Winter Newsletter

Celebrating the Season at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale

We're thrilled to share highlights from the festive season at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale! This year's annual Holiday Show was a resounding success, showcasing an incredible array of talents from our students and staff including singing, dancing, and even some lighthearted joke-telling that brought smiles and laughter to everyone gathered.

Parents, special guests, and students alike enjoyed a memorable experience, which was made even more magical by the staff caroling through the halls afterward. The spirit of the season was palpable, echoing the joy and unity we cherish at PHILLIPS.

As we wrap up another wonderful year, we extend warm holiday greetings to each of you. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other special tradition, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness.

Happy Holidays from all of us at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale!

An Inspiring Visit: Dr. Khalilah Ali Comacho at PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel

This month, PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Dr. Khalilah Ali Comacho for a day filled with inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt advice. Dr. Ali captivated students and faculty alike with her powerful message: "If you want to be anything in life, you have to be kind."

Drawing from her incredible life experiences as the wife of Muhammad Ali, she shared stories of resilience, mutual inspiration, and the importance of embracing kindness as a cornerstone for success. Her words sparked meaningful conversations among students about personal growth, compassion, and how positivity can shape our relationships and communities.

Dr. Ali’s visit reminded us all of the profound impact one individual can have when they lead with empathy and determination. We are deeply grateful for her time, her wisdom, and the lasting impression she left on our PHILLIPS community. Thank you, Dr. Ali, for encouraging us to reach for greatness while staying grounded in kindness!

Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness at PHILLIPS' Laurel Campus

At PHILLIPS' Laurel Campus, the group counseling topic for November was Gratitude. Each week in counseling groups, students discussed the meaning of gratitude, what they're grateful for, and how they show gratitude to the people around them. They celebrated World Kindness Day and homerooms battled against each other in an "Acts of Kindness" competition. The culmination of this focus on gratitude and kindness led to the final group counseling day, which took place the week of Thanksgiving break. In their respective groups, lower and high school students and staff members discussed what they were most grateful for and then decorated a paper leaf with their selection. Some leaves included parents, PHILLIPS, sports teams, pets, and even Canada. These paper leaves were collected and decorated on a painted tree on the counseling hallway bulletin board. Students can reflect on what is most important to themselves and their peers when they pass by.

Special Visit at PHILLIPS' Laurel Campus Highlights Innovative Programs

We were delighted to welcome Delegate Jen Terrasa and her Chief of Staff, Brooks Walter, to our Laurel campus. Their visit provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase two of our cutting-edge initiatives: the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in urban agriculture and culinary arts, and our workforce development initiative through SpringForward Ventures.

Delegate Terrasa was given an in-depth tour of our facilities where she witnessed firsthand the skills and dedication our students bring to these innovative programs. Our urban agriculture initiative, in particular, demonstrated how we integrate practical skills training with sustainable practices, preparing students not only for the workforce but also to make environmentally responsible choices.

The visit was a resounding success, leaving a strong impression of the potential impacts of our educational and developmental efforts on student futures. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for education and workforce readiness with our community leaders.

Building Futures: Crafting Careers Through Construction

This fall, our Building Futures ~ Fairfax students have continued to showcase their dedication and skills through the ongoing house construction project. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in the building trades, from framing and installation to other key aspects of construction.

This project isn’t just about building a house. It’s about building confidence, teamwork, and career-ready skills. PHILLIPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs empower students with real-world experiences that prepare them for meaningful employment. Each phase of this project highlights their growth and determination, giving students a tangible sense of achievement while setting them up for future success.

We’re excited to share updates on their progress and celebrate the hard work and dedication that go into every detail of this project. Stay tuned for more highlights from this incredible learning journey!

Thanksgiving at PHILLIPS: Celebrating Gratitude and Togetherness

This November, PHILLIPS Programs embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving with celebrations that highlighted the talents and teamwork of our students. At PHILLIPS Building Futures ~ Loudoun, students prepared a delicious Thanksgiving feast for staff, students, and special guests, featuring crowd favorites like mashed potatoes, potato salad, and more. Their dedication in the kitchen brought everyone together to share a meal filled with gratitude and community.

These Thanksgiving events were echoed across several PHILLIPS campuses, where students and staff worked together to make the season special. From decorating spaces to preparing meals, our students had opportunities to develop valuable life skills while building connections with their peers and teachers.

Moments like these embody our mission to create not just educational growth but also personal and social development. A big thank you to our students and staff for their hard work and heartwarming contributions to these celebrations. Together, we’re not just learning—we’re creating traditions and memories that last a lifetime!

Annual Campaign: Empowering Every Voice

At PHILLIPS Programs, we believe that every student has a voice worth hearing and a future full of promise. By creating a supportive environment tailored to their unique needs, we empower students to overcome obstacles, embrace their potential, and build brighter futures.

Take Ashley, for example—a PHILLIPS alum who now runs her own successful business. Reflecting on her journey, Ashley shared, "It’s okay to lean on the staff… I had to realize this was a safe space. Once I recognized that, things started to change."

Let’s work together to continue building a foundation where every student feels supported and valued. Donate today and be a part of this life-changing mission. Together, we can ensure that every student’s voice is heard, and their potential is unlocked.

PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala

Mark your calendars for the PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala on April 5, 2025! Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of our students across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This exciting event will provide an opportunity to support educational initiatives that empower students to succeed academically and personally. More details will be shared soon, but for now, save the date and prepare to be part of a meaningful celebration of student success and community support!