Annandale Students, Families, and Community,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shawn DeRose, Principal

Important Dates

February 24 - Spring Sports Begin

February 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

February 27 - NOVA Parent Night, 5:30pm

March 3-7 - National School Social Worker Week

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm

March 5 - Student Experience Survey

March 10 - ASVAB Testing

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

March 11 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm

March 12 - Virginia Boys State Interest Form Due

March 12 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm

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

March 12 - Boys State Interest Form Due

March 17-21 Inclusion Revolution Week

March 17 - W4 Activities Day

March 19 - SEL Screener

March 20 - Junior Parent Night, 6pm

March 21 - FanQuest Pep Rally

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin: Spring sports tryouts will begin Monday, February 24. Spring sports include lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, and outdoor track. In order to participate, you must have the following two items completed prior to the first day of tryouts: 1) Sports Physical - Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainers Ryan Hughes and 2) Activity Registration. This is an online submission that encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training. For more information about tryouts, check www.annandaleatoms.net.

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

March 3 - Atoms Booster Club Meeting, 6pm: Join us on Monday, March 3 in-person at Annandale High School in the Driver’s Education Room. The meeting will begin at 6pm. All members of the Atoms Booster Club are invited to attend to hear the latest updates on our Spring sports activities and support plans.

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

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

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

Awesome Atoms

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

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!

Opportunities

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

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

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

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

'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.

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.

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.

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

Hazel Health - Virtual Therapy for High School Students: Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7am -7pm Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage

College Application Help: Annandale High School offers free college application support twice each week. Wednesdays during Lunch in the Career Center (Room 103) and Thursdays 3-4pm in Trailer 14. In addition, the Atoms Writing Center will be available to help students with their college essays and supplemental application questions during PRIDE Time and Wednesdays after school from 3-4pm in room 274.

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