ATES Updates_03/06/2026

Upcoming Dates:

03/13                PTA Sponsored Chuck E Cheese Fundraising Night
                         (4:00pm, 9404 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031)
03/18                3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
03/20                Student Holiday-Eid al-Fitr-No School
03/25                Spring Pictures (ATES Library)
                         ATES Dance Night (6:00pm, AHS Gym)
03/27                End of 3rd Quarter
                         2-Hour Early Student Release - Dismissal time 1:20 pm
03/30-04/03      Spring Break
04/06                Teacher Workday (No School)
04/10                Teacher Workday (No School)
                         Kindergarten Orientation (2:00-3:00pm, Gym)
04/17                5th grade Panoramic
                         Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
04/22                3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
04/23                Spring Concert & Art Show (6:00-7:00pm, Gym & Cafeteria)


Be Kind banner

We held another amazing mentoring event this past week! The event called, Sweet Escape, was a wonderful success! Students worked side by side with their mentors to solve a series of fun and engaging challenges that required teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The room was filled with excitement as mentees and mentors encouraged one another and celebrated each success along the way. At the end of the event, students enjoyed visiting the candy table, where they created their own “sweet” bags as a reward for their hard work and collaboration.
A huge thank you to all of our mentors for showing up, supporting, and investing in their mentees—your presence makes a lasting difference. A very special thank you to Ms. Boyle for organizing such an amazing and meaningful event for our students!

We held another amazing mentoring event this past week! The event called, Sweet Escape, was a wonderful success!

Our Preschool and PAC students had an exciting visit from our local firefighters! Students had the opportunity to see a real fire truck up close and learn about how firefighters help keep our community safe. The firefighters shared important safety tips in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way, helping to build students’ confidence and understanding.
We are grateful to our firefighters for taking the time to visit, connect with our students, and create such a meaningful learning experience. We thank them for their service and for making this day so special for our youngest learners!

Our Preschool and PAC students had an exciting visit from our local firefighters!

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9

  • FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment.
  • Communication.
  • Student success.
  • Advocacy.
  • Family and school partnerships.
  • Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.


Sleep Awareness Week

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.


CAREER DRESS UP DAY!

CAREER DRESS UP DAY!

Dress up as what you want to be when you grow up!


PTA Sponsored Chuck E Cheese Fundraising Night

PTA Sponsored Chuck E Cheese Fundraising Night

6th Early Release Wednesday- March 18, 2026

K-5 students will be dismissed @12:20pm on 03/18/26 to allow educators time for planning & training. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship due to the early release. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. Complete https://forms.gle/XACEydo8dAdnjP876 (updated link) as soon as possible for each of your children who are enrolled at ATES no matter you need a childcare or not. Questions? Please call the main office. 


ATES Dance Night_03/25/2026@6:00PM

ATES Dance Night_03/25/2026@6:00PM

Join us for our annual ATES Dance Night, which will be held in Annandale High School Gym at 6:00pm on March 25th, 2026. Bring your families and enjoy a fun night. 


SOLPass

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests. All Annandale Terrace students have access to the site. You may access the site through www.solpass.org/login or by going to Student Resources from our school website.

When you are on the login page, enter our school name and password: annandale. Click Login

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.


Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. All volunteers must:

  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.


Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. 

Please note other important details below:

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.


Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration

The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.

Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. A spirited keynote speech was delivered by Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute.

Read more about the Black history event.


Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

kindergarten

Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link

Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).

Read more about the registration process.


Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs

pre-K

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County. 

  • Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
  • Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).


FREE BOOKS FOR ALL_03/14/2026

FREE BOOKS FOR ALL_03/14/2026

All Ages Read Together- Free Preschool Classes

All Ages Read Together- Free Preschool Classes

If your child is 4 or 5 years old and has not had preschool, please contact Wedgewood Apartments Community Center at the phone @ 571-263-1086 or complete an interest form: https://bit.ly/aartenrollinterest


K&K Student Accident Insurance

Finance/Risk Management recommends that schools remind families on a quarterly basis the availability of voluntary student accident insurance. We are increasingly finding that some families do not have medical insurance due to affordability challenges. With multiple forms distributed at the beginning of the school year, important information about student accident insurance may not receive sufficient attention. Periodic reminders throughout the year are therefore recommended.

Fairfax County Public Schools does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. Parents may want to consider if purchasing voluntary student insurance is appropriate for their family.

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.


Order Portrait / Class Group Pictures Now! Spring Picture Day_03/25/2026

Order Spring Picture

The Annandale Terrace 2025-2026 Spring portrait picture is now available for purchase! Order portrait picture:

1) Log on https://www.strawbridge.net/ 

2) Click "Order Pictures & Yearbooks"

3) Enter the code "FM484813" and click "Find" to order

Order group picture

The Annandale Terrace 2025-2026 Class group picture is now available for purchase pricing at just $14! Order Class Group Picture:

1) Log on https://www.strawbridge.net/ 

2) Click "Order Pictures & Yearbooks"

3) Enter the code "FM484810" and click "Find" to order


Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.