Annandale Students, Parents, and Community,
As we approach winter break, I find myself reflecting on the many reasons we have to be thankful here at Annandale High School. I am especially grateful to our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) for the countless ways they strengthen and support our school community. Their dedication makes a real difference for our students and staff. If you haven't already, please consider joining the Annandale PTSA.
That spirit of community extends to our students through the Atoms Games. This week, W4 classes are transforming their classroom doors using their Nation's theme. It's been wonderful to see students collaborating and bringing their creative visions to life. Students are also encouraged to wear their nation's colors on Thursday.
In these weeks leading up to winter break, we remain focused on ensuring every student is set up for success. This past Saturday, more than 80 students dedicated their morning to Academic Coaching with support from staff. In addition, counselors and administrators are meeting individually with students struggling in multiple classes to create actionable plans, while teachers provide targeted support through PRIDE Time and ASAP.
Families play an essential role in this effort. Monitoring student progress through ParentVUE, and maintaining open communication with teachers and counselors makes a difference. In addition, encouraging students to attend after-school help sessions ensures they get the support they need. A list of days each teacher stays after school can be found here. When we all work together, our students succeed.
Have a great week, Atom Nation. As always, reach out with any questions, and Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
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Donate Gift Cards for AHS Staff
At events throughout the year, we recognize staff who go above and beyond with gift cards donated by community members at the beginning of the year. It has been a huge hit and I am requesting your help again since we are not permitted to use any kind of FCPS funds, local or otherwise, for this purpose. It is amazing how much a $5 or $10 gift card is appreciated. If you are so inclined, please feel free to drop them off at the main office or place them in the mail. Attention: Jen Buchanan. It can be for any business you want to support, in any amount. Nothing is too small.
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Important Dates
Now - December 18 - Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest
December 8 - VHSL One Acts Auditions
December 9 - Course Selection Presentations
December 9 - Band Concert, 7pm
December 11 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm
December 15-19 - Winter Spirit Week
December 15-19 - Holiday Hallways
December 16 - Choir Concert, 7pm
December 17-18 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day
December 17 - PTSA Pantry Distribution, 3:30pm
December 19 - Atoms Games Winners Announced
December 22-January 2 - Winter Break (No School)
January 8 - IB Diploma Ceremony
January 15 – Rising 9th Grade Open House
January 21 - Virginia Climate and Working Conditions Survey
Now - December 18: Annual Deck the Doors W4 Contest: Annandale’s Leadership Class is excited to lead our annual Deck the Doors holiday contest. Each W4 class will decorate their door based on their Nation’s theme. Prizes will be awarded to the top three doors. This year, there’s an extra prize—one Nation will be named the Overall Nation Winner!
December 8 - VHSL One Acts Auditions: Interested in joining the defending District and Region Champion ATC One Acts team? Auditions for the VHSL One-Act will be held on Monday, December 8, from 3:15-5:00pm. Auditions are open to any AHS students. Come prepared with a 30-45 second dramatic monologue. Click here for more information and to sign up to audition. See Ms. Murray in room 324 with any questions. Learn more about the story of our play “Three” by Jonathan Dorf.
December 9 - Course Selection Presentations: Counselors wrapping up the overview 2026-2027 course selection process to students in W4 Advisory on December 8. The presentation covers important information including course options for next school year and the process for how to select their courses. The presentation will also be recorded and posted on the Student Services Webpage for students who do not have a W4 class. Students should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.
December 11 - Mentor & Mentee Holiday Celebration: On Thursday, December 11 at 3:00pm, students and adults will gather in Clausen Hall for a special Mentor and Mentee Holiday Celebration. This event brings together students and adults who participate in our mentoring program, which is designed to build positive relationships and provide support throughout the school year.
December 15-19 - Spirit Week:
Monday - Cozy Out! Wear your most comfortable and warm outfit— Pajamas, sweats, slippers, or soft sweaters!
Tuesday - Blizzard Day: Get ready for a snowstorm! Dress in white to match the winter snowflakes.
Wednesday - Age Flip: Let's mix things up! Students dress up/act like adults or senior citizens, and Teachers dress up/act like students!
Thursday - Sun vs. Snow: A seasonal showdown! Choose your best look: a sunny summer outfit or a cozy winter look!
Friday - Flannel Friday: Finish the week in cozy style by wearing your favorite flannel design!
December 17 & 18 - IB Senior Diploma Library Day: On Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18, IB Seniors will be in the library working on their Extended Essays. The goal of this time is for students to get uninterrupted time to write their completed drafts. Students will not be released to attend their scheduled classes on these days. Reach out to Meredith Hedrick or Linda Bradshaw with questions.
January 8 - IB Diploma Recognition Ceremony, W4/Pride Time: Our 73 IB Graduates of 2025 will be returning on Thursday, January 8 during W4/Pride Time to share their post high school/college experiences as well as receive their IB certificates in the auditorium. Current IB diploma juniors and seniors as well as selected sophomores will be invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony in the IB office. Please be welcoming as graduates may visit teachers in the afternoon.
January 15 – Rising 9th Grade Open House, 6pm: On January 15 from 6:00–8:00pm, Annandale High School will welcome rising 9th grade students and their families for an Open House designed to showcase what high school at Annandale is all about. Throughout the evening, teachers will be in their classrooms to share information about our core and elective courses, and we will offer several short, optional sessions highlighting key programs and opportunities available to our students.
The goal is for students and parents to leave feeling excited about becoming Annandale Atoms and ready to complete the course request form when they meet with their middle school counselors. Breakout sessions will be offered on the following topics: 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 21 - Virginia Climate and Working Conditions Survey: On Wednesday January 21, during W4, students will participate in the Virginia School Climate Survey. The purpose of the survey is to provide schools with information on school climate, safety, and working conditions in order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment conducive to learning. The survey measures student perceptions of school rules and discipline, teacher-student relationships, student engagement in school, and the extent of bullying and teasing at school. The survey is a component of the annual school safety audit which school divisions are required to submit to the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS). You may preview the questions asked in the student survey at this website. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please complete and return the opt out form to the main office by January 12.
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Show Your Atom Spirit This Holiday Season!
Whether you're an alum, a current student, a future Atom, or a proud parent, show your Atom pride with gear from the Atoms Online Store! Featuring brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon, the store offers hundreds of customizable designs for all ages. With direct-to-door shipping, it's the perfect time to surprise your favorite Atom—or treat yourself—with a spirited holiday gift.
Follow Us 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 and YouTube
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Annandale Winter Performances
The Choirs, Band, and Orchestra at Annandale have been busy preparing for a wonderful season of concerts and outreach events during the month of December.
December 8 - Caroling for the Retired Teachers Luncheon: The Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble will be providing a program for the Retired Teachers Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church in Alexandria (2932 King St., Alexandria) at 1:00pm.
December 9 - Band Winter Concert: The Annandale High School Bands will present their annual winter concert on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm in the AHS auditorium. The concert will include a variety of music and several traditional classics, featuring performances by the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Beginning Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Doors open at 6:45pm; admission is free.
December 11 - Caroling at the Willard Hotel (DC): Join the Annandale Singers as they bring the spirit of the season to life with two enchanting mini-concerts at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, DC. Performances will be held on December 11 from 6:00–6:45pm and 7:15–8:00pm at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC. Celebrate the holidays in the heart of the city with music that warms the soul!
December 11 - Orchestra Winter Concert: Orchestra will be having their Winter Concert on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm. Support the program by purchasing baked goods (including our famous giant chocolate chip cookies!) after school by the auditorium and by coming to hear the student’s hard work in the evening. We encourage you to come wearing an ugly holiday sweater or wearing a festive hat!
December 13 & 14 - A Candlelight Christmas - Special Concert with the Washington Chorus and Annandale Singers at Strathmore: Join the Annandale Singers for a magical holiday experience as they perform alongside The Washington Chorus at Strathmore. Concerts will take place on December 13 and 14 at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. Don’t miss this festive celebration of music and community! Click here to purchase tickets.
December 15-19 - Holiday Hallways: Enjoy festive music every morning, during second chance breakfast, and at dismissal brought to you by Orchestra and Tri-M!
December 16 - Winter Chorus Concert: Gaudete (Rejoice): Our Winter Concert with the Annandale Singers, Atom Chorale, Men's Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.
December 17 - Noonday Noël: Annandale Singers and Chamber Ensemble sing for the Noonday Noël at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 12:05pm (323 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA).
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Important Information
Winter Break Office Hours: The Annandale High School administrative offices will be open by appointment only from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. Offices will re-open on Monday, January 5 at 7:00am.
Assignments Over Winter Break: We hope you are able to spend the holiday resting and rejuvenating in your favorite ways. In support of this, teachers will not assign homework, projects, or papers over breaks, and refrain from assigning any major assessments or project due dates on the first two days back. If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for clarification and information.
Prepare for Winter Weather: Winter weather is here! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS. 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, the new FCPS mobile app, 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 emergency child care if needed.
Lightspeed Parent Portal Allows Parents to Manage Student Screen Time: FCPS has introduced new parent controls in the Lightspeed Parent Portal to help families manage screen time on FCPS-issued devices. Through the portal, parents can control their child's access to YouTube and pause web browsing during designated After-School Hours while students are off the FCPS network. These controls are active Monday - Friday from 3:30pm to 6:00am (even on student holidays) and all day Saturday and Sunday. They do not affect district filtering policies during the instructional day. Parents can register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal using the link provided in their weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email. For more information about the Parent Portal, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Portal page on the FCPS website.
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Awesome Atoms
Annandale Hosts Financial Aid Completion Night: On Tuesday, December 2, we hosted the first of three Financial Aid Completion Nights, where students received guidance in completing either the FAFSA or the VASA application for undocumented students. The goal was to ensure that every senior has the support needed to pursue college with confidence, and financial aid is a key part of that journey. If you were unable to attend, help is still available. Our Financial Aid Champion will be in the College and Career Center every Friday during lunch beginning next week, and additional evening sessions will be offered on January 15 and February 19. For any questions, please reach out to our College and Career Specialist, Viri Acosta.
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AVID Students Visit Virginia Colleges: More than fifty AVID students visited the campuses of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University. Students met with Annandale AVID alumni at all three universities and participated in a panel discussion with students from William and Mary's Center for Inclusive Excellence. Students asked insightful questions and gained valuable insight into college life. It was a successful trip that provided meaningful connections and college exposure for our Atoms!
Annandale Teachers Present at National Conference: Sara Kugler, English Coach, and Jessica DiBenditto recently led two sessions at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference in Denver. The first session focused on advocating for differentiated, student-centered learning through book clubs, highlighting the importance of student choice, formative assessment, and authentic academic discourse. Their second session focused on current literacy policies. Drawing on case study findings, they examined how four teachers navigated the difference between holistic literacy practices and new mandates, offering insight for educators as they work to maintain meaningful literacy instruction. Both sessions showcased the thoughtful, innovative teaching happening at Annandale.
Annandale Educators Present at National Language Conference: Jen Cory, SBTS and World Language Coach, and Lauren Paz Soldan, Spanish Teacher, presented at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Conference in New Orleans. Their session, Department Goals, Personal Growth: Crafting Relevant Personalized PD, focused on designing meaningful professional learning that supports both department priorities and individual teacher development. Their work highlighted Annandale’s commitment to empowering educators and strengthening world language instruction for all learners.
EPF Teachers Participate in Lab Site: Recently, Econ and Personal Finance (EPF) teachers came together for two full days of learning about how to implement the workshop model in order to provide targeted small group-instruction. On our first day, this group spent the morning aligning on common language and purpose, observed Meghan McLain, Social Studies coach, teach R3 and discussed what they noticed. In the afternoon, teachers collaboratively planned upcoming lessons around this model and gave each other feedback.
On our second day, teachers dove into planning small group instruction with a purpose and structure in mind. During R3, teachers observed Meghan teach the focus lesson of R3, sorted student data and pulled multiple small groups to provide targeted instruction to students. In the afternoon, teachers collaboratively planned small group lessons focused on an upcoming unit’s skill.
At Annandale, we know that the work of our teams is some of the best professional development we can get. Six of our CTs have now worked together through Lab Sites: Chemistry, English 10, Geometry, English 12, World History 2 and now EPF. This intense professional learning requires thoughtful engagement and a commitment to getting better and is a testament to the high level of professionalism our teachers demonstrate.
Annandale Freshman Featured in ARLnow: Annandale freshman Riley Williams was recently featured in ARLnow for his work as the announcer for the school's freshman football games. Riley is following in the footsteps of his father, Chris Williams, who has been the announcer at Yorktown High School for 23 years. Riley learned the craft by watching his father at Yorktown games since age 4. Throughout the season, Chris served as Riley's spotter, standing alongside him in the press box. The article highlights Riley's preparation, professionalism, and natural talent behind the microphone. School administrators have already approached Riley about announcing other sporting events. Read the full ARLnow story here.
Opportunities
December 8–12 – Computer Science Education Week: Next week, students will lead a series of activities celebrating computer science, including interactive W4 slides featuring computational thinking games, as well as programming and cybersecurity puzzles posted outside Room 223 for students to solve. On Thursday, December 11, the Coding Club will host a special meeting for AI Challenge participants to share their learning and highlight innovative projects. These events were created by a dedicated group of student volunteers, supported by input from 25 current CS students.
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.
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 throughout the school year. Find out more here or reach out to Driver’s Ed Teachers, Lizzie McManus or Morgan Neild with questions.
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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 online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Saturday Academic Coaching: Annandale teachers will be available on select Saturdays from 8:30am to 11:00am to support students in prioritizing their work, completing outstanding assignments, and facilitating assessment retakes. This is a focused, distraction-free window to get individualized help, improve grades, and stay on track. Academic Coaching sessions will be offered on January 10, January 24, February 28, March 14, April 18, May 2, 16, & 30, June 6, & 13. Reach out to Cass Hersh with questions.
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Academic Advising for the 2026-2027 School Year
It is hard to believe, but we are already beginning to plan for the 2026-2027 school year. We wanted to provide an overview of how we are supporting students with the course selection process. Note: Access all the information needed for course selection can be found on our Academic Advising page, which has the grade level information presented by counselors.
December 1, 3, 9- Grade Level Academic Advising Presentations: Our counselors have recently presented information to students about the course selection and academic planning processes. This included reminders about graduation requirements, outlining course sequencing and options, and providing information about the course selection process.
January 14 - 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 16 - 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 20 - 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 20 and will conclude with current freshmen in February.
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