Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,
Another incredible week to be an Annandale Atom! Tuesday featured W4 Activities Day, giving students a chance to participate in games, crafts, and activities that foster community and connection. From bracelet-making to sports, the day was filled with opportunities for students and staff to come together. Our student clubs also assembled Halloween treat bags to share with local children’s hospitals and members of our armed services. Thank you to our Activities Office for organizing such a meaningful day. We look forward to our next session on November 24!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and there is truly no better place to celebrate than in Atom Nation! Our students and staff showed incredible creativity and school spirit throughout the day. As a staff, we continued our annual costume contest, and this year’s group costumes were some of the best yet. The administrative team rolled in as bowling pins, with two staff members dressed as bowlers—and yes, I was the bowling ball! The English department brought stories to life by dressing as a variety of book genres, from fantasy to young adult to science fiction. Our Student Services team celebrated Hispanic culture with beautiful Día de los Muertos attire. This year brought a nostalgic touch with the math department as Pokémon characters, and our double block teachers as Double Dare contestants. It was a fun day filled with laughter, community, and Atom pride!
Our fall athletes also gave us plenty to cheer about. The Atoms Field Hockey team has qualified for the VHSL State Tournament and will travel to Independence High School in Ashburn on Tuesday, November 4 for a 6:00pm start. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 or at the gate. Meanwhile, our Girls Volleyball team secured the Number 3 seed in the Occoquan Region Tournament and will host Alexandria City on Monday, November 3 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.
All of these moments capture what makes Annandale such a remarkable place. From connecting over shared interests during W4 Activities Day, to the friendly creative competition in the Halloween costume contest, to cheering on our athletes, this week showed the strength of Atom Nation.
As a reminder, there is no school Monday or Tuesday. We will see you back here on Wednesday for the start of second quarter. Have a great week, Atom Nation! Reach out if you have any questions.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations!
At Annandale High School, we believe our staff is truly exceptional, and the work they do for our students deserves to be celebrated outside of Atom Nation! Each year, FCPS recognizes staff members who demonstrate outstanding excellence in their roles, including Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Leader, Professional Employee, Operational Employee, and Principal. We invite you to join us in honoring the incredible contributions made every day by highlighting some of our amazing staff members. Let’s shine a spotlight on the excellence that makes Annandale special!
To nominate an Annandale staff member, please complete the AHS Outstanding Employee Nomination Form. If you are interested in learning more about the overall FCPS awards process, you can visit the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Website. Nominations are due on Friday, November 14. Contact Jae Lee with any questions.
|
Important Dates
November 3 - School Planning Day (No School)
November 4 - Teacher Work Day (No School)
November 4 - Atoms Field Hockey Plays In State Tournament
November 5 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
November 10 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin
November 11 - Veterans Day (No School)
November 12-13 - World Language Credit By Exam
November 13-15 - Fall Musical - Annie
November 17 - MYP Certificate Celebration
November 18 - PRIDE Time 2.0 Begins
November 18 - PTSA Meeting
November 19 - Winter Meet the Coaches Night
November 19 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
November 20 - Atoms Games Begin
November 20 - Thanksgiving Lunch
November 24 - W4 Activities Day
November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Now through November 10 - SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure: The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter until Monday, November 10, 6:00am. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
November 3-4 - Student Holiday: Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
November 4 - Atoms Field Hockey Plays In State Tournament: Atoms field hockey has qualified for the VHSL State Tournament that begins play on Tuesday, November 4. The Atoms will travel to Independence High School in Ashburn for their quarterfinal game with 6:00pm start. Online ticket price is $10 (plus a $1.50 fee). Cash will be accepted at the gate for $12. Tickets to the game can be purchased here.
November 10 - Winter Sports Tryouts: Winter sports season is almost here! The first official day of tryouts will be Monday, November 10, and we are excited to kick off another great season of competition and teamwork. This year’s winter sports include boys and girls basketball, swim and dive, boys and girls wrestling, gymnastics, sideline cheer, and indoor track. To participate, students must complete two important steps before tryouts begin: submit a completed Sports Physical to our Athletic Trainer, Ryan Hughes, and complete the online Activity Registration, which includes the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. Be sure to check out the winter tryout schedule below for specific times and locations. For more information, email Brandon Sutphin.
November 13-15 - Annandale Theatre Company presents “Annie” Is it a Hard Knock Life? Don’t worry, the Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow, or rather in November when our theatre company performs the beloved musical “Annie.” Follow Annie, a loveable orphan on her journey to find her forever home and chosen family. With catchy songs, showstopping choreography, and bigger than life characters, this family-friendly musical will delight our Annie-dale community. Check it out on November 13 & 14 at 7pm, and November 15 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $15/general, $10 students/60+, $5/age 10 and under. Free to AHS Staff Members! Purchase tickets: annandaletheatre.org.
November 21 - Mentor Open House: Interested in becoming a mentor? Join us for an open house on November 21 from 3:00-4:00pm in Clausen Hall to learn more about our mentoring program. We will have pizza and refreshments as we share information about this rewarding opportunity to support Annandale students. Please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly. Questions? Contact Chris Edmonds. We hope to see you there!
November 26 - Federal Impact Aid Survey Due: The Federal Impact Aid Survey forms were distributed to students during W4. Our school can receive additional funding if we have families federally connected. Each year, every school is required to survey their families. Parents/Guardians, please complete the form, sign it, and return it to school with your child by Tuesday, November 26.
|
Important Information
Fall Check-In Survey Now Open! With the school year well underway, we want to hear from our staff, students and families. Specifically, we would like to hear what is going well for you and your student, what is a challenge you would like to work together to problem-solve, who is someone who has helped you, and answer any questions. Please share your feedback through this anonymous survey. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, November 9. In the coming weeks, we will share survey trends as well as how we are responding to your feedback.
Cell Phone Policy Reminder: All cell phones, headphones, and phone accessories must remain off and away all day, including during hallway transitions. Students may only use their devices in the cafeteria during lunch. Any devices seen in use outside of that time will be confiscated. Students can pick up their devices after school in the cafeteria. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing this expectation at home and helping all of our Atoms stay focused on learning throughout the da
Federal Impact Aid Survey: FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. This year, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. All parents with a ParentVUE account will be able to complete the survey online using their computer at home. Step by step directions for filling out the online form can be found here. For families unable to complete the survey on-line, a paper form will be available. Also, families who do not complete the online application by the requisite deadline will be provided with a printed survey form. Important dates. Paper forms will be available November 14.
November 7 - Middle School Grade Expunge Form Due: If your current 9th grade student wished to have a high school course taken in middle school removed from their transcript, the expunge form must be signed and returned to Student Services by the end of the first quarter, which we will accept through Friday, November 7. The form is available here. Please contact your student’s counselor with questions.
2025-26 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees: As part of the FCPS budget, FCPS is continuing to pay for the first six IB/AP tests a student wishes to take. Students will be assessed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for any tests beyond the first six funded by FCPS. Students that have free/reduced lunch status and have completed the consent to share form, will not be charged these fees. FCPS and Annandale High School encourage all students to take IB/AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking a college level exam. The IB exam calendar can be found here. The AP exam calendar can be found here.
When scores are released in July 2026, students have the ability to share their scores with their colleges. However, if students wish to not test they will have the opportunity to opt-out. To obtain the opt-out form, students must see Mrs. Bradshaw, IB Diploma Coordinator, in the library. Parents will be billed in December through MySchoolBucks for any test fees beyond the six FCPS funded tests. These fees are non-refundable and there is no spring cancellation option.
Support for AHS Families Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown: We recognize that the federal government shutdown may cause stress and uncertainty for many of our families. Given our location in Northern Virginia, we understand that disruptions to federal paychecks and operations can create real and immediate challenges.
Please know that your student’s well-being remains our top priority. We are here to support you and connect you with local resources as needed. If your family is experiencing financial hardship or needs assistance with essentials such as food, school supplies, fees, or other immediate needs due to the shutdown, please reach out to one of the following contacts: Family Liaisons: Arlene Tunon, Gisela Sanchez, Social Workers: Ghada Khalaf, Jordan Payne.
Free Immunizations Available for All FCPS Students: Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, is providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Families will need to provide insurance information if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate. Upcoming immunization clinics will be held at:
Willow Oaks Administrative Office 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, 3:00-6:30pm:
• Thursday, November 6
• Tuesday, November 18
• Wednesday, November 19
• Thursday, November 20
Frost Middle School 4101 Pickett Rd, Fairfax, 9:00am-4:30pm
• Saturday, November 15
To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit the FCPS Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage.
|
Awesome Atoms
Sing! A Celebration of Annandale Choirs: Last Monday, the Annandale community gathered in Watson Auditorium for Sing!, our first choir concert of the year. The evening showcased all four of our talented ensembles—Atom Chorale, Men’s Chorale, Chamber, and the Annandale Singers—accompanied by piano, bass, and drums. Audiences were treated to an incredible range of musical styles and genres, featuring works by Brinsmeade, Englehardt, Farnell, Gilpin, Hagenberg, Johnson, Stopford, Tate, and more. It was a joyful celebration of music and collaboration that truly highlighted the talent and passion of our students.
Marching Atoms Lead Annandale Parade: 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. Upon returning to the school, the band gave an impromptu special performance for the visiting members of the Class of 1985, who were on campus celebrating their 40th reunion!
|
Annandale Celebrates Virginia College Application Week! Last week Annandale students took advantage of Virginia College Application Week and the waived college application fees for most Virginia colleges and universities. Students received assistance with completing their college applications during lunch and after school.
Miles Meijer Panelist at FLAVA Conference: Spanish teacher Miles Meijer was one of three panelists at the opening session of FLAVA's (Foreign Language Association of Virginia) fall conference. Miles took audience questions about the current state of world language education in Virginia and discussed the future of the profession. The FLAVA Fall Conference is a prominent gathering that brings together over 650 educators for an enriching blend of workshops, sessions, and discussions that address the current trends and challenges in world language teaching.
A-Blast and Antenna Shine at VHSL Conference
Students from The A-Blast and The Antenna attended the annual VHSL Multimedia Conference at Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg, joining journalism students and professionals from across Virginia to celebrate student media and sharpen their skills.
Throughout the day, students participated in workshops on design, storytelling, and headline writing, and several competed in the “Write Off” contests. Senior Sheyla Ramos earned an honorable mention for caption writing, and junior Liya Nigussie placed third overall.
At the awards ceremony, The A-Blast earned Trophy Class, VHSL’s highest distinction, and The Antenna received First Class honors. It was an inspiring day celebrating the talent, creativity, and teamwork of our Annandale student journalists!
|
Opportunities
Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in Academics and Visual and Performing Arts. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for four weeks in June - late July. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the Virginia Department of Education website. Students may complete this google form to RSVP and receive a pass to the location. For questions, contact Xander Price.
Compete for $1,000 in FCPS AI Innovation Challenge! Students can work in teams to design AI-powered apps that solve real problems in our schools and communities. No coding experience necessary! Teams compete first at school (prizes up to $150), then advance to FCPS AI Innovation Night in December where the top team wins $1,000 per student. Winners move on to the White House Presidential AI Challenge with over $1.5 million in national prizes. Interested? Sign up here by November 14!
November 5 - Application for Georgetown University's SDG Youth Summit Due: Annandale students are invited to apply to attend the Sustainable Development Goals Youth Summit at Georgetown University on November 15. This one-day educational conference focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and brings together middle and high school students to discuss global priorities promoting peace, equity, and sustainability. Students will participate in interactive workshops with Georgetown professors and local advocacy groups, learning how to take action and implement the SDGs in their schools and communities. Interested students must provide their own transportation, commit to attending the full day, and represent Annandale High School at this regional conference. Read all conference information on the official website before applying. Complete the interest survey by November 5.
November 12 - Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Parent Night, 7pm: Annandale High School has been selected as a Global Navigator School partner with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), giving our students access to scholarships 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 and local issues in today’s interconnected world. CIEE representatives will be at Annandale High School to meet with students during the day and will also offer an in-person evening meeting. For more information, please visit the CIEE website. The parent meeting is on Wednesday, November 12, at 7:00pm in the Parent Resource Center. Enter through Door 1.
Winter Break Olympics Camp: Calling all second through eighth graders! Winter Break Camp will again run from 8:30am-3:00pm, with drop off as early as 8:00am. Camp Runs December 22-23 at Poe Middle School and Dec 29-30 at Annandale High School. Sign up at: https://bit.ly/Winter25Camp.
|
Academic Support & Tutoring Opportunities
Need Help in Your Class? Stay After School With Your Teacher: Stay With Your Teacher After School! Annandale High School offers late bus transportation three (3) days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All teachers stay after school at least one day a week to provide academic support for students. Please refer to this list to see which day your student’s teacher is available after school.
Retake Room is Up and Running! To support students in retaking assessments or making up missed assignments, the retake room is located in room 299 at the end of the Social Studies hall. Retakes are available on Late Bus Days after school, and every White Day during PRIDE Time. Students who would like to take advantage of the retake room must work with their teacher to sign up.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost: FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about | |
