, Lauren Paz Soldan and Social Studies Teacher, Paul Mock for being among the 14 FCPS teachers to earn certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.
Annie Ray Wins 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Annie Ray, Orchestra Teacher at Annandale High School, wins the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Click here to read the full FCPS article.
This annual honor recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who also demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools. Annie was selected from more than 2,000 initial nominations submitted from across all 50 U.S. states. She will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for Annandale’s music program.
There is no one more deserving of this honor. Her commitment to bringing music into the lives of all students, regardless of age or ability, has carried an impact throughout Atom Nation. Annie routinely hosts events that bring the entire Annandale community together. Just last week she hosted Pizza & Pizzicato, where close to 400 Strings and Orchestra students from the Annandale feeder schools came to AHS to perform in two back-to-back concerts. Each season, she prepares the musicians of Atom Nation for concerts that feature all of the Annandale Orchestras, including Crescendo, which includes our CAT B students, and our Parent Orchestra, which helps parents learn instruments alongside their child.
AHS Hosts Love Like Adam Foundation: Annandale High School recently hosted the Love Like Adam foundation for the Class of 2024. Love Like Adam is a non-profit established with the goal to “support, educate, and equip graduating seniors and their families with the transition from high school to higher education,” particularly around the dangers of hazing and alcohol intoxication. It was established in honor of Adam Oakes, a recent hazing victim, who died in a hazing incident while attending VCU during his freshman year of college.
Annandale Hosts Pizza and Pizzicato: On Thursday, January 25, close to 400 Strings and Orchestra students from the Annandale feeder schools came to AHS to perform in two back-to-back concerts featuring our AHS Philharmonic Orchestra. There were electric instruments, neon glow bows, and more! Students participated in clinics to make music together, unify as a pyramid, and learn about everything our programs have to offer!
February
Scholastic Bowl Team Participates in Tournament Debut: The newly formed Scholastic Bowl team at AHS made their debut in Scholastic Bowl Tournament competition Saturday, January 27. They competed in the Occoquan Sectional and Regional Scholastic Bowl Tournament against five other schools. They competed well and are looking forward to being regulars on the Scholastic Bowl competition circuit.
Ten Annandale Students Advance to Regional Science Fair: Nineteen Annandale Students Advance to Regional Science Fair: A huge shout-out to all of the teachers who guided students through the science fair project process. Over the last few months our science teams have been working to support students as they prepare their Science Fair Projects. On Wednesday, January 31, Annandale held our in-school science fair. From there, Annandale will send 19 projects to the Regional Science Fair that will take place the weekend of March 15-17. A big thank you to all of our students and staff members who participated in making this year’s science fair a success!
Ivan Flores-Gomez Wins NVFHOF Scholarship! Congrats to Ivan Flores-Gomez, 12th grade student and football player, who recently was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame. Ivan was recognized because of his accomplishments both on and off the field!
Annandale Community Insider Wins “Best High School Newsletter”! The Annandale Community Insider, our weekly newsletter to the students, parents and community members, recently won “Best High School Newsletter” at the 2024 FCPS School Communicators Conference. It was four years ago this month that we sent our first Community Insider. Our goal then and now is not only to provide you the information needed for the upcoming week and beyond, but also build culture, reinforce our vision, share celebrations, and establish a sense of community. Special thanks to Jen Cory and Jeniva Miller, who help collect, organize and edit our weekly newsletter!
Area Journalists Visit Annandale High School: On Friday, Annandale Students meet with political journalist Al Hunt, Fox 5’s Shomari Stone, and NPR’s Michel Martin to help share stories about their careers, offered advice to students and helped share article the students are working on that matter to our school community. Check out Shomari Stone's shoutout to Annandale on FOX 5 here.
AHS English Teacher Selected as Fulbright Global Competence Fellow: Last week administrator Sarah Eqab accompanied IB Language and Literature teacher, Kathleen Mathis, to the Fulbright Global Education Symposium in Washington, DC. They spent several days engaging with representatives of the U.S. Department of State, as well as administrators and educators from across the country. They also discussed how to integrate global competence and instructional strategies in the classroom. The Symposium is part of Mathis’s journey as a Fulbright Teachers for Global Competence fellow. In June she will travel to Uruguay to learn about their education system. As part of her capstone project, she will create an educational guide to incorporating global perspectives in the classroom.
ExxonMobil Education Alliance Donates $1000 to AHS: ExxonMobil is fueling young minds and helping create aha moments through the Educational Alliance. Over $40 million has been committed since the program’s inception, which funds math and science programs at schools in need. It’s part of our ongoing effort to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education within the communities we serve. For more information, check out ExxonMobil’s Education Alliance website.
Orchestra Students Get Backstage Access to the National Symphony Orchestra! Fifty Annandale Orchestra students spent their Friday night at the National Symphony Orchestra where they saw Hilary Hahn perform and meet conductor Gianandrea Noseda. It was an amazing evening organized by Orchestra Leadership. Shoutout to the Orchestra Boosters for making it happen!
Annandale Students Earn Recognition at Edison Academy! Two Annandale students received second quarter recognition with us. Please congratulate them on their accomplishment! Sophia Terrazas-Toranzo earned the Achievement Award for Cyber Security: Exploring IT, and Melvin Guerra Argueta earned Student of the Quarter for Electrical Construction 1. Check out the photo album of all second quarter award winners.
AHS Equity Team for ELs Volunteer at DC Central Kitchen: Last Wednesday, 35 students from the AHS Equity Team for ELs, Alumni of the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE), and Just World volunteered at DC Central Kitchen. This experience allowed students a hands-on opportunity in public service to develop their interest in being changemakers around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The students made a valuable contribution in their DMV community by way of peeling, chopping, mixing, weighing, and packaging food for those in need. The students heard from (and were complimented by!) the DC Central Kitchen CEO, who thanked them for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to be global citizens. This trip was made possible by the Educate Fairfax grant awarded to AHS earlier this school year.
Three Annandale Students Named All District Band - Congratulations to Shane Gomez, Tyler Perez and Brian Bernard for being named All-District Band by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA). 2024 All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Auditions will be February 24 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
Husna Basiri is an NHS Scholarship Award Winner! Congratulations to senior, Husna Basiri for being selected as an NHS Scholarship Recipient. NHS Scholars are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character and presented with an award to support college access and student success. National Honor Society members make a difference in their schools and communities, and the NHS Scholarship is NASSP’s way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders. The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of the NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
March
Saul Soriano selected for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program: The Annandale Community is proud of Saul Soriano for being accepted to Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX). Saul is one of 50 students selected across the United States who will receive a full scholarship to spend a year studying in Germany. Students are selected based on academic merit, strong communication skills, and the ability to represent the U.S. with distinction. Saul is an active member in our AHS school community. He is an AHS student ambassador for the Center for International Education and Exchange and will be performing with the Hispanic Student Union for Heritage Night. Congratulations, Saul!
Annandale Choirs Earn High Marks at State Choral Assessments: Annandale High School proudly announces exceptional results from the State Choral Assessments at Annandale UMC. Our talented choral groups have excelled, with ten Superior and two Excellent ratings in concert performances, showcasing their outstanding musical abilities. In the challenging sight-reading component, our ensembles continued to impress, achieving three Superior and one Excellent ratings. These achievements highlight the dedication, hard work, and musical excellence of our students and educators.
Performing Arts Students Visit NYC: Annandale Performing Arts took their annual combined Spring Trip to New York City. Students got to tour Lincoln Center, see the Broadway show Hadestown, participate in a workshop with the cast, and see Sterling Elliot's cello recital at Juilliard. Prior to the trip, they had masterclasses with members of the National Symphony Orchestra and The United States Army Band. Students walked away from the trip with a greater appreciation for their peers' performing arts discipline, a deeper understanding of their craft, and a discovery of different career paths they might consider.
Congratulations to Thanh Nguyen, National Merit Scholarship Finalist! Congrats to Thanh Nguyen, who has been recognized from a pool of over 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists from around the country. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
FanQuest Rocks Atom Nation! On Wednesday, March 6, the Annandale Special Olympics Basketball team hosted the Justice Wolves for our annual FanQuest. FanQuest is an event that promotes inclusion and respect for students with disabilities through sports. Both the Atoms and Wolves played with the support of general education peers involved with the Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs. These are programs in which students have the opportunity to work with their Cat-B peers.
The event, as a part of our annual Inclusion Revolution week, was supported by our leadership class, boys basketball team, band, and cheerleaders. It was an incredible experience to watch our Special Olympics athletes showcase their basketball skills in the gymnasium packed with student fans. All eyes were on our athletes and the crowd went wild when the first basket was made, and the cheering didn’t stop. The support and appreciation our students had for both the Wolves and their fellow Atoms was overwhelming. Special thanks to Special Olympics Coaches Janan Hawthorne, Katie Shaw and Paul Fink for coordinating this incredible event and to the Justice Wolves for an amazing game. A special shoutout to Mr. Lee and our leadership students for MCing the event and getting the gym set up for our athletes.
Atoms Writing Center Tutors Present at Annual Conference: Atoms Writing Center tutors Safa Touri and Margaret Tran were selected to present at the Secondary Schools Writing Center Association's annual conference this year. On Saturday, March 16th, they delivered a presentation entitled "Straying Away from Paper and Pencil: Understanding Minimalist Tutoring to Encourage Self-Regulated Writing Inside and Outside the Center." Tutors and Writing Center Directors from across the country attended their session to learn how to help tutees thrive by teaching them the skills they need to improve their writing on their own after working with a writing center tutor.
Debate Team Reaches Round 5 of Regionals: The Annandale Debate Team traveled to Wakefield High School for the 2024 regional tournament. Rebeka Balibuno and Cecilia Marigliano participated in the Lincoln-Douglas 1v1 debates and made it through 5 rounds of competition despite this being their first ever competition. This is also the first time in many years that Annandale has fielded a debate team. We are so proud of these young ladies! For more information on how to get involved with Annandale Debate reach out to our incredible sponsors, Kimberly Falvey and Megan Mooney!
Senior, Husna Basiri, Recognized at Fairfax Peace Awards: Husna was one of 27 recipients of a 2024 Student Peace Award of Fairfax County who were honored at a reception on March 10. Representative Gerry Connolly introduced a Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives listing all the recipients and recognizing them as “active in promoting peace or removing the causes of conflict.” Husna founded the Dunya Club, which organizes field trips, college visits, and advocates for the needs of refugees with local media stations. In addition she has served as a Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL), and Co-President of the SEALS. In this role, she established a Mental Health Committee within the organization. Congratulations, Husna!
Journalism Students Learn From Some of the Best in the News Business: Students in the Journalism Pride Time group welcomed Christi Parsons of the University of Maryland’s Medill College of Journalism, former Wall Street Journal Washington Bureau Chief Al Hunt, Morning Edition’s Michael Martin and four of her colleagues from NPR including Chief Washington Editor Krishnadev Calamur, Morning Edition Editors Adam Bearne and Mohamed ElBardicy, and producer Nina Kravinsky. Students met in small groups with journalists to get individualized suggestions on how to complete the stories they've been working on since January.
AHS Students Visit the United Nations: The Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) Global Ambassadors traveled to NYC to leverage their study-abroad experience and explore post-secondary options in the field of international studies. Students visited the United Nations, toured New York University, and connected with alumni at CIEE partner school, Stuyvesant High School. It's not a trip to NYC without a visit to Times Square and walking the Brooklyn Bridge! Keep an eye on these five changemakers as they seek to make the world a better place for all.
Heritage Night Celebrates AHS Diversity and Belonging! Friday night, Annandale hosted our Annual Heritage Night Performance. Students had an opportunity to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Audience members enjoyed an incredible array of performances by students in which the appreciation of our diversity shined. Special thanks to all of our performers who worked so hard to practice their showpieces, our fantastic MCs Semir Ali, Radiate Yohanes and Kenza Choukairi as well as our leadership teachers, Madison Morella and Selvana Ayoub for their hard work in making the show a success!
April
Annandale Pyramid Art Show Success! Last week, Annandale hosted the Pyramid Art Show. This show is an opportunity to showcase student art work from our feeder elementary and middle schools alongside the work of Annandale students. This is a unique event in which our high school students have the opportunity to reconnect with their elementary and middle school Art teachers, and our future Atoms can see the many paths they can take to explore the Arts when they come to Annandale. Special thanks to Carmen Lucas, Erin Mahoney, Luis Navas Reyes and Megan Mooney for mounting this fabulous display of the talent in our community.
Annandale Hosts World Languages Teachers: In April, World Languages teachers from FCPS spent the day visiting classrooms at Annandale and collaborating with our World Languages team to learn with and from each other around best practices in the World Language classroom.
Lauren Paz Soldan, Spanish Teacher, Recognized for NBCT: Spanish Teacher, Lauren Paz Soldan was recognized at last week’s School Board Meeting for earning her National Board Certification. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Congratulations to Ms. Paz Soldan for earning this incredible recognition.
Annandale Students Support ATES Multicultural Night: Students from both schools worked together to collaborate on Annandale Terrace Elementary School’s Multicultural Night. Thanks to family liaisons Maria Mateus, Gisela Sanchez, and Rosario Carrasco for connecting our students and school communities. Our 11 Atoms demonstrated their leadership as they helped set up, greeted families, and manned stations at the photo booth and the “Taste of ATES.” Huge thank you to all who supported this event!
Emmy Award Winner Bernadette Bascom Visits Annandale: On Thursday, Emmy Award winner Bernadette Bascom visited Annandale High School and Annie Ray’s Crescendo Orchestra class. Ms. Bascom started the Music Project, a program designed to use singing to develop children's speaking skills and confidence. She discovered that many of her enrollees were neurodivergent and their speaking and ability to express themselves benefited greatly from the program. A documentary on the program called "Bernadette's Touch" earned her a 2012 Emmy Award for Human Interest Documentary. As a result of her success in the Music Project, Ms. Bascom collaborated with innovators at Microsoft Corporation to create a mobile application that teaches the principles from her in-person Music Project program. As of March 2023, the app called "Speak!" is available in the Apple store and as an early release in the Google play store.
Annandale Orchestra Perform National Anthem at Nats Park! Our Orchestra students performed the National Anthem at the Nationals game against the Houston Astros! Students performed for the entire stadium, then stayed to watch the game. The musicians were featured on the jumbotron as they performed, then again as they showed their spirit during the “Jump Around” challenge. Congratulations to our Orchestra. They knocked it out of the park!
Superintendent Michelle Reid Visits Annandale’s Inclusion Track Meet: Annandale hosted Dr. Michelle Reid and schools from throughout FCPS and surrounding divisions at the Special Olympics Inclusion Track Meet! This event was a great opportunity for students with disabilities to cheer each other on and participate in a variety of fun events. A big thank you to Head Coach Janan Hawthorne, and Assistant Coaches Katie Shaw and Paul Fink, for supporting this event.
Sage Nagle Winns Runner Up in STEM for Her Earth Day Innovation Contest: Annandale Junior, Sage Nagle, was featured on WUSA9 for being named runner up in the STEM for Her Earth Day Innovation Contest. Her entry started as her Science Fair project, when she explored ways to tackle oil spills. Congratulations to Sage on this incredible accomplishment!
CAT B Teacher Jill Hunt Recognized at ATS workshop: Congratulations to Jill Hunt who was recognized as an outstanding example of an educator who integrates Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) into daily instruction. She was invited to present at the FCPS AAC Integration Workshop on Tuesday, April 23 at the Instructional Program Support Center (ISPC). Jill had the opportunity to share teaching successes as well as collaborate with other educators across the county. Awesome work Jill!
May
Studio Art Students Visit National Gallery: Students in our 2D and 3D Studio Art classes attended a field trip to the National Gallery of Art. They had an incredible day starting with a private guided tour of Modern and Post-Modernism Abstract Art. Students were encouraged to look carefully, discuss works of Art, and draw compositions of their own that echoed many of our country’s greatest artists. Special shoutout to Ms. Mooney and Ms. Lockett for chaperoning this trip!
Journalism PRIDE Time Project Celebrates Results: Annandale journalists welcomed back guests from national news outlets to celebrate the results of their 6-month collaboration. Students devoted their free period to work with journalists from national outlets on stories they cared about. Stories center around the challenges of resuming social connections after the pandemic and concerns about the future and their place in it. After students shared what they'd learned in the auditorium. They talked about the importance of going into a story with an open mind, as well as the value of listening, time management, preparation. Veteran DC journalist Al Hunt and fellow alumni of the Wall Street Journal Jerry Seib, Barb Rosewicz, John McKinnon, the L.A. Times' Jackie Calmes, and NPR's Michel Martin and Morning Edition colleague Mohamed ElBardicy encouraged the students and highlighted their achievements.
Atoms Athletes at the Next Level: We recently recognized our Atoms athletes who have committed to play athletics at the collegiate level. Ros McClendon will play Field Hockey at Goucher College, Colin McGee will Swim at College of the Holy Cross, Zachary Plank will play Baseball at Susquehanna University, and Amaya Sutton-Antezana will play Soccer at Marymount University. We are proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to hear of their future success!
Annabelle Lee Awarded Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship: Congratulations to Annandale senior Annabelle Lee, who was selected as the winner of the Asian Leadership Alliance (ALA) Community Action & Service Scholarship. Annabelle was awarded $1,000 to support her college education. The ALA is an organization that focuses on providing resources and support for professional career development for our students of Asian and Pacific islander descent. Annabelle was recently accepted into New York University (NYU)! Awesome job
Spanish Teacher, Miles Meijer, Published in Education Blog, Edutopia: Mr. Meijer’s article, Using Task-Based Lessons to Enhance World Language Classes, was published on the blog Edutopia. The article shares the approach his team takes towards designing assignments based on real-world scenarios that ask students to communicate in the target language. Congratulations to Mr. Meijer and the entire Spanish 2 team for being featured for their outstanding work.
Sophomore, Fatmata Musa Awarded Golden Key Honorable Mention: Congratulations to Fatmata Musa who was awarded a Golden Key Honorable Mention in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition for her poem, Because; I'm tired. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio.
Annandale AVID Program Graduates 45 Students: The Annandale AVID Program held a ceremony on Monday to celebrate the 45 graduating AVID seniors in the Class of 2024. The AVID Class of 2024 will be attending the University of Virginia, George Mason, VCU, Christopher Newport University, Marymount University, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, University of Mary Washington, and Northern Virginia Community College in the fall.
Rossy Soto Selected for Virginia Space Grant Consortium: Congratulations to Rossy Soto for being selected to attend a seven day Commercial ReSupply Academy in August at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Rossy completed an online course that began last summer and ended in April through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Based on her success in the course, she was invited to attend the academy.
Annandale Teachers Perform with FCPS Parent Orchestra: ESOL Teachers Karen Daniels and Tricia Kapuscinski participated in last week’s Parent Orchestra performance held at Annandale High School. They are grateful to Founder and Co-Director, Annie Ray, for creating this program and opportunity for lifelong learning. Their first piece was titled “Exhilaration,” which also describes their Parent Orchestra experience as beginner violinists: challenging, fun, and exhilarating! The Parent Orchestra meets twice a month and welcomes musicians of all experience levels, including those completely new to strings. Registration for next year’s orchestra will be in the fall - don’t miss out!
Annandale Student Earns All-Virginia Concert Band: In February 2024, hundreds of band and orchestra students from throughout the Commonwealth traveled to James Madison University to compete for highly-select seats in the All-Virginia band and orchestra. Students were eligible to audition based on a prior successful audition at the district level.
Tyler Perez, a senior band member and the Drum Major for the Marching Atoms was the singular Annandale band member to earn a spot, ranking as the #1 euphonium player of 25 in District 10, then ranking 9th out of 76 across the Commonwealth. Tyler participated in the All-Virginia Concert Band in Richmond from April 18-20, culminating in a gala concert at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Tyler will continue to play euphonium while he studies aviation at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Congratulations, Tyler!
ATC Students Perform at Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program: The Annandale Theatre Arts 2, 3, and 4 students performed a scene from Macbeth as part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program. The students studied themes of power, fate, free will, and the supernatural. Then students had an opportunity to perform with nine other area schools.
Annandale Choir Student Secures Place In All-Virginia Chorus: Annandale placed one student in the SATB choir and two alternates. Those students are Tyler Miller (First Chair – Bass Section), Andrew Salazar (Second Alternate – Alto Section), Noah Plank (Second Alternate – Bass Section). For Tyler, this is his second year in a row to make the All-Virginia Chorus both as a freshman and a sophomore. Congratulations to all three of these students on this great accomplishment!
Congratulations to Dr. Hanna Langstein, Ed.D.! Assistant Principal Hanna Langstein recently graduated from Virginia Tech with her Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Hanna has been working on her doctorate throughout her time at Annandale High School. Dr. Langstein’s dissertation was a case study of a middle school, entitled: Honors-for-All: The Effect of Detracking on Teachers’ Beliefs and Pedagogy.
June
Annandale Gets A Spirit Rock! Huge thank you to Annandale PTSA and Luck Stone Quarry for the donation of our Spirit Rock. Dave Snider and Luck Stone Quarry generously donated the seven (7) ton rock and arranged for the donation and delivery. Delivery was courtesy of LCS Site Services. Seniors painted the rock during Senior Sunset. We look forward to seeing our Annandale Spirit on display for years to come.
AHS Celebrates Largest Number of IB Diploma Candidates: This year, Annandale High School proudly celebrates a landmark achievement as we graduate our largest group of International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates to date—78 remarkable students. These dedicated scholars have not only completed between 12 to 18 rigorous IB courses but have also engaged deeply in the unique Theory of Knowledge class, crafted extensive 4,000-word extended essays, and participated in a myriad of service activities. Their commitment to academic excellence and community service exemplifies the spirit and intellectual vigor of Atom Nation. Congratulations to each of these students for reaching this significant milestone in their educational journey!
Katie Shaw Honored as Finalist for FCPS Outstanding New Secondary Teacher: Katie Shaw, Cat B teacher at Annandale High School, was recognized as a finalist for the FCPS Honors Outstanding New Secondary Teacher award. Katie teaches Pathways to Accessing Community Environments (PACE), a program serving students ages 18-22, where she emphasizes the importance of independence in life and job skills to ensure a seamless transition from high school to adulthood. Beyond her classroom duties, Katie is actively engaged in Atom Nation, supporting various school activities and serving as a Special Olympics coach. Congratulations Katie!
AHS Senior, Jeremiah Nelson Wins Runner Up in States! A huge congratulations to Jeremiah Nelson, who finished state runner-up in the high jump! Jeremiah's hard work, dedication, and athletic talent have truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of his achievement! Next up, National Competitions!
AVID Program Grows Five-Fold! On May 22, the AHS AVID Program held its annual end of year review and celebration. The AVID program at Annandale High School has quintupled in the last eight years, with over 250 students enrolled for next year, making it the second largest program in the division. During the presentation, the AVID coordinator, elective teachers, and students shared program highlights and goals for the upcoming year.
Students expressed that the program is a “safe place to do what I love“ that “feels like home” and described the AVID community as “a special family bonded with many aspirations…where I can work with my peers to reach my goals and help them meet theirs.”
Chad Steffey Named Outstanding New Band Teacher! We are delighted to announce that Dr. Chad Steffey has been honored with the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education Outstanding New Band Teacher Award. His exceptional dedication has not only revitalized our band program at Annandale but also fostered a nurturing environment where students excel musically and grow as compassionate individuals. Dr. Steffey’s unwavering support, particularly his willingness to step in during a colleague's leave, exemplifies his commitment to our students' success. This well-deserved recognition highlights his significant impact on nurturing budding musicians within our community. Congratulations, Dr. Steffey, on this outstanding achievement!
Alison Coria Tarazona Awarded Scholarship for Leadership! Congratulations to Alison Tarazona for being awarded The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) Scholarship for Leadership. Recipients were recognized for leadership and mentoring skills in their educational and social activities. Candidates for the HLA Scholarships are committed to furthering their education while improving their communities and will be the first in their families to attend a postsecondary institution.
EduFuturo Partnership Brings Emerging Leader Program to Annandale: This spring Annandale partnered with Edu-Futuro to offer the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP 1) focusing on current sophomores and juniors who are first generation college-bound students with an emphasis on communication and leadership skills to prepare them for life after high school. We had 26 students graduate from this after-school program and multiple students won scholarships for their participation like Mailhi Leon Lobos won first place in the essay competition and Rossy Soto who won first place in the speech competition. A summer Edu-Futuro bootcamp will be offered and interested candidates can complete this Google form. We plan on partnering with Edu-Futuro in the fall with additional opportunities so please stay tuned for more information!
Two Annandale Seniors Featured on WTOP:AHS Seniors Sosan Barakzai and Husna Basiri were recently featured on WTOP for their outstanding contributions to our community. As founders of the "Dunya" club, they have created a vital support network for immigrant students adjusting to life in Fairfax County. Their dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds is truly inspirational. Both graduates are headed to George Washington University, leaving behind a legacy that will guide future Annandale students. Congratulations, Sosan and Husna, on this well-deserved recognition!
Featured in Northern Virginia Magazine - Grit: Afghan Refugee Conquers Virtual Learning, 14 SOL Attempts to Graduate: Afghan refugee Samiullah Luddin, a senior at Annandale High School, did not have the easiest path to graduation. Samiullah — whose family left Afghanistan after his father survived being kidnapped by the Taliban and detained for months — began his American public school experience in 2020. He showed up to school for the first time in the U.S. to pick up a laptop, ready to embark on virtual learning like students across the country during the early days of the pandemic. Check out the article in Northern Virginia Magazine!
Summer 2024
AHS 2023-24 End of Year Report Highlights Academic Success! Annandale High School achieved outstanding academic success during the 2023-24 school year, with English scores rising to 97%, Math scores at 90%, and a remarkable 9% increase in Science. These results reflect our commitment to academic excellence and collaboration, earning us recognition as the only high school in Virginia to be named a Model Professional Learning Community at Work®. Read more about our achievements in the End-of-Year Report.
Shawn DeRose Elected VASSP President: Congratulations to Shawn DeRose who has been elected as the President of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Founded in 1906, VASSP is a leading organization dedicated to promoting quality education and supporting school administrators in Virginia. As the seventh largest school administrators’ organization within the National Association of Secondary School Principals' network, VASSP provides unparalleled professional development and advocacy for its members. Mr. DeRose’s election is a testament to his dedication and leadership in the field of education. Congratulations, Mr. DeRose!
AHS Students & Teachers Travel for Exchange Program: This summer, ESOL Coach, Meredith Hedrick and Spanish Teacher, Miles Meijer traveled to Madrid, Spain, with the Center for International Education and Exchange language and culture program. Miles was a program leader who supported students and led groups on cultural activities and excursions. Meredith participated in a teacher site visit and joined the students in Spanish language classes and excursions. We can’t wait to hear about their experiences when they return to school.
Mario Ramos Offers Inspirational Speech at the NOVA Advisory Council: Aspiring teacher, Annandale Instructional Assistant, and 2021 Graduation Speaker, Mario Ramos, shared his inspiring journey from El Salvador to becoming an educator this summer with the NOVA Advisory Council. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from Annandale High School and Northern Virginia Community College as he pursues his education. He also expressed his gratitude for the support of the Annandale community in achieving his dream of inspiring immigrant students.
Congrats Annandale Summer School Graduates! Congratulations to our summer school students who recently graduated at West Springfield High School on Tuesday, July 31.
August
Annandale Alumni Making a Difference at GW! Former Annandale High School students, Husna Basiri and Sosan Barakzai, have embarked on their academic journeys at George Washington University, bringing with them a legacy of compassion and leadership. Husna and Sosan were instrumental in founding the Dunya Club at Annandale, a group that provided community, support, and cultural adaptation resources to newly arrived Afghan refugees. As public health majors, their dedication to helping others has continued at GW, where they are both pursuing careers in medicine. Driven by a strong desire to give back and support those facing significant barriers to education and personal growth, they are both pursuing degrees, Husna in biological studies at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and Sosan at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, with sights set on one day going to medical school. Check out the article in GW Today.
Annandale Hosts Multilingual Learner Summit: This August, Annandale High School proudly hosted the "Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit," an evening dedicated to empowering our multilingual students and their families. The event provided attendees the opportunity to explore a table fair, showcasing an array of opportunities within FCPS and the broader community that support pathways to graduation and future careers.
A highlight of the evening was the inspiring keynote delivered by Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, who shared a powerful message on the strength of community and resilience. Following the keynote, a dynamic student panel engaged in an insightful dialogue with Dr. Zelaya, fostering a space for meaningful connection and shared experiences. The summit successfully cultivated an environment of mutual support and deeper understanding, reinforcing Annandale's commitment to embracing the diverse voices that shape our community.
Annandale Senior Shares Exchange Experience with Superintendent: Annandale senior, Rawan Bin Humam, connected with Superintendent Michelle Reid at the Multilingual Learner Summit this August to share her experience studying with the Center for International Education and Exchange for their Entrepreneurship program in Berlin, Germany. Dr. Reid, a German speaker, shared her connection with Rawan.
September
Boys Volleyball Earns First Win in Program History! Congratulations to our Boys Volleyball Team, who notched their first win in program history on Thursday night in an away match against Hayfield! After winning a close first set, the Atoms went on to lose the next two, including a 25-7 loss (yikes) in the third set. Even when the game seemed out of reach, tremendous positivity and leadership from senior captains Tyson Perkins and Logan Noyes spurred on a fourth set comeback win. In truly dramatic fashion, the Atoms overcame a seemingly impossible 14-10 deficit in the 5th set to win 19-17 and secure their first ever win! Each and every player demonstrated admirable determination and a strong will to overcome adversity that should make everyone in the Annandale community proud.
Annandale High School PTSA Food Pantry Awarded Rustic Love Grant: September is Hunger Action Month, and we are excited to announce that our Annandale High School PTSA Food Pantry has been selected as one of the recipients of Rustic Love’s generous grant! We are incredibly proud of our Pantry Team and grateful to Rustic Love and the community for their continued support in providing healthy take-home nutrition for our students.
Annandale Staff Member Interviewed on Retro VOA Podcast: Congratulations to Mario Villanueva Ramos, Annandale staff member and 2021 graduation speaker, for his appearance on the podcast Retro VOA! Have you ever wondered how school education differs between the U.S. and Latin America? In this episode of Retro VOA, they dive into the realities of studying in both regions. Check out this insightful conversation!
Annandale Singers Perform at FCPS School Board Meeting: The Annandale Singers represented Annandale High School and sang the National Anthem at the FCPS School Board Meeting this September at Luther Jackson Middle School. This honor highlights the talent of our students and the excellence of our performing arts program.
Annandale High School Named Special Olympics Unified Champion School: We are thrilled to announce that Annandale High School is one of nine schools across the Commonwealth which have received recognition as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School! This prestigious honor highlights our dedication to fostering inclusion through Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. By fulfilling 10 rigorous standards of excellence, we’ve proudly created a culture where students with and without disabilities can thrive together. Check out our FanQuest video to see how our Special Olympics team embodies this spirit of unity and inclusion in action.
October
Annandale High School Pre-Qualified for ENERGY STAR Certification: Annandale HS has pre-qualified for this year’s ENERGY STAR certification. This means that Annandale performs better than 75% of schools across the nation in terms of energy consumption. The score is one of many criteria that is verified to qualify for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR. The next phase for qualification involves a site visit by a certification team. The verification process includes checking ventilation introduced by rooftop HVAC units, and taking light readings and temperature settings within classrooms.
Visual Arts Students Visit the National Gallery of Art: This October, our photography students had the opportunity to experience the collection of photographs by legendary American photographer, Gordon Parks at the National Gallery of Art. Gordon Parks, one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, was a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice. He left behind an exceptional body of work that documents American life and culture from the early 1940s into the 2000s, with a focus on race relations, poverty, civil rights, and urban life. Students were able to view piece after piece that embodied the American experience for people of color, while reflecting on the impact of these photos in the Civil Rights Movement.
AHS Celebrates MYP Certificate Winners! Last week, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our students who earned the FCPS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Certificate! The Annandale MYP Certificate Celebration was a special evening filled with recognition and pride as school leaders honored the hard work and dedication of our students. Families joined us in the AHS Auditorium to hear remarks, receive certificates, and enjoy light refreshments together. A special thanks to Dr. Geovanny Ponce, our esteemed guest speaker, for his inspiring words and for helping make the evening even more memorable. Annandale High School remains committed to fostering critical thinking, global citizenship, and community service. Congratulations once again to all of our MYP certificate recipients!
Annandale PACE Pours at DCDT Conference: Recently, our PACE Pours team attended the International Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) conference showcasing the work they do in our school. DCDT is an international professional educational organization affiliated with the International Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) whose members are dedicated to shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of career development and transition services of youth with exceptionalities.
Marching Atoms Lead Annandale Parade: In October, the Marching Atoms led the annual Annandale Parade down Columbia Pike, continuing a tradition that began in 1950. The event brings the community together to celebrate Annandale’s diversity and fosters neighborhood spirit and connection. Attendees joined in the fun by wearing Halloween costumes, and the Marching Atoms participated with their own creative and spirited costumes, adding a touch of Atom Pride to the festivities.
Annandale Spanish Teachers Recognized As Virginia World Langauge Teachers of the Year: We are thrilled to announce that two of our Spanish teachers, Lauren Paz Soldan and Miles Meijer, have been recognized by the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA) as Virginia’s 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year and Novice Teacher of the Year, respectively—an honor reflecting their commitment to inspiring our students to embrace new languages and cultures and become thoughtful global citizens. Huge congratulations to Lauren and Miles for this well-deserved recognition!
Annandale Field Hockey Wins National District Championship! Congratulations to our Varsity Field Hockey team who won the National District Tournament Championship. Led by first team all-district players Riply Hotaling, Sofia Savvedra, Lilly Flores and district player of the year, Callia Uviedo, the Atoms defeated their three opponents by a combined score of 13-0 en route to their 2nd district championship in three years.
General James Clapper Inducted into FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame! General James Clapper, Annandale High School Class of 1959, has been inducted into the Fairfax County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame! As the 4th United States Director of National Intelligence and a dedicated public servant, General Clapper’s remarkable career exemplifies leadership, service, and commitment—values rooted in his time as an Atom. His achievements are an inspiration to our students and alumni, reflecting the strength of our Annandale community. Congratulations, General Clapper, on this well-deserved honor!
Annandale High School Named Global Navigator School for Third Year: For the third consecutive year, Annandale High School has been selected as a Global Navigator School by the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE). AHS students have received over $180,000 in scholarships to study abroad, providing them with opportunities to explore new languages, connect with diverse cultures, and address global and local issues. CIEE will visit in November to meet with students and families interested in learning more about these opportunities. Teachers are also encouraged to get involved, with applications now open for program leaders for the summer of 2025. For more information or questions, reach out to Meredith Hedrick.
November
W4 Activities Day Creates Connection to AHS! We held our first monthly W4 Activities Day. It was so fun to see students connect with each other and staff through activities such as playing games and sports, making friendship bracelets, tinseling hair, scarf making, and coloring. Very few other schools the size of Annandale manage to organize an event like this, which we offer once a month. A huge thank you to our Activities Department for taking on this complex planning! Our next W4 Activities Day will be on Monday, November 25. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school.
AHS Speech Team Competes in First Tournament! On Saturday, Ms. Mooney and the Annandale High School Speech Team, supported by enthusiastic parents, attended their first tournament at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia. Competing in Declamation and Dramatic Interpretation, our team gained valuable experience through multiple rounds and attended a seminar offering insights from a judge’s perspective. As this is AHS’s inaugural year with a Speech Team, the day was both enlightening and inspiring. Below are our team captains, Cecilia Marigliano and Julia Gallo Wedolowski, pictured proudly with tournament head, Mr. Mark Deaton.
Top Ten Reasons to Love Annandale Revealed: FCPS recently released the Top Ten Reasons to Love Annandale High School page! From our vibrant, diverse community (#1) and welcoming environment (#2) to our extensive academic programs (#3) and wide range of extracurriculars (#5), AHS truly has something for everyone. Our dedicated staff (#4) supports each student, and our College and Career Center (#8) offers valuable resources for future planning. Explore the full list to see why AHS is a place where students thrive!
Carlos Alvarez Earns Double Honors! Congratulations to Carlos Alvarez on an outstanding achievement! At the recent All-Region Meeting, Carlos was named 1st Team All-Region in two positions: Running Back and Kick Returner. This incredible recognition showcases his exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication. Way to go, Carlos—we’re proud of you!
AHS Alumni Delivers Keynote at Center for International Education Exchange: Alison Coria Tarazona (Class of 2024) was one of the keynote speakers at the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) annual conference held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Alison studied the Leadership and Service in Public Health in the Dominican Republic program. At the conference, Alison shared the impact study abroad had on her life and how it influenced her post-secondary options to study neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Here is the blog post Alison wrote when she returned. In her reflection, Alison shared how the experience influenced her educational pathway, as well as, her confidence, independence, and ability to overcome challenges.
AHS Pantry Celebrates Six Years! This November, the AHS Pantry marks six years of supporting students and families facing food insecurity. Since 2018, it has grown to include fresh produce, expanded refrigeration. At the most recent distribution the AHS Pantry served 487 members of 98 families. The pantry’s success is thanks to Norma Forti and the Annandale community’s generosity through donations, volunteering, and drives. Together, we’re weaving a strong fabric for Atom Nation. Thank you for your support!
Fall Sports Season a Huge Success: The 2024 season was a testament to the resilience, growth, and spirit of Atoms Athletics. Teams across all sports demonstrated remarkable improvement, celebrated personal bests, and achieved milestones that will inspire future athletes. From thrilling playoff runs and championship victories to standout individual performances, the Atoms showed grit, determination, and teamwork at every turn. With seasoned leaders graduating and promising young talent returning, the future of Atoms Athletics looks brighter than ever. Click here for the full story!
December
Annandale Singers Shine at VCU Invitational! After wrapping up their fall concert, the Annandale Singers took part in their first-ever VCU Invitational in Richmond! Their day began with a brunch stop at Cracker Barrel before heading to campus for a full day of music and collaboration. “It was very cool to work with a lot of other choirs and sing one big piece together,” shared junior Ryan Tran, who also enjoyed meals at the VCU dining hall. The singers had the chance to watch VCU choirs perform, and their fast-paced, challenging pieces left a lasting impression on choir directors from other schools.
Congrats to AHS Art Teachers Erin Mahoney and Luis Navas Reyes! Kudos to Erin Mahoney and Luis Navas Reyes for having their artwork featured in the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality. This show features original works by FCPS art teachers, with this year’s theme focusing on "Materiality"—exploring how artists experiment with and push the boundaries of different media and materials in their creations. We are proud of Erin and Luis for representing AHS in this inspiring exhibition!
Celebrating Writing Success at Annandale! In December, 430 students in English 11, IB Language & Literature, and IB English Lit 1 classes took the ACT WorkKeys Business Writing test as a pathway to earn verified credit in Writing. We are thrilled to share that 97% of our students passed! A huge congratulations to these students and our incredible English 11 team: Herman McClain, Julia Hanneman, Stephanie Hanson, Evelyn Hsia, Tricia Kapuscinski, Kathleen Mathis, Chris Bagot, Nina Avedissian, and Beth Nank. Their hard work and dedication to preparing students for this assessment have brought them one step closer to graduation!
Carlos Alvarez Earns Double Honors! Congratulations to Carlos Alvarez on an outstanding achievement! At the recent All-Region Meeting, Carlos was named 1st Team All-Region in two positions: Running Back and Kick Returner. This incredible recognition showcases his exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication. Way to go, Carlos—we’re proud of you!
Annandale Student Featured For Work With Baskets for Babies: Annandale High School’s own Tyson Perkins was featured during the Good Morning Washington segment, Kids Give Back. He shared about his work with the local non-profit to promote their "Baskets for Babies" initiative. This program encourages children to assemble and distribute essential items for families with infants, teaching the importance of giving back. Tyson shared his experiences and discussed the Atoms Games, an Annandale event that builds school community and gives back to Annandale families. Check it out on wjla.com!
