Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
It was great to welcome students and families to Annandale on Thursday for our Freshmen & New Student Orientation and Open House! There was a great sense of excitement throughout the building as students met teachers, walked their schedules, found their classrooms, and explored every corner of the building.
We are excited to welcome all of our students back tomorrow morning for the first day of the 2026-27 school year!
When students arrive, they will report directly to their W4 Advisory class, where we focus on building relationships, creating community, clarifying expectations, and cultivating our values. During this time, students will receive their printed schedules and new students will be issued a laptop computer. Schedules are also accessible through SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Families who need assistance accessing SIS can visit the FCPS website for support.
Below you will find detailed information about the first day of school, transportation, and other important back to school information. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our PTSA for hosting the Welcome Back Breakfast for our staff. This is just one of the many examples of the ways they support Atom Nation. Please consider joining for the 2026-2027 school year by completing the online Membership Form.
See you on Monday and Go Atoms!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
|
Join the Annandale PTSA!
Thank you to the Annandale High School PTSA for sponsoring breakfast for staff this post week! The Annandale 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 2026-2027 school year by filling out the online Membership Form.
1st Day of School Logistics
Student Schedules: All students and parents should have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data. In addition, students will receive a hard copy of their schedule when they report to their advisory class (W4) on Monday morning. If a student forgets or does not know their W4 class, staff members will be stationed in the hallways to assist.
Finding Classes: Throughout the year, and especially during the first week of school, all staff members will be in the hallways supporting students during each transition. We realize that a little extra time may be needed as students learn or get reacquainted with the school building. They will get the hang of their new routine sooner than they think and we are all here to help!
Student Laptop Distribution: All students who turned in their school-issued computers last year will be issued a Chromebook in their W4 class on the first day of school, August 24. The first day of school will feature a special schedule with all students reporting to their W4 class at the beginning of the school day.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Student! We are excited to announce that all Annandale students will receive free breakfast and lunch every day of the school year, thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This USDA program ensures that every student, regardless of their family's income level, can enjoy nutritious meals at no cost. The meal service will remain the same as other schools, with a la carte items available for purchase. Check out the menus for breakfast, lunch, and other school meals, as well as allergen and nutrition information.
Note: Even though all students receive free meals, families who may qualify for additional benefits, such as waivers for lab fees, summer school tuition, and more, should still complete the Consent to Share form. Visit FCPS Free and Reduced Priced Meals website for more information.
Schedule Change Requests: Our Student Services team is working hard to make sure our students have accurate schedules. We recognize that some students will want to request changes. At this time, we are only making schedule changes for the following reasons:
- A student does not have a complete schedule or is missing a core class required for graduation.
- A student was registered for a course that they have already successfully passed. The schedule does not reflect a grade change or summer school course that was successfully passed.
If your student has one of the reasons listed above, they should go to Student Services during the class period in which the error occurs. Requests to change schedules based on preference will be considered at a later date. Details on this process will be provided in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Erin Crowley, or your student’s counselor, if you have any questions.
Student Lockers: Student lockers will be available by request only beginning on Tuesday, September 8. Students will receive information about how to request a locker during W4.
Academy Students: Students who have an Academy course during W4 should report to the Auditorium when they arrive at school on Monday morning. Then at 9:00am, all Academy students will be provided an orientation presentation in the Auditorium during R1. Students will receive an email with their academy shuttle information and other details.
When returning from their Travel Period (as indicated on their schedule), students taking Academy courses should report to the Library. If their travel period is during the lunch block (R5/W6), they should report to the library and eat D Lunch.
1st Day of School Bell Schedule: Students will report to their 4th period or W4 class when they arrive at school on Monday. During this time, we will focus on building relationships, creating community, clarifying expectations, and cultivating our values. In addition, students will receive their printed schedules and new students will be issued a laptop computer. See detailed bell schedule below.
|
Transportation Information
Student Bus Route Assignments: FCPS Office of Transportation Services will communicate student bus route assignments. Parents will received an e-notify to check their ParentVue accounts for transportation information. Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage. Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Note: This fall, all Annandale High School students will receive a new FCPS student ID card. Students who ride the school bus will use their ID to tap on and tap off the bus each day. These new ID cards are part of a divisionwide effort to improve student safety, modernize school transportation, and strengthen communication with families.
Student Parking: This year, students will have the opportunity to purchase parking permits to park on the Annandale campus. Information about how to purchase a parking permit for the 2026-27 school year will be shared soon after the school year begins. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, students can park in any designated student parking space until permits are issued. If you have any questions, please email Peter Batista, Safety and Security Specialist.
Crossing Guard Update: Beginning this school year, Fairfax County will no longer assign crossing guards to our school. As always, we encourage students, families, and drivers to use extra caution when traveling to and from school, follow all traffic laws, and remain alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Because traffic patterns may be different, please allow a few extra minutes when arriving at or departing from school.
Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (aka Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (door #1). Parents should drop off their student(s) beginning at 7:45am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:55pm. If you have any questions, please email Peter Batista, Safety and Security Specialist.
|
Important Information
Bell Schedule: The bell schedule for the 2026-27 school year is the same as last year. See below for the detailed schedule. Click here for the red/white day calendar and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School.
Get Your School Laptop Ready: With the first day of school just around the corner, now is the time for a quick technology check. Please have your student locate their school device and charger, plug it in, and make sure the device is fully charged. When turning it on, students may see a prompt for a system update. If so, please select “Update now” and allow the update to finish. Taking a few minutes now will help ensure our students are ready to get started on day one. We appreciate your help preparing for a great start to the school year!
Updated FCPS Cellphone Policy: Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet. During the school day, including during lunch time, high school students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.
New Student ID Cards This Fall: This fall, all Annandale High School students will receive a new FCPS student ID card. Students will be expected to wear their ID throughout the school day, and students who ride the school bus will use their ID to tap on and tap off the bus each day. These new ID cards are part of a divisionwide effort to improve student safety, modernize school transportation, and strengthen communication with families. We will distribute student ID cards during the first few weeks of school, and additional information will be shared with families soon. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards on the FCPS website.
|
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. Check out their weekly newsletter to learn more about Annandale's activities, clubs, and sports programs. You can also visit their website or Instagram page.
Purchase a Red Card: Each fall, our sports programs sell a discount “Red Card” to raise money for their teams. The red cards include various discounts at local businesses including: Buffalo Wild Wings, Glory Days, Hangry Joes, Jet’s Pizza, Jiffy Lube, Kilroy’s, and Wings Stop. Red Cards are only $20 and can be used at any of the businesses through October 2027. If you would like to purchase a Red Card, please reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities. The Activities Office thanks you in advance for your support of our student athletes. Go Atoms!
Purchase Your 'Atoms Pass' for 2026-2027! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are back! This year our Atoms Athletic Boosters is transitioning to a digital format for the all-season passes. The developers are still working on it, and it will be rolled out soon. Pricing for the '26-'27 season will be, Adult - $80, Student - $40, and Parking Pass - $30. All proceeds go to the Atoms Athletic Boosters which help to pay for much needed equipment, uniforms, scholarships, insurance (for camps and similar events), and other items to support our athletes. Be on the lookout for the rollout! 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!
It's Not Too Late To Play a Fall Sport! Last week we welcomed back student athletes from Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Dance, and Band. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces in the gym and on the fields. If you weren’t able to make it to our first week of Fall Sports tryouts and practices, there is still time to join! The following teams are still open to new athletes coming out and no experience is necessary:
|
News from the PTSA
Join Our PTSA: The Annandale High School PTSA plays an important role in supporting our students, staff, and school community throughout the year. Your membership helps fund teacher grants, the AHS Food Pantry, community outreach events, the All Night Graduation Celebration, senior scholarships, and many other programs that enrich the student experience. Membership for the 2026-2027 school year is just $20 for parents/community members and $10 for students. We encourage all families, staff, and community members to join and support the great work of our PTSA.
Annandale Pantry Distribution Returns August 26: The Annandale Pantry will begin its regular food distribution schedule for the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, August 26, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Trailer 8 behind the school. The pantry is an important resource that helps support members of our Annandale community by providing access to groceries and other essential items. We are grateful to our PTSA, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity makes this program possible. Families in need are encouraged to stop by, and all are welcome. If you have questions about the pantry, please email ahspantry@gmail.com.
|
|
