FCPS

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Important Dates

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

Feb 22 - Bingo! in the Cafeteria 6pm-9pm

Feb 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts

March 4 - Choral Pre-Assessment Concert w/ Twain MS

March 14 & 15 - Edison HS hosts Orchestra Assessment

March 21 - INOVA Blood Drive

March 22 - Padres Latino Meeting 10am - 12noon  Cafeteria

March 31 - No School - Eid-al-Fitr

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• Virtual Therapy
• Paperless Report Cards
• Varsity Tutors
• Talking to Teens About Fentanyl and Tough Topics
• FCPS Budget
• Family Assistance Questionnaire
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance Reporting
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

I want to take a moment to reflect on yesterday's events and express my deep pride in our staff, students, and our response during the incident. I am incredibly grateful for the swift and professional actions of our entire security team, which includes our School Resource Officer (SRO), Safety and Security Specialist, and Safety and Security Assistants. Their teamwork and dedication were essential in ensuring the safety of all our students and staff.

Today, FCPD Assistant Chief Wright visited to express her gratitude for our SRO, Officer Ashraf, and the security team’s hard work. Moments like these remind me just how lucky we are to have such strong support from both our school security staff and our local law enforcement.

I also want to acknowledge our administrative team, who followed our FCPS crisis procedures with care and precision. Their leadership and ability to remain calm and organized were vital in managing the situation effectively. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to our Region 3 Office for being on-site to support us in any way we needed. Your continued presence and care make a difference every day.

Despite the week's challenges, it’s been an exciting time for Edison in athletics and the arts! Our boys’ and girls’ basketball teams had a fantastic week, and tonight there’s a district championship doubleheader at Hayfield—come out and support your Eagles!

Our theater group also recently competed in the Regional One Act competition. While they didn’t advance, I want to congratulate Cora Reese and Nethee Pelekasis for earning gold medals for their acting performances. It was truly inspiring to see the growth and improvement of our students from districts to regionals.

We also have some impressive achievements from our Speech and Debate Team! Congratulations to Jacob Hannan for taking 4th place in Impromptu Speech, and to Josie Holgren for her 3rd place finish in Storytelling and qualifying for the state speech tournament.

Thank you to the parents who attended our PTSA meeting this week. Engaging in meaningful discussions about how we can continue to improve and support our school community is always so valuable.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for our Athletic Boosters Bingo Night tomorrow at 6 PM in the cafeteria—let’s come together for some fun! And next week marks the start of spring sports tryouts—best of luck to our athletes!

Thank you for your continued support, and have a wonderful weekend, Edison!

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Student Spotlight

Edison’s Jackson Byrd - one of our theatre and choir performers (class of 2026) - performed with the new a Capella group Capital Force at Alexandria’s George Washington National Masonic Hall Auditorium on Sat., Feb. 15, 2025. Capital Force is a part of the Alexandria A Cappella Collective. Jackson explained, “I was able to perform with them on Saturday. I am in the opening number as well as the closing number.”

(Starting at mark 26:11), Jackson can be seen on the far left of the small ensemble when they sing “You Can’t Stop the Sun.”

 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Virtual Therapy

💻 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, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

 FCPD Assistant Chief Wright visited to express her gratitude for our SRO, Officer Ashraf.   Thank you for
all you do
Officer Ashraf and Edison Security!   Paperless Report Cards

We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’s report cards: Go Paperless!

By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:

• Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
• Reduce wait time in seeing your child’s report card.

Here's how you can opt-in:

1. Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
2. All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
3. Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
4. If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!

Congratulations to Sarah Chawki on scoring 1000 points!

Varsity Tutors

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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.

We celebrated our outstanding Security Team last week!

Talking to Teens About Fentanyl and Tough Topics 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. 

Cora Reese and Nethee Pelekasis earned gold medals for their acting performances. Great job!

FCPS Budget

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

Officer Ashraf and Edison students.

Family Assistance Questionnaire

Edison High School is committed to ensuring that all our students have the resources and support they need throughout the school year to reach their full potential in school and within the community. The Family Assistance Questionnaire is entirely optional and confidential. You only need to complete the questionnaire if you are interested in receiving assistance (such as community resource information and grocery gift cards over holiday breaks). The questionnaire is available online in English and Spanish. Paper copies and questionnaires in other languages are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact Family Liaison, Douha Kalouda at [email protected] or 703-924-8074.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire

English: https://tinyurl.com/EHSassistance

Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/EHSasistencia

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Middle School Start Times
• New Lunch Items
• Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Table of Contents

• Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS
• Thomas A. Edison's Birthday
• Senior Yard Signs
• Edison PTSA Executive Board
• All Night Grad Party
• Mulch Sale!
• Useful Links

Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS

EXCITING NEWS: For the first time ever, your Edison HS PTSA would like to host and sponsor an all classes Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS. Date is TBD, and we need a LOT of help planning and organizing this event. We need volunteers, donations, a DJ and more!! Are you able to help? Please contact Sharon Riley at [email protected]

Thomas A. Edison's Birthday

Today we celebrated Thomas Edison‘s birthday. Every student got a cupcake or a doughnut. It was wonderful to see the smiles on your students’ faces. We did not have enough donated items so the PTSA purchased 125 dozen cupcakes and donuts, just to make sure every student and staff member would have one. We had hoped to raise $1000 in our fundraiser to cover the cost. We are a little short. If you’d like to help out, the fundraiser link is here, the link will stay open through tonight.
 https://app.givebacks.gives/birthday.

Senior Yard Signs

The Senior Yard Signs will be available for purchase soon. We will also be auctioning off Premier Seating for the Class of 2025 Graduation ceremony soon. Keep your eyes out for more information to follow.

Edison PTSA Executive Board

As always, we could not provide these services and programs without your support. The majority of Edison PTSA Executive Board is graduating with their Seniors and will not be returning next year. A PTSA must have a president, treasurer, and secretary to be considered in good standing. Interested in being the next Edison HS PTSA President or VP of Membership? We need you!! Contact Sharon Riley at [email protected] for more information.

All Night Grad Party Registration is now open for the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party!

• Doors open at the Franconia Rec Center at 11:00 p.m. on June 3, 2025!
• Register early to get the reduced rate of $50.
• Games! Prizes! Food! Obstacle Course! Live entertainment! Swimming and more!
• Register here: https://edisonangp.com/register-for-angp (copy and paste link to open)
• Note: All students eligible for free and reduced lunch can register online for a reduced fee.
• La información sobre All Night Grad Party también está disponible en español en nuestro sitio web edisonangp.com (Copiar y pegar para abrir). Todos los estudiantes que son elegibles para recibir almuerzo gratuito o reducido pueden registrarse en línea por una tarifa reducida.

Are you a Class of 2026 parent?  Many veteran ANGP committee members are graduating with their seniors. Work with experienced parents this year so you are ready for your seniors!

 

Next ANGP planning meeting is in person!  Joins us Tuesday, February 25th in the Edison Library at 7:00 p.m.!

More information see: https://www.edisonangp.com/about-4 .

Questions? Email Robin at [email protected] .

 

Mulch Sale!

See the sale website for more information and access online or mail-in order forms. https://www.edisonangp.com/mulch-sale

Pick up or delivery on Saturday April 5, 2025. Order now! Only $6 per bag!

Questions? Email Laura at [email protected]

Thank you for your support of this Edison HS PTSA subcommittee’s important work!

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website
• Edison HS CalendarWiz

• Follow us on socials

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsaeagles

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisoneaglesptsa/

  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edisoneaglesptsa

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Feb 17 - No School - President's Day

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

Feb 22 - Bingo! in the Cafeteria 6pm-9pm

Feb 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts

March 4 - Choral Pre-Assessment Concert w/ Twain MS

March 14 & 15 - Edison HS hosts Orchestra Assessment

March 21 - INOVA Blood Drive

March 22 - Padres Latino Meeting 10am - 12noon  Cafeteria

March 31 - No School - Eid-al-Fitr

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• Paperless Report Cards
• County Message on Flu
• Thomas A. Edison's Birthday Feb 19
• Black History Month Celebration - February 19 - Date Change
• SEL Screener
• Student Fasting Meal Kits
• Family Assistance Questionnaire
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance Reporting
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

I hope everyone enjoyed the snow we had this past week, and it looks like we may have some more on the horizon next week!

We have so much to celebrate across our school this week:

🎉 Congratulations to our two swimmers who are heading to the State Tournament—we are so proud of you!

🤸‍♀️ Our gymnastics team had a great showing at Regionals, demonstrating their hard work and dedication.

🏀 It was fantastic to celebrate our boys' basketball team seniors and their families this past Monday. Last night, we honored our girls’ basketball and winter cheer seniors—thank you for your contributions to Edison!

🤼‍♂️ Wrestling continues to dominate! Our team had a fantastic showing at Regionals, winning the Regional Championship for the second year in a row! Huge congratulations to our individual wrestlers heading to States—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

🏃 Our indoor track team had an incredible performance at Regionals. Congratulations to our individual medalists, and a special shout-out to our boys’ team for finishing in 5th place overall!

🎭 Today, we wrapped up the week with our Winter Pep Rally, bringing the school together in a Red Out to show our Eagle spirit! Our classes competed in the Lip Sync Battle, and our cast of Grease gave us an exciting sneak peek of their upcoming performance.

Looking ahead:

• Monday, February 19 – No school in observance of Presidents’ Day
• Tuesday, February 20 – Our Regional One-Act competition at Fairfax HS, 5:20 PM
• Next Week – The first round of district basketball competitions begins—come out and support our teams!

Thank you all for your continued support and school spirit! Have a wonderful long weekend, and I look forward to another exciting week ahead

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Student Spotlight

Ashleigh Tootle competed in the Special Olympic Winter Games in Pennsylvania this week where she took home two gold medals and one silver medal in skiing (Novice Giant Slalom, Novice Super G, and Novice Slalom).

Novice giant slalom 1st 33.76 sec 
Novice super g 1st 16.44 sec 
Novice slalom 2nd 22.37 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Paperless Report Cards

We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’s report cards: Go Paperless!

By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:

• Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
• Reduce wait time in seeing your child’s report card.

Here's how you can opt-in:

1. Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
2. All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
3. Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
4. If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!

Congratulations to the wrestling team for winning the National District Wrestling Tournament for the 7th straight year!

At Regionals, they won for the 2nd year in a row!

County Message on Flu

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

Boys Basketball Senior Night

Thomas A. Edison's Birthday Feb 19

Wednesday, February 19th, we are celebrating our namesake, Thomas A. Edison's birthday (and it is also the anniversary of his phonograph patent)! This is a fun event that students look forward to every year! Each student and staff member will be given a donut or cupcake during their lunch period. The PTSA needs your help to make this event a success. Please consider donating donuts, cupcakes and/or your time. Sign up genius and more details are here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A9AA2BABF4C52-55102553-thomas. If you are not able to donate donuts or cupcakes, but still want to help out, we created a fundraiser for monetary donations and we will go shopping for you: https://app.givebacks.gives/birthday.

Pep Rally Today!

Black History Month Celebration - February 19 - Date Change

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Winter Cheer Senior Night

SEL Screener

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Girls Basketball Senior Night!

Student Fasting Meal Kits Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Science Fair winners moving on to the Regional Science Fair in March!

Family Assistance Questionnaire

Edison High School is committed to ensuring that all our students have the resources and support they need throughout the school year to reach their full potential in school and within the community. The Family Assistance Questionnaire is entirely optional and confidential. You only need to complete the questionnaire if you are interested in receiving assistance (such as community resource information and grocery gift cards over holiday breaks). The questionnaire is available online in English and Spanish. Paper copies and questionnaires in other languages are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact Family Liaison, Douha Kalouda at [email protected] or 703-924-8074.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire

English: https://tinyurl.com/EHSassistance

Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/EHSasistencia

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Flu Prevention
• Students Spread Joy
• Investing in our Classrooms

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS
• Membership Meeting Feb 18th
• Thomas A. Edison's Birthday Feb 19
• All Night Grad Party
• Hangry Burger Feb 26 4-8pm
• Edison High School All Night Graduation party MULCH SALE!
• PTSA Senior Scholarship Committee
• Senior Yard Signs
• Edison PTSA Executive Board
• Useful Links

Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS

EXCITING NEWS: For the first time ever, your Edison HS PTSA would like to host and sponsor an all classes Semi-Formal or Formal Dance at Edison HS. Date is TBD, and we need a LOT of help planning and organizing this event. We need volunteers, donations, a DJ and more!! Are you able to help? Please contact Sharon Riley at [email protected]

Membership Meeting Feb 18th

Our next General Membership Meeting is Tuesday, February 18th, 7 pm, in the library. We hope to see you there in person! There will be the option of joining virtually, with the link being sent same day of meeting.

Thomas A. Edison's Birthday Feb 19

Wednesday, February 19th, we are celebrating our namesake, Thomas A. Edison's birthday (and it is also the anniversary of his phonograph patent)! This is a fun event that students look forward to every year! Each student and staff member will be given a donut or cupcake during their lunch period. The PTSA needs your help to make this event a success. Please consider donating donuts, cupcakes and/or your time. Sign up genius and more details are here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A9AA2BABF4C52-55102553-thomas. If you are not able to donate donuts or cupcakes, but still want to help out, we created a fundraiser for monetary donations and we will go shopping for you: https://app.givebacks.gives/birthday.

All Night Grad Party Registration is now open for the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party!

• Doors open at the Franconia Rec Center at 11:00 p.m. on June 3, 2025!
• Register early to get the reduced rate of $50.
• Games! Prizes! Food! Obstacle Course! Live entertainment! Swimming and more!
• Register here: https://edisonangp.com/register-for-angp (copy and paste link to open)
• Note: All students eligible for free and reduced lunch can register online for a reduced fee.
• La información sobre All Night Grad Party también está disponible en español en nuestro sitio web edisonangp.com (Copiar y pegar para abrir). Todos los estudiantes que son elegibles para recibir almuerzo gratuito o reducido pueden registrarse en línea por una tarifa reducida.

Mark your calendars! The next All Night Grad Party Meeting is February 25th. Link will be sent soon. The ANGP is looking for many volunteers.

Questions? Email Robin at [email protected]

Hangry Burger Feb 26 4-8pm

Join us on February 26th, from 4 - 8 pm at Hangry Burger. They will donate 15% of proceeds to the PTSA.

Location: 6699 Frontier Drive Suite G Springfield 22150

Edison High School All Night Graduation party MULCH SALE!

See the sale website for more information and access online or mail-in order forms. https://www.edisonangp.com/mulch-sale

Pick up or delivery on Saturday April 5, 2025. Order now! Only $6 per bag!

Questions? Email Laura at [email protected]

Thank you for your support of this Edison HS PTSA subcommittee’s important work!

PTSA Senior Scholarship Committee

The PTSA Senior Scholarship Committee is looking for a few volunteers. Email [email protected] if you are a parent or guardian that is interested in volunteering to be on the committee. They will be reviewing scholarship entries and awarding four $1,000 PTSA scholarships to graduating Edison Seniors! The packets for Seniors to apply is coming soon! Must be a PTSA member to apply for scholarship. $5 for students! https://edisonhsptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1018255

Senior Yard Signs

The Senior Yard Signs will be available for purchase soon. We will also be auctioning off Premier Seating for the Class of 2025 Graduation ceremony soon. Keep your eyes out for more information to follow.

Edison PTSA Executive Board

As always, we could not provide these services and programs without your support. The majority of Edison PTSA Executive Board is graduating with their Seniors and will not be returning next year. A PTSA must have a president, treasurer and secretary to be considered in good standing. Interested in being the next Edison HS PTSA President or VP of Membership? We need you!! Contact Sharon Riley at [email protected] for more information.

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website
• Edison HS CalendarWiz

• Follow us on socials

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsaeagles

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisoneaglesptsa/

  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edisoneaglesptsa

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Feb 13 - Partner for Safe Teen Driving - Auditorium   7pm - 8:30pm

Feb 15 - Edison Theatre Cabaret Night -Auditorium   7pm - 9pm

Feb 17 - No School - President's Day

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

Feb 22 - Bingo! in the Cafeteria 6pm-9pm

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight - International Night!
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Black History Month Celebration - February 19 - Date Change
• Student Voices at Family Summit
• Immunizations
• FCPS Budget Information
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

Happy Friday!

First, I want to congratulate our gymnastics seniors for their leadership and dedication to the team. Your hard work has helped Edison Gymnastics win the District Championship, and we are excited to cheer you on as you advance to Regionals next week!

Last week, we wrapped up our Science Fair presentations, and I was so impressed by the creativity and innovation our students displayed. I look forward to seeing who will advance to the Regional Competition in March!

Last night, we had an amazing International Night that truly showcased the diversity and talent within our Edison community. The evening began with a fashion show, highlighting traditional clothing and flags from around the world, followed by incredible cultural dance performances—including mesmerizing Chinese dancing dragons! A huge thank you to all the performers for your dedication and rehearsal time to make the night a success.

I also want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Boyd, Mr. Dombrowski, Mr. Jeerakul, Ms. Elwell, Ms. Hovhannisyan, Ms. Cotto, Ms. Brown, Mr. Schlemmer, Ms. Morrow, Mrs. Bates, Ms. Maletz, and Ms. Green for your hard work in organizing such a fantastic event!

Tonight, we have a lot of exciting athletics action:
🏀 Girls' Basketball plays at home, while Boys' Basketball travels to Hayfield.
🤼 Wrestling is currently competing in the District Tournament at Lewis.
🏊 Swim & Dive is competing in the Regional Meet tonight and tomorrow.

Best of luck to all our athletes—we are cheering you on!

Have a great weekend, Eagles!

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Student Spotlight - International Night!

 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

 Edison Gymnastics win the District Championship!

Black History Month Celebration - February 19 - Date Change

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Student Voices at Family Summit Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Today, some of Edison's Leadership students had the opportunity to attend a leadership lab at Woodson High School. Students got to hear from other schools and leaders in our district. The highlight of the day for our students was hearing from Guest Speaker Ryan McElven.

Immunizations

Make Sure Your Children Are 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!

Science Fair Presentations 

FCPS Budget Information FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Proposed Budget Progress
• Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
• Black History Month Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• Registration for ANGP!
• Useful Links

Registration for ANGP! Registration is now open for the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party!

Doors open at the Franconia Rec Center at 11:00 p.m. on June 3, 2025!

• Register early to get the reduced rate of $50.
• Games! Prizes! Food! Obstacle Course! Live entertainment! Swimming and more!
• Register here: https://edisonangp.com/register-for-angp 

Note: All students eligible for free and reduced lunch can register online for a reduced fee.

La información sobre All Night Grad Party también está disponible en español en nuestro sitio web www.edisonangp.com (Copiar y pegar para abrir). Todos los estudiantes que son elegibles para recibir almuerzo gratuito o reducido pueden registrarse en línea por una tarifa reducida.

 

Questions? Email Robin at [email protected]

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website
• Edison HS CalendarWiz

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Feb 1 - Edison Academy Open House 10am- 1pm

Feb 6 - International Night

Feb 13 - Partner for Safe Teen Driving - Auditorium   7pm - 8:30pm

Feb 15 - Edison Theatre Cabaret Night -Auditorium   7pm - 9pm

Feb 17 - No School - President's Day

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

Feb 22 - Bingo! in the Cafeteria 6pm-9pm

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• Academy Open Houses
• International Night
• FBLA!
• SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey
• Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
• Nominations Open for First-Class Awards
• Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

Happy Friday! We’ve had an exciting and eventful week at Edison, and I’m thrilled to share some of the highlights with you.

First, congratulations to our theater students for their outstanding performance in the VHSL District One Act competition, where they performed Trojan Women. Edison placed 2nd overall and will be advancing to the regional tournament at Fairfax HS on February 18th! A special shoutout to Nethee Pelekasis, who earned the Best Actress award—what an incredible accomplishment! We are so proud of our students and can’t wait to see them at regionals.

This past Tuesday, we had a fantastic night of music with our Pyramid Chorus and Band concerts. Seeing the incredible talent across our Edison pyramid and watching our high school students demonstrate leadership while mentoring younger performers was wonderful. Thank you to our music directors and students for creating such a memorable evening!

On Wednesday, we celebrated Senior Night for our wrestling team, honoring 21 seniors and their families. It was a great night of recognition for their dedication and hard work throughout their time at Edison. Congratulations to all our senior wrestlers!

We officially kicked off the third quarter on Thursday, which means we are full speed ahead into the second half of the school year! As we move forward, I want to remind everyone that consistent attendance is critical to student success. If your student is going to be out, please be sure to call in the absence, and for absences longer than one day, please complete a prearranged absence form. This form helps ensure students have a plan for making up missed work. If you have any questions, please reach out to your administrator.

Parents, you should also have received an email from K12 Insight regarding the SR&R and cell phone policy survey. Your feedback is valuable, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts. This is also a reminder that all students must place their cell phones in the holder at the front of the classroom upon arrival, in accordance with county policy. Please reinforce with your child the importance of keeping their phone away during instructional time so they can stay engaged in learning.

Thank you to the parents who attended Wednesday’s Principal’s Coffee! I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and hear how we can continue to support our students and families.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host International Night on February 6th in the auditorium! Tickets went on sale today—please see the information below on how to purchase yours. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our Edison community, and we can’t wait for you to experience our students’ performances.

Finally, congratulations to our FBLA students who competed and placed at the NoVA Region FBLA Regional Leadership Conference this past Wednesday. Please see below for a list of our students who placed—way to go, Eagles!

As always, thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Go Eagles!

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Student Spotlight

Freshmen David Holmes and Marcus Shepherd
at the MLK Day of Service last Saturday, January 25

David and his mom saw the MLK Day of Service announcement in the EHS Weekly and signed up to participate. They went to volunteer and ran into David's friend and fellow Eagle, Marcus Shepherd. 

At the MLK Day of Service they participated in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Some of the activities included making baskets and games for kids, making pillow cases for military members, making bears for little kids, and writing letters to those who help support teaching. They felt this was a well organized event with lots of options for students to do. 

The students had a good time and thought it was cool!

"I would like to do it again next year!" -Marcus

Thank you for volunteering David and Marcus!

 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Academy Open Houses

Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (snow date is Saturday, February 8).  We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA.  Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses!  Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or [email protected] if you need any additional information.  Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on February 1st.

Wrestling Senior Night!

International Night

We invite you to join us for International Night – an exciting and festive celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our vibrant Edison community!

An evening of unity and tradition, International Night is a celebration of cultural diversity.

To ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment focused on cultural celebration, we kindly ask that the evening be free of political signage/messaging. Therefore, signs of any kind are not allowed in the auditorium. Thank you for helping us celebrate together.

International Night will be streamed LIVE for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, so no one has to miss out on this wonderful event!  Seating is limited, so be sure to take advantage of the live stream option. → EDISON LIVESTREAM

Ticket Information:

Tickets for International Night are $7.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. Please use the link below to purchase your tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Edison I night Ticket link

We look forward to celebrating with you!

FBLA!

Wednesday, January 29, Edison's FBLA participated in the NoVA Region FBLA Regional Leadership Conference.  We had several students that participated in objective testing and performance events.  We are pleased to announce that the following students place and qualify to represent Edison High School at the Virgina State Leadership Conference in early April.

 

Parliamentary Procedure - 1st Place - Charles Barrios, Taylor Erickson, and Christopher Lastrape, and Anamaria Reyes-Panchame

Job Interview - 1st Place - Diane Donkor

Networking Design - 1st - Artashes Hovhannisyan

Advertising - 2nd - Jax McAfee

Business Communication - 2nd - Christopher Lastrape

Cyber Security - 2nd - Artashes Hovhannisyan

Networking Infrastructures - 3rd  - Angel Lemus Ortega

Personal Finance - 2nd - Charles Barrios

Introduction to Business Communication - 3rd - Marina Hall

 

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

VHSL 1 Act Competition Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage. 

Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Edison Pyramid Band Concert!

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Student-Driven Lunch Menus
• Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Jan 25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 28 - Edison Pyramid Choral Concert  at Edison HS  7pm - 9pm

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

Jan 29 - Parent Coffee RSVP here!

Feb 1 - Edison Academy Open House 10am- 1pm

Feb 6 - International Night

Feb 13 - Partner for Safe Teen Driving - Auditorium   7pm - 8:30pm

Feb 15 - Edison Theatre Cabaret Night -Auditorium   7pm - 9pm

Feb 17 - No School - President's Day

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

Feb 22 - Bingo! in the Cafeteria 6pm-9pm

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Congratulations Mrs. Burke!
• Student Spotlight
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity
• Edison Theater Company (ETC) Boosters Meeting
• Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
• International Night
• Opioid Awareness
• Boundary Meetings
• VA SOL Summary
• SR&R and Cell Phone Survey
• School Board Student Rep
• Academy Open Houses
• Impact Aid Forms
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

Wow, it’s been so cold outside this week! Please make sure your children are dressing warmly for the weather, and if your family needs any assistance with winter clothing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor, our school social worker, or one of our parent liaisons. We’re here to support you.

This past Monday, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His message of service and community reminds us all to give back in meaningful ways. Let’s continue to find ways to serve and uplift our community.

I’d also like to give a huge congratulations to our girls' basketball coach, Dianne Lewis, who achieved her 500th career win on Monday night! What an incredible milestone—congratulations to Coach Lewis and the entire team on this amazing accomplishment!

On Thursday night, we hosted our Rising 9th Grade Global STEM Challenges Program night, and it was wonderful to see so many future Eagles excited about STEM! We’re thrilled to welcome the next generation of innovators to Edison.

As we look ahead, please note that Tuesday marks the end of the second quarter. I encourage you to check in with your child to make sure they’ve submitted all their work before grades close. Wednesday will be a teacher workday, so students will have the day off. On Thursday, we’ll kick off the third quarter—and hopefully some warmer weather will join us, too!

Thank you for your continued support of Edison High School. Stay warm and have a wonderful weekend!

Go Eagles!

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Congratulations Mrs. Burke!

Congratulations to Mrs. Burke on winning the Region 3 Outstanding New Principal Award!

Student Spotlight

The Edison Speech Team did a fantastic job representing our school at the Regional Speech Tournament!

The following students competed:
Jacob Hannan: Impromptu Speaking
Josie Holmgren: Storytelling
Brenjy-Corpuz Lin: Storytelling
Hadia Mahreen: Original Oratory

The following students will continue on to Super Regionals on February 18 at Westfield High School.

3rd Place Impromptu Speaking - Jacob Hannan
2nd Place Storytelling - Josie Holmgren

If you see these students around, please congratulate all of the students on a job well done!

 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

RSVP here for the coffee with Mrs. Burke

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. 

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

Edison Theater Company (ETC) Boosters Meeting

Theater Parents:  We invite you to the Edison Theater Company (ETC) Boosters Meeting on Monday, January 27th at 6:30pm in the BlackBox Theater (Mr. Walker's Classroom). This meeting is essential for parents of students who will be involved onstage or backstage for the spring production of Grease, but all theatre parents are welcome!  Please enter through door 15.  If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Congratulations on 500 career wins Coach Lewis!

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVue
Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

International Night

We invite you to join us for International Night – an exciting and festive celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our vibrant Edison community!

An evening of celebration, unity, and tradition, International Night is a celebration of cultural diversity.

To maintain the focus on cultural appreciation, political speeches and signage are not permitted.

International Night will be streamed LIVE for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, so no one has to miss out on this wonderful event! Seating is limited, so be sure to take advantage of the live stream option.

Tickets will go on sale at the end of January. Please check back for more details as we get closer to the event date.

Stay tuned for additional information and get ready for a night filled with cultural pride, performances, and community spirit!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Senior Night for Swim and Dive!

Opioid Awareness What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

Boundary Meetings 📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Global STEM Challenges Program

VA SOL Summary

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

SR&R and Cell Phone Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

School Board Student Rep 📝 Application 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 apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

• A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
• A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

PTSA News

Student Services has asked the PTSA to help supply donations of gently used winter clothing, specifically winter jackets. Please consider donating winter jackets in all adult sizes for our students in need. Student Services was able to help some of our students in need by accessing clothing from other high schools. Students tend to prefer darker color jackets, and the puffy type is popular!  Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Donations can be dropped off in the front office with the name Miss Worthen, Social Worker, on it. Thank you!

  The class of 2025 All Night Grad Party will be held at the Franconia Rec Center on June 3, 2025 from 11:00pm until 4:30am.

 

The ANGP still has a number of open Sub Committee positions that require a shadow this year, due to many parents having a graduating senior and therefore not continuing in their current role next year.

We do need a fair number of non-senior parents to take over these positions for the 2025/2026 school year. If you know of any non-senior parent that might be interested in joining a committee now, to learn the ropes this year, please have them contact Robin A. 

It is imperative that we get as many parents involved as possible so that the students can continue to enjoy a FUN and SAFE environment during their All Night Grad Party! Please help spread the word!

Email Robin with any questions at [email protected]!

To learn more about the PTSA planning committee for the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party, please attend the next planning meeting, Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81284086431?pwd=5w9V7ofnUDJFKHlFYUCWASjXalsPlh.1

 

Meeting ID: 812 8408 6431

Passcode: 740995

Academy Open Houses

Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (snow date is Saturday, February 8).  We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA.  Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses!  Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or [email protected] if you need any additional information.  Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on February 1st.

Impact Aid Forms

Parents/Guardians may still submit Impact Aid forms via Parent VUE through the end of January. Remember that funds received through this collection help ensure your child's excellent education! Thank you for your support. 

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• All Night Grad Party
• Open Committee Positions
• Useful Links

All Night Grad Party The class of 2025 All Night Grad Party will be held at the Franconia Rec Center on June 3, 2025 from 11:00pm until 4:30am.

To learn more about the PTSA planning committee for the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party, please attend the next planning meeting, Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m.

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81284086431?pwd=5w9V7ofnUDJFKHlFYUCWASjXalsPlh.1

 

Meeting ID: 812 8408 6431

Passcode: 740995

Open Committee Positions

The ANGP still has a number of open Sub Committee positions that require a shadow this year, due to many parents having a graduating senior and therefore not continuing in their current role next year.

We do need a fair number of non-senior parents to take over these positions for the 2025/2026 school year. If you know of any non-senior parent that might be interested in joining a committee now, to learn the ropes this year, please have them contact Robin A.

 

ANGP Subcommittees (most are in need of a current shadow):

Communications
Corporate donations
Decorations
Fire Marshall Liaison
Food
Mulch Sale
Party Set-up
Registration
Secretary
Treasurer
Volunteer Coordinator/Outreach

 

It is imperative that we get as many parents involved as possible so that the students can continue to enjoy a FUN and SAFE environment during their All Night Grad Party! Please help spread the word!

Email Robin with any questions at [email protected]!

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website
• Edison HS CalendarWiz

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 28 - Edison Pyramid Choral Concert  at Edison HS  7pm - 9pm

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

Jan 29 - Parent Coffee RSVP here!

Feb 1 - Edison Academy Open House 10am- 1pm

Feb 6 - International Night

Feb 13 - Partner for Safe Teen Driving - Auditorium   7pm - 8:30pm

Feb 15 - Edison Theatre Cabaret Night -Auditorium   7pm - 9pm

Feb 17 - No School - President's Day

Feb 22 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria  10am - 12pm

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Students and families learned a lot about what Edison has to offer at Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Fair last night!

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Posse Scholarships
• A Message From Our New Parent Liaison
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity
• Impact Aid Forms
• International Night
• Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
• Congressional Visit to Edison
• Academy Open Houses
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

This past Saturday, I attended my first all-girls wrestling tournament at Lewis High School. It was inspiring to see our student-athletes in action, showcasing the impressive skills they've developed in such a short time. Their hard work and determination were evident on the mat!

On Monday, we welcomed congressional staffers to Edison, who visited to learn more about how the federally funded mental health grant is being utilized in schools. Our Student Services team and Our Minds Matter Club did an outstanding job highlighting our work to support our students and sharing insights on additional resources that could further enhance our efforts. I’m so proud of their leadership and advocacy!

Last night, we hosted our Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Fair, and it was wonderful to see so many future Eagles and their families. They left with a better understanding of the course selection process and had the opportunity to explore the diverse electives Edison offers. The presentation materials are available here under the Course Selection section for those unable to attend.

As we move further into the winter season, our sports teams are in full swing! I encourage you to come out and support our Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball teams, Wrestling teams, Swim and Dive teams, Gymnastics teams, and Indoor Track teams. We have some incredibly talented student-athletes; your support means so much to them.

As we head into a long weekend, I hope everyone takes time to relax and recharge. I’ve even heard we might get more snow, so stay warm! On Monday, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we reflect on his contributions to our country, let’s challenge ourselves to show equity, kindness, and compassion in our daily lives.

Thank you for all you do to make Edison a great community for our students, staff, and families.

Enjoy the weekend, and I’ll see you back at school on Tuesday!

Go Eagles!

Amanda Burke
Principal 

The Edison women’s basketball team competed in the KSA tournament held in Orlando, Florida, from December 19th to the 21st. The Eagles emerged victorious, clinching our division and securing a remarkable 3-0 record.

Sara Chawki was rightly recognized as the tournament MVP.

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire community for their unwavering support and for making this incredible trip a reality!

Posse Scholarships

We are proud to announce that three seniors have received Posse Scholarships! Christopher LaStrape and Ayael Eslaquit will be attending UVA, and Kyle Patrick Janer will be attending Lewis and Clark University. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition leadership scholarships from partner colleges and universities. Posse is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students, carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development.

We are also proud to announce that Katherine Osorio-Olivares has received a QuestBridge scholarship to Denison University. QuestBridge grew from a core belief that all students deserve to reach their full potential, regardless of their financial background. From its roots as a summer program, its founders realized the importance of community for those from similar backgrounds and ongoing support throughout college. Students are considered for early admission and full four-year scholarship to partner colleges and universities. All finalists receive full scholarships to attend one of the programs partner institutions.

Congratulations Chris, Ayael, Kyle Patrick, and Katherine. We are so proud of what you have accomplished!

A Message From Our New Parent Liaison

Hi, my name is Douha Kalouda, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new family liaison at Edison High School. I bring a background in helping communities access health services and resources. In this role, I'm here to support both students and families by facilitating communication and collaboration with the school to promote students’ academic success and overall well-being. 

If you have any questions about school events, services, academic progress, or resources available, I am here to help!

Please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected] or 703-924-8074, and I look forward to meeting everyone and working together in the coming months.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. 

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

RSVP here for the coffee with Mrs. Burke

Impact Aid Forms

Parents/Guardians may still submit Impact Aid forms via Parent VUE through the end of January. Remember that funds received through this collection help ensure your child's excellent education! Thank you for your support. 

International Night

We invite you to join us for International Night – an exciting and festive celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our vibrant Edison community!

An evening of celebration, unity, and tradition, International Night is a celebration of cultural diversity.

To maintain the focus on cultural appreciation, political speeches and signage are not permitted.

International Night will be streamed LIVE for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, so no one has to miss out on this wonderful event! Seating is limited, so be sure to take advantage of the live stream option.

Tickets will go on sale at the end of January. Please check back for more details as we get closer to the event date.

Stay tuned for additional information and get ready for a night filled with cultural pride, performances, and community spirit!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVue
Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

Congressional Visit to Edison

This past Monday, we had the opportunity to share how we at Edison High School are benefiting from FCPS’ School Based Mental Health Grant from the US Department of Education. We were glad to have the opportunity to share and reflect on the work of our school-based mental health staff.

Staff from Congress and the Dept of Ed were particularly interested in the topics of Professional Development that our staff attended and how those skills had benefited our school community. They also had questions about our clinical staffing ratios and the ways we support teacher capacity to foster meaningful connections with students.

We are especially proud of our student leaders of Edison Minds Matter who provided a phenomenal presentation about the club and how they foster a climate of inclusion and mutual support around mental health at our school. As one of the congressional staffers told them, their presentation was far more informative and effective than many of the meetings they have with lobbyists and advocates on the Hill.

Academy Open Houses

Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (snow date is Saturday, February 8).  We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA.  Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses!  Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or [email protected] if you need any additional information.  Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on February 1st.

Welding Open House

February 20, 2025

Bryant High School

2709 Popkins Ln
Alexandria, VA 22306

 

 

Questions?

Nora Covert,
Academy Counselor

[email protected]

703-718-2752

West Potomac Academy
Open House

February 20, 2025

6500 Quander Road
Alexandria, VA 22307

 

Questions?

Nora Covert,
Academy Counselor

[email protected]

703-718-2752

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Jan 15 - IB Information Night

Jan 16 - Orientation to course selection and Curriculum Fair

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 28 - Edison Pyramid Choral Concert  at Edison HS  7pm - 9pm

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

Feb 6 - International Night

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

We hope everyone had a nice break and fun snow days!

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• IB Information Night January 15
• Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Fair January 16
• Chronic Absenteeism
• Impact Aid Forms
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity
• Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
• International Night
• Cell Phone Policy
• Varsity Tutors
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

Happy New Year, and welcome back! I hope you had a restful winter break. It was wonderful seeing our students and staff return today, ready to kick off 2025.

A special thank you to our custodial team for their hard work over the past few days clearing snow from our sidewalks and parking lot. Their dedication ensured that we could safely return to school today, and we are so grateful for their efforts.

As we begin the new year, I want to provide an important update about our parent night on course selection for rising 9th graders and new students, as well as our curriculum night for all grade levels. Originally scheduled for this past Wednesday, the event was canceled due to inclement weather but has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 16th.

• Course Selection Presentation for Rising 9th and New Students: 6:30 PM in the Auditorium
• Curriculum Night for All Grade Levels: 7:00 PM throughout the school

This evening will be an excellent opportunity for families to learn about the exciting courses and programs Edison has to offer and to ask questions as we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.

A reminder that the second quarter will end at the end of January. Please encourage your student to stay on top of their assignments and reach out to their teachers if they need additional support.

Thank you for your continued support as we start the new year together. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!

 

Amanda Burke
Principal 

IB Information Night January 15

Join Edison’s IB Coordinators, Ms. Sabra Devers and Ms. Corinne Nuttall, at Edison High School’s IB Night on January 15, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. They will give an overview of the IB Programme at Edison as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions, such as:

• How do you become an IB student?
• What is the IB MYP Personal Project?
• What is the FCPS/IB MYP Certificate?
• What are the benefits of taking IB DP courses?
• What is the IB Diploma?
• What is the difference between the IB Diploma and the IB Diploma Certificate?

Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Fair January 16

Due to the snow day January 8, 2025, the Orientation to Course Selection has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 16.

• Course Selection Presentation for Rising 9th and New Students: 6:30 PM in the Auditorium
• Curriculum Night for All Grade Levels: 7:00 PM throughout the school with representation from each department ready to talk about their offerings and to answer any questions you may have.

Families can learn more about course offerings and programs at these events.  School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success.

You may contact your student’s counselor with questions.

🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning

Planning which courses to take next year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.  

The Curriculum webpage may also be helpful. Refer to our course catalog and course selection webpages.

Students Kahlaya J. and Aiden R. helped deliver the mail.
Thank you!

Chronic Absenteeism

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Studies consistently show that students with strong attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate on time. To support our students and reduce chronic absenteeism (over 50% of our chronic absenteeism comes from Excused absences), we are implementing the following procedure for students who have absences of three or more days (pre-arranged or not):

• Make-Up Plan Requirement: All students with extended absences must complete a plan to make up missed instructional time after school.
• Parents and students should complete the Pre-Arranged Absence Form and have it signed by all teachers.
• Teachers and students will work together to create a plan for when they will meet after school to make up assignments and/or assessments missed during the absence.
• An Assistant Principal will meet with the student to ensure the plan is finalized and in place.
• Earning Back Attendance Days: For every three hours a student spends after school receiving academic support from a teacher, they will earn back one full day of attendance. This helps students recover lost instructional time, avoid being classified as chronically absent, and supports the school in maintaining full accreditation.

We appreciate your partnership in encouraging consistent attendance and helping us create a plan for your student’s success.

Impact Aid Forms

Parents/Guardians may still submit Impact Aid forms via Parent VUE through the end of January. Remember that funds received through this collection help ensure your child's excellent education! Thank you for your support. 

Our office staff was happy to return to school today!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. 

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

International Night

We invite you to join us for International Night – an exciting and festive celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our vibrant Edison community!

An evening of celebration, unity, and tradition, International Night is a celebration of cultural diversity.

To maintain the focus on cultural appreciation, political speeches and signage are not permitted.

International Night will be streamed LIVE for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, so no one has to miss out on this wonderful event! Seating is limited, so be sure to take advantage of the live stream option.

Tickets will go on sale at the end of January. Please check back for more details as we get closer to the event date.

Stay tuned for additional information and get ready for a night filled with cultural pride, performances, and community spirit!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our 703-924-8000.

Varsity Tutors

📑 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.

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

• In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• National Merit Commended Scholars
• Celebrating the Best of 2024 in FCPS
• Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 6 - First day back after Winter Break

Jan 8 - Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates Reception 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Jan 8 - Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Night 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Jan 15 - IB Information Night

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 28 - Edison Pyramid Choral Concert  at Edison HS  7pm - 9pm

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

Feb 6 - International Night

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Edison Offices Closed
Dec 23 - Jan 3

All Edison High School offices will be closed over the Winter Break. Offices will open Monday, January 6th at 7:30am.
Have a restful break!

Leadership class did a great job decorating the school lobby with snow!

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Curriculum Fair and Orientation to Course Selection
• Update Contact Info in ParentVUE
• Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy
• Community Boundary Review Meetings
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Attendance Reporting
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

As we close out 2024 and head into a well-deserved winter break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit and generosity we’ve seen throughout our school this holiday season.

We wrapped up our holiday celebrations with a stunning concert featuring our Chorus and Chamber Orchestra. Their performance was a beautiful reminder of our students' talent and dedication to the arts. A special thank you to Mr. Lackie and our amazing chorus students who spread cheer this afternoon by caroling around the school—what a festive way to head into the break!

I’d also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our community members who donated gift cards and other items for our faculty holiday raffle. The outpouring of generosity was truly overwhelming, and our faculty felt deeply appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Today, we hosted our annual Electives Fair for our 9th through 11th graders, giving them the opportunity to explore the many elective options available for next school year. It was wonderful to see students engaging with teachers and peers as they planned for their academic journeys ahead.

Meanwhile, our seniors had a special class meeting, where they learned about the exciting events and activities planned for the second half of their final year at Edison. There’s so much to look forward to, and we’re thrilled to celebrate these moments with them.

As we head into winter break, I want to wish each of you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year. This is the perfect time to connect with family and friends, recharge, and reflect on the year behind us and the opportunities ahead.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 6, 2025, refreshed and ready to continue making this school year a great one.

Wishing you a season filled with happiness, health, and peace.

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Curriculum Fair and Orientation to Course Selection

Edison will be hosting an Orientation to Course Selection for Rising 9th Grade Families, and a Curriculum Fair for all students who will attend Edison next year on Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.  The Curriculum Fair will be located around the first floor with representation from each department ready to talk about their offerings and to answer any questions you may have.  For rising 9th grade families, the evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. and then you will also have an opportunity to visit the Curriculum Fair. We look forward to seeing you on January 8!

 Arlington Wreath-Laying on Saturday, 14 DEC 2024

JROTC had a total of 53 JROTC Cadets, 3 additional (students) friends and 3 parents joined us. It was a chilly, but very fun and productive morning!

Update Contact Info in ParentVUE

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

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, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

Winter Chorus Concert December 17th!

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Mr. Mo's class playing bingo!

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

Edison Chorus caroling in the main office! 

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
• Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
• Fall 2024 Sports Champions

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Dec 16 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving  7pm - 8:30pm  Auditorium 

Dec 17- Winter Choral Orchestral Masterworks Concert  7pm - 9pm  Auditorium

Dec 18-19 - Senior Photos (yearbook ONLY)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 6 - First day back after Winter Break

Jan 8 - Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates Reception 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Jan 8 - Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Night 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Jan 15 - IB Information Night

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 28 - Edison Pyramid Choral Concert  at Edison HS  7pm - 9pm

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

 

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• PTSA Food Pantry
• Winter Resources
• Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter
• Course Selection for 25-26 School Year
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Outstanding Employee Awards!
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance Reporting
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

Thank you to all the parents who came out for the boundary meeting discussion this past Monday. It was great to see our community engaging thoughtfully during the superintendent's feedback session. Your voices are needed as we navigate these critical decisions.

Last week, we were inspired by the incredible presentations from our students during the Middle Years Program Personal Projects. Their diverse interests and passions were fully displayed, and watching them present was a great experience. Thank you to the parents who joined us for my coffee last week. It was great to connect, hear your thoughts, and continue building a collaborative partnership with you all.

Our winter sports season is in full swing, and seeing our athletes competing is fantastic. Our band and orchestra have also recently given outstanding performances—hearing them play truly brings the season to life. This is a reminder that next Tuesday night, our choir and chamber orchestra will be performing, and I encourage everyone to come out and celebrate the season with us.

A BIG thank-you to the families who have generously contributed gift cards for our faculty holiday party. These contributions will add a special touch to our winter festivities, and I know our teachers will greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness as we enjoy some fun and games together.

Next Friday, during our return period, we will have our Electives Fair. This is an opportunity for students to explore elective options for the next school year. You can support us by asking your students what elective might interest them and encouraging them to sign up to learn more about them.  Students will be receiving lessons next week about the various electives and how to sign up for the sessions on Friday.  After Winter Break, on January 8th, we will kick off the course selection process with our Orientation to Course Selection and Curriculum Night. This event is an excellent chance for parents to learn more about the courses available to their students for the upcoming school year.

Thank you for your continued support, and have a great weekend.

Amanda Burke
Principal 

Student Spotlight Edison Students Caught Doing Good in the Community

Fantasy characters help cheer up children and families at airport event

To quote a mom on the scene: “I was so impressed with how the kids never broke character, were so patient, and were so generous with their hugs.”

The students in question were senior Sophia Wiegold, and juniors Mateus Garbaliauskas and Lily Newman. The three Edison High School students volunteered to be characters for the 2024 Fantasy Flight event at Washington Dulles International Airport, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Sophia and Mateus reprised their characters from the Edison Theatre production Peter Pan and Wendy, Tinkerbell and Peter. Lily became a Minion for the day. All three interacted with children and their families all morning, spreading joy and laughter.

Each year, United Airlines proudly collaborates with Children’s Hospice International to orchestrate a heartwarming expedition to the “North Pole.” This enchanting event is designed to bring joy to terminally ill children and their families during the holiday season by transporting them on a special flight to a winter wonderland inspired by the spirit of Santa Claus. Costumed characters and many other festive stations were part of their experience. 

We are proud to celebrate Lily, Mateus, and Sophia for their time and caring hearts to help make this event special to all who attended.

Photos by Gretta Wiegold.

 

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Edison Offices Closed
Dec 23 - Jan 3

All Edison High School offices will be closed over the Winter Break. Offices will open Monday, January 6th at 7:30am.
Have a restful break!

PTSA Food Pantry

The PTSA is collecting money for families in need this holiday season. They would like to give each family a $75 gift card to Aldi. If you're able to donate, please click this link - Winter Holiday Food Pantry Fundraiser

 

If you are a family in need of assistance this holiday break please contact the food pantry chairs to be added to the distribution list at: [email protected]. 

Winter Resources

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.

Students on the Virginia Tech field trip last week.

Course Selection for 25-26 School Year Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

• Current academic strengths and habits.
• Graduation requirements 
• Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
• Personal well-being.
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well. 

Please refer to the Edison HS course catalog and course selection for more information.

 

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Region 3 Leadership at the Boundary Meeting with School Board Representative Marcia St. John-Cunning.

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
• Join Our Teacher Team!
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Outstanding Employee Awards! Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• Aldi Gift Cards for Families in Need
• Families in Need of Assistance
• Calling All Holiday Bakers!
• Gift Cards for Staff
• All Night Grad Party
• Useful Links

Aldi Gift Cards for Families in Need

The PTSA is collecting money for families in need this holiday season. We would like to give each family a $75 gift card to Aldi. If you're able to donate, please click this link - Winter Holiday Food Pantry Fundraiser

Families in Need of Assistance

If you are a family in need of assistance this holiday break please contact the food pantry chairs to be added to the distribution list at: [email protected]. 

Calling All Holiday Bakers! Gift Cards for Staff

Our Edison administration is collecting gift cards to raffle off at their annual Staff Holiday Party on December 17th. If you are interested in helping by donating a gift card, please reach out to Gina D'Angelo, [email protected] and help show our awesome staff some love!

All Night Grad Party

ANGP needs volunteers of all kinds for a successful and safe end of the year party for our graduating seniors. 

The class of 2025 All Night Grad Party will be held at the Franconia Rec Center on June 3, 2025 from 11:00pm until 4:30am. Questions? [email protected]

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website
• Edison HS CalendarWiz

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Dec 9 - Boundary Review Community Mtg for Region 3 -6:30 pm at Mt. Vernon HS

Dec 11- Parent University Course Selection Process 6pm - 7pm

Dec 18-19 - Senior Photos (yearbook ONLY)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 8 - Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates Reception

Jan 15 - IB Information Night

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday- No School

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Gift Cards for the Faculty!
• Student Spotlight
• Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates!
• IB Information Night
• Student Laptops
• Peer Mentoring Program
• Boundary Review Community Meeting
• 2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It!
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance Reporting
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

We show school spirit every day!

Gift Cards for the Faculty!

We are collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Faculty Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 17th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the main office addressed to Gina D'Angelo.

We kindly ask that we receive all gift card donations by Monday, December 16th. Please contact Gina D'Angelo at [email protected] for more information.

Student Spotlight

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates! Attention Class of 2024 IB Diploma Candidates!

We are thrilled to invite you to a special reception to celebrate your achievements and present your IB Diplomas.

📅 Date: January 8 🕠 Time: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM 📍 Location: Edison HS Cafeteria – Gym Side (please use door 14 to enter)

Celebrate your hard work, connect with your classmates, and pick up your diploma. Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there; however, if you are unable to attend, please reach out to Ms. Devers ([email protected]) to arrange to pick up your diploma or certificate.

IB Information Night

Join Edison’s IB Coordinators, Ms. Sabra Devers and Ms. Corinne Nuttall, at Edison High School’s IB Night on January 15, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. They will give an overview of the IB Programme at Edison as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions, such as:

• How do you become an IB student?
• What is the IB MYP Personal Project?
• What is the FCPS/IB MYP Certificate?
• What are the benefits of taking IB DP courses?
• What is the IB Diploma?
• What is the difference between the IB Diploma and the IB Diploma Certificate?

Student Laptops

Reminder that the tech office does not hand out loaner laptops or chargers. If a student has lost their laptop, they need to report it to the tech office, or if there is damage, have them go to the tech office.  There are no charges for damage such as wear and tear. If a student lost their laptop or charger, they must pay for a replacement. 

Peer Mentoring Program Exciting News: Peer Mentoring Program at Edison High School

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a Peer Mentoring Program at Edison High School! Inspired by several of our seniors, this initiative will pair junior and senior students with 9th graders to provide support during their transition into high school.

The program is designed to help 9th-grade students with:

• Academic challenges
• Time management and study skills
• Building a sense of community and belonging

If you have a junior or senior student in your household, please encourage them to complete the attached application. Please note: the QR Code link is accessible only through a student’s school email account.

We are excited about the positive impact this program will have on our school community! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our school counselors:

• Mr. Dami Alao: [email protected]
• Mr. David Schlemmer: [email protected]

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions.

You are encouraged to attend the Region 3 Meeting at Mount Vernon High School Monday, December 9th at 6:30 - 8:00 pm Register Here! Language interpretation will be available. 

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

Students showed off their Middle Years Program Personal Projects today!

2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office webpage for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.

The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application will be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

Get Help Filling out FAFSA From College Access Fairfax

Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.

In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email [email protected].

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It!

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Family Academy Orientation
• Literacy Resources
• Winter Programs and Activities

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance Reporting How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• Winter Holiday Food Baskets/Gift Cards
• Restaurant Night at Hangry Burger
• Next PTSA Meeting
• All Night Grad Party
• Useful Links

Winter Holiday Food Baskets/Gift Cards

The EHS PTSA will be providing assistance to families in need with our Winter Holiday Food Baskets/Gift Cards. If you are a family in need of assistance this winter break, please contact [email protected]. 

For families able to donate to the initiative, a fundraising link will be provided soon.

Restaurant Night at Hangry Burger Next PTSA Meeting

There will be no December PTSA General Membership Meeting, instead we are hoping to have a holiday get together at a local establishment. Please keep your eye out for more information coming soon.

All Night Grad Party

The ANGP still has a number of open Committee and Sub Committee positions that require a shadow this year, due to many parents having a graduating Senior and therefore not continuing in their current role. 

Please look over the list below and let us know if you are interested in filling any of these roles. We can put you in touch with the current chair and they can let you know what’s involved and the level of time commitment.

We do need a fair number of non-senior parents to take over these positions for the 2025/2026 school year. If you know of any non-senior parent that might be interested in joining a committee now to learn the ropes this year, please have them contact Robin A.

The class of 2025 All Night Grad Party will be held at the Franconia Rec Center on June 3, 2025 from 11:00pm until 4:30am.

It is imperative that we get as many parents involved as possible so that the students can continue to enjoy a FUN and SAFE environment during their All Night Grad Party! Please help spread the word!

ANGP Subcommittees (most are in need of a current shadow):

Bag and Baggage 
Budget
Communications
Corporate donations
Decorations
Fire Marshall Liaison
Food
Mulch Sale
Party Set-up
Registration 
Secretary 
Treasurer
Volunteer Coordinator/Outreach
Webmaster

Here is a small breakdown/description of some of the positions:

Treasurer—There are some checks to write this fall as we secure deposits for the party. It picks up around the mulch sale (March/April), with lots of deposits and paying vendors. Busiest from the middle of May through the party. Then the treasurer is responsible for reconciling the books for the PTSA Audit in August.

Food—Need at least one parent to be a non-senior parent.  Can work as a team to contact area restaurants to get some deals on food. Will be provided with 2024 food list and quantities ordered etc. as a starting point. Non-senior parent is needed to be at the Rec Center the night of the party to manage pick-ups and deliveries of food orders.

Communications—Submit information to the front office to put in the weekly PTSA message.  Work with PTSA Communications VP to get ANGP information on social media.  Send info to the Senior class president and vice president to place ANGP information on the Class of 2025 Instagram page.

Corporate/Business donations—work with a list of established donors to solicit donations from area businesses.

Party Set up—This needs to be a non-senior parent.  Will need to be at Rec Center at 7:30 p.m. the night of the party to manage set up volunteers and get Rec Center ready for the party.

Volunteer Outreach—I would like someone that could compile a list of school events/activities that ANGP committee members could attend with the ANGP display to talk to parents about joining the committee. Then closer to the party will be responsible for reaching out to parents volunteering for the party.

Webmaster—ANGP has its own web page at www.edisonangp.com.  I would like someone who would be responsible for updating this throughout the year. With the mulch sale info, adding business sponsors, party information, etc.

Secretary—Need someone to take notes at every meeting and prepare minutes. 

Please note the next ANGP meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th via zoom (link will be sent at a later date).

Thank you for your time and attention! Stay warm!

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Nov 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

Dec 5 - Parent Coffee at 9am

Dec 9 - Boundary Review Community Mtg for Region 3 -6:30 pm at Mt. Vernon HS

Dec 18-19 - Senior Photos (yearbook ONLY)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Gift Cards for the Faculty!
• Student Spotlight
• Food For Neighbors
• You're Invited: IB MYP Personal Project Showcase
• Federal Impact Aid Survey
• Boundary Review Community Meeting
• Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Happy Thanksgiving, Edison Families!

As we head into Thanksgiving break, I just want to say how thankful we are for all of you. Your support means so much to us, and we’re grateful to have such an amazing community here at Edison.

I hope you all have a chance to relax, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy some good food over the holiday. Stay safe, and we can’t wait to see everyone back on Monday, December 2!

A quick note—our next Parent Coffee is on Tuesday, December 5, at 9:00 AM. If you can RSVP, that would help us plan, but please feel free to come even if you don’t RSVP. We’d love to have you join us!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Amanda Burke
Principal

Administrative Team Serving Lunch to our Students!

Gift Cards for the Faculty!

We are collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Faculty Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 17th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the main office addressed to Gina D'Angelo.

We kindly ask that we receive all gift card donations by Monday, December 16th. Please contact Gina D'Angelo at [email protected] for more information.

Student Spotlight

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Food For Neighbors

Edison High School is pairing up with Food For Neighbors to assist families in need.  Please take a moment to read how you can help!  Every little bit can help a family. 

Students attending the Latin Convention in Richmond this past weekend.

You're Invited: IB MYP Personal Project Showcase

We invite you to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2027 students as they showcase their IB MYP Personal Projects on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM.

This is an opportunity to witness firsthand the culmination of months of dedicated work, creativity, and perseverance. Students will present their projects, which reflect their passions and interests.

Date: Friday, December 6, 2024 Time: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Edison High School Library

We look forward to sharing this special moment with you.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions.

You are encouraged to attend the Region 3 Meeting at Mount Vernon High School Monday, December 9th at 6:30 - 8:00 pm Register Here! Language interpretation will be available. 

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

 

Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to fostering a caring culture where each and every student can thrive in a learning environment where they feel welcome and a sense of belonging. 

In alignment with FCPS Regulation 1502,  Schools ensure that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection space within the school building. 

FCPS supports students who need to take time during the school day to practice as their faith requires. If your student needs to be excused from a portion of at least one class to meditate and pray, please complete the google form: Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission Form to provide permission for your student to regularly miss instructional time to access our meditation and silent reflection space. This would mean that your student would regularly miss instructional time. By doing so, your student will be responsible for all work that needs to be completed or made up. 

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect families with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. 

Learn more about teletherapy for high school students.

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Nov 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School; Offices Closed

Dec 5 - Parent Coffee at 9am

Dec 9 - Boundary Review Community Mtg for Region 3 -6:30 pm at Mt. Vernon HS

Dec 18-19 - Senior Photos (yearbook ONLY)

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 20 - MLK Jr Day / Inauguration - No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 29 - Teacher Workday

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• Attendance for Thanksgiving Week
• Food For Neighbors
• Gift Cards for the Faculty!
• You're Invited: IB MYP Personal Project Showcase
• Student Laptops
• Reviews: Peter Pan and Wendy presented by Thomas A. Edison HS
• Federal Impact Aid Survey
• Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R
• Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission
• Boundary Review Community Meeting
• ❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather
• Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
• Family Assistance Questionnaire
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance
• FCPS News
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Good afternoon, Edison Eagles!

It has been a great week here at Edison!

This past Saturday, we hosted a Multilingual Day of Service, and it was nice to see our students explore multilingualism as a strength while developing their leadership and advocacy skills. Later in the day, our students competed on It's Academic, showing their impressive knowledge across various topics. It was nice to see them in action!

On Wednesday, we held our Meet the Coach Night for our winter sports teams. It was great to see all of our families there to learn more about how they can support their athelte. We are excited about the upcoming winter season and look forward to cheering on our student-athletes as they compete.

Last night was the end of our fall sports season as our Edison Football team took on Hayfield. Our athletes and coaches have played with heart all season, and it has been great to watch them compete. A shout out to our cheerleaders for their dedication and spirit—they were there cheering on the team even in the coldest weather!

Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving early in the cafeteria, the students enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving lunch. It was nice to see members of our administrative team serving meals in the lunch line—a great way to connect with our students during this season.

Next week will be a short week with the Thanksgiving holiday. Parents, if your child will not attend school on Monday or Tuesday, please let us as soon as possible to ensure their attendance records are updated promptly. If attendance is not reported ahead of time, you may still receive calls, but we will work to clear the attendance line as soon as possible.

As we get closer to the break, I just want to remind everyone about our assignment and assessment expectations. While some of you might need to work on long-term projects or catch up on assignments over the break, there won’t be any short-term assignments due on December 2 or 3. Also, teachers won't be giving out any new assignments on November 25 or 26 that are due right after the break, and there won’t be any big tests planned during those first days back. We hope this helps everyone enjoy their holiday without unnecessary stress!

Have a great weekend!

Amanda Burke
Principal

Student Spotlight

Last week, Edison sent 55 students to audition for the annual District X Honor Choir and 32 were accepted! Sasha is one of those Edison singers and would love to congratulate her for such a great achievement! It takes courage, confidence, persistence and the right guidance to be able to achieve goals. Thanks to Mr. Kevin Lackie and vocal coach Nicole Lamm for the continuous support on her choir development. Great job Sasha!

 

Would you like to congratulate our Student Spotlight? Fill out the Student Spotlight Congratulations form and we will get the message to them!

Student Spotlight

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Attendance for Thanksgiving Week

Attendance is critical to the success of your child's school journey. However, if missing school on November 25 and/or 26 is unavoidable, please let our attendance office know now by calling 703-924-8080 and leave a message. You can also report an All-Day Absence on ParentVue! 

Reminders:
Be specific about the date in which your child will be absent.
Please spell your child's last name.
Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

If your child is checking out early, please call the attendance office in the morning and remind your child to check their e-hallpass!
Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Break!

Food For Neighbors

Edison High School is pairing up with Food For Neighbors to assist families in need.  Please take a moment to read how you can help!  Every little bit can help a family. 

Gift Cards for the Faculty!

We are collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Faculty Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 17th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the main office addressed to Gina D'Angelo.

We kindly ask that we receive all gift card donations by Monday, December 16th. Please contact Gina D'Angelo at [email protected] for more information.

You're Invited: IB MYP Personal Project Showcase

We invite you to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2027 students as they showcase their IB MYP Personal Projects on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM.

This is an opportunity to witness firsthand the culmination of months of dedicated work, creativity, and perseverance. Students will present their projects, which reflect their passions and interests.

Date: Friday, December 6, 2024 Time: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Edison High School Library

We look forward to sharing this special moment with you.

Student Laptops

Reminder that the tech office does not hand out loaner laptops or chargers. If a student has lost their laptop, they need to report it to the tech office, or if there is damage, have them go to the tech office.  There are no charges for damage such as wear and tear. If a student lost their laptop or charger, they must pay for a replacement. 

Reviews: Peter Pan and Wendy presented by Thomas A. Edison HS We are excited that the two top Cappies reviews that were published on the Cappies NCA website are now available for everyone to read. Knowing that these high school students took the time to write such thoughtful words about the work of our students warms our hearts!

Reviews: Peter Pan and Wendy presented by Thomas A. Edison HS

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Happy School Psychologist Week to Edison's own Kayla Callister!

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to fostering a caring culture where each and every student can thrive in a learning environment where they feel welcome and a sense of belonging. 

In alignment with FCPS Regulation 1502,  Schools ensure that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection space within the school building. 

FCPS supports students who need to take time during the school day to practice as their faith requires. If your student needs to be excused from a portion of at least one class to meditate and pray, please complete the google form: Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission Form to provide permission for your student to regularly miss instructional time to access our meditation and silent reflection space. This would mean that your student would regularly miss instructional time. By doing so, your student will be responsible for all work that needs to be completed or made up. 

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions.

You are encouraged to attend the Region 3 Meeting at Mount Vernon High School Monday, December 9th at 6:30 - 8:00 pm Register Here! Language interpretation will be available. 

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

Edison students competed last Saturday on It's Academic! 

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kHubbZru2kWinter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

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, 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 for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

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, 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 for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Family Assistance Questionnaire

Edison High School is committed to ensuring that all our students have the resources and support they need throughout the school year to reach their full potential in school and within the community. The Family Assistance Questionnaire is entirely optional and confidential. You only need to complete the questionnaire if you are interested in receiving assistance. The questionnaire is available online in English and Spanish. Paper copies and questionnaires in other languages are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact our Family Liaison, Luisa Espinoza, at [email protected] or 703-924-8200.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire

English: https://tinyurl.com/EHSassistance

Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/EHSasistencia

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect families with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. 

Learn more about teletherapy for high school students.

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Preparing for Winter Weather
• SEL Screener Results
• Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

• Spanish:

FCPS NewsEn caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:

• Preparación para el invierno
• Resultados de la Encuesta del SEL
• La lucha libre femenina es el nuevo deporte de invierno

Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents

• All Night Grad Party
• Thanksgiving Food Basket Fundraiser
• Food Assistance
• Useful Links

All Night Grad Party The Class of 2025 All Night Grad Party (ANGP)will be held at the Franconia Rec Center on June 3, 2025 from 11:00pm until 4:30am.

We need a fair number of non-senior parents to take over the below positions for the 2025/2026 school year. If you know of any non-senior parent that might be interested in joining a committee now to learn the ropes this year, please have them contact Robin.

It is imperative that we get as many parents involved as possible so that the students can continue to enjoy the FUN and SAFE environment of the all night grad party! Please spread the word!

ANGP Subcommittees (most are in need of a current shadow): 

Bag and Baggage, Budget, Communications, Corporate Donations, Decorations

Fire Marshall Liaison, Food, Mulch Sale, Party Set-up, Registration, Secretary, 

Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator/Outreach, Webmaster

Please note the next ANGP meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3rd via zoom (link will be sent at a later date). Questions?[email protected]

Thanksgiving Food Basket Fundraiser

Please help support Edison families in need this Thanksgiving by donating to our annual Thanksgiving Food basket fundraiser. The link is here: https://app.givebacks.gives/thanksgiving-baskets2024 . A $50 donation would provide a basket for a family of four, however we welcome any donation you are comfortable with, and are able to make.

Food Assistance

If you are a family that is in need of food assistance this holiday season, please email the Food Pantry Chairs, Tracy Dove and Kate Spang at [email protected] or the EHS PTSA President at [email protected]. No questions asked, we are here to help.

Useful Links

• PTSA Website
• PTSA Store
• [email protected]
• Edison High School Website

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
Attendance: 703-924-8080 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Important Dates

Nov 13 - 16 -  Edison Theatre Production of Peter Pan and Wendy Tickets!

Nov 16 - Multilingual Learners Day of Service

Nov 19 - PTSA meeting 7pm

Nov 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break- No School

Jan 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

Nov 13 - 16 -  Edison Theatre Production of Peter Pan and Wendy Tickets!

Table of Contents

• Message from Principal Burke
• Student Spotlight
• Drop Off Shelf
• Gift Cards for the Faculty!
• Federal Impact Aid Survey
• Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission
• Multilingual Learners Day of Service: Our Voices, Our Future
• Boundary Review Community Meeting
• Family Assistance Questionnaire
• No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
• Yearbook - Ordering
• Attendance
• FCPS News
• Useful Links

Message from Principal Burke

Good afternoon, Edison Eagles!

This past Monday, we honored Veterans Day, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our veterans for your service and sacrifices. Your dedication and courage inspire us all.

Our theater students brought magic to the stage with their presentation of Peter Pan and Wendy. The whimsical production had the audience laughing and captivated throughout. Our students incorporated new techniques shared by the Synthetic Theater Group, which enriched their performances. We were thrilled to host some of our feeder middle and elementary school students for the performance, fostering a love for the arts among our younger Eagles.

Congratulations to our art teacher, Rachel Wallace, whose incredible work was featured at the Lorton Workhouse Teacher Exhibition. Her creativity and talent continue to inspire not only her students but the entire Edison community.

A huge shout-out to our chorus students who auditioned for District Chorus! This year, we had the largest number of students accepted in recent years—a testament to their hard work and dedication. Well done, Eagles!

Last Friday, we celebrated Senior Night for our football, cheer, and band students at our final home game of the season. It was a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our seniors and thanked them for their contributions to Edison. You will all be deeply missed!

Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us for the PTSA meeting on Tuesday, November 19, at 7 PM in the library. Your participation helps strengthen our school community and supports our students.

As we enter this busy time of year, I want to remind everyone of the importance of regular school attendance. Attendance is crucial not only for student learning but also because excused and unexcused absences impact our school’s accreditation. Let’s work together to ensure our students are present and engaged.

Lastly, don’t forget to join us tomorrow for our Multilingual Learners Day of Service at Edison. The event begins at 9 AM, and it’s a great opportunity to support our community while celebrating our diversity.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Edison High School. Have a wonderful weekend, and as always, Go Eagles!

Amanda Burke
Principal

Student Spotlight

Jackson with his Vocal Coach, Nicole Lamm

Jackson Byrd performed in Division III (11th & 12th grade) with "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady and "Dust and Ashes” from Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812.  

He won 1st place in his Division!  

One of the judges commented “Terrific-enjoyed your light lyric “baritenor”, natural musicality, and solid connection to text and intention!”

The Northern VA Music Teachers’ Association (NVMTA) hosts a wide variety of student recitals, festivals and competition including a Musical Theatre competition designed to give students experience and preparation for the theatre industry’s audition process at every level.  Each student performs two contrasting musical theater cuts (traditionally called 32-bar cuts).  Singers are judged on Vocal Quality, Musicianship, Artistry/Expression, Stage Presence, Repertoire Choices/Contrast.

Great job Jackson!

 

Would you like to congratulate our Student Spotlight? Fill out the Student Spotlight Congratulations form and we will get the message to them!

Student Spotlight

Is your student doing amazing things that you want to shine a light on? We want to hear from you! Fill out our Student Spotlight Form and let us know. Your student could be featured in our newsletter!

Drop Off Shelf

To help our students stay prepared, we've set up a convenient Drop Off Shelf in the lobby. This is for items with no monetary value, such as:

• Lunches      Homework     Umbrellas      Extra clothing

Please note:

• The shelf is not monitored by staff.
• Students will not be notified when items are dropped off.

For Valuables (e.g., Laptops):

• Main Office Drop-Off: Please bring your child's laptop to the main office.
• Teacher Notification: We will notify your child's teacher via email.

Important: Due to staff responsibilities, we cannot deliver items directly to students.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Edison Art Teacher Rachel Wallace's artwork was chosen to be a part of the FCPS Teacher Exhibition at the Workhouse in Lorton!

Gift Cards for the Faculty!

We are collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Faculty Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 17th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the main office addressed to Gina D'Angelo.

We kindly ask that we receive all gift card donations by Monday, December 16th. Please contact Gina D'Angelo at [email protected] for more information.

Best Buddies Club celebrating winning fall bingo!

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Cheer Senior Night!

Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to fostering a caring culture where each and every student can thrive in a learning environment where they feel welcome and a sense of belonging. 

In alignment with FCPS Regulation 1502,  Schools ensure that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection space within the school building. 

FCPS supports students who need to take time during the school day to practice as their faith requires. If your student needs to be excused from a portion of at least one class to meditate and pray, please complete the google form: Meditation and Silent Reflection Permission Form to provide permission for your student to regularly miss instructional time to access our meditation and silent reflection space. This would mean that your student would regularly miss instructional time. By doing so, your student will be responsible for all work that needs to be completed or made up. 

Football Senior Night!

Multilingual Learners Day of Service: Our Voices, Our Future

Multilingual Learners Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: A Multilingual Learners Day of Service is available to FCPS high school students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills. The event will be held Saturday, November 16, 9-11:30 a.m., at Edison High School. José Luis Zelaya, who spoke at last year's Multilingual Learners Summit, will be a special guest.

High school students are invited to network with their peers and staff, and learn how their interests and strengths can lead to future success. College and career readiness resources will be available. Students should register in advance and bring their FCPS laptops to the workshop.   

Learn more about the event and watch videos from previous multilingual learner events. 

Marching Band Senior Night!

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions.

You are encouraged to attend the Region 3 Meeting at Mount Vernon High School Monday, December 9th at 6:30 - 8:00 pm Register Here! Language interpretation will be available. 

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

Family Assistance Questionnaire

Edison High School is committed to ensuring that all our students have the resources and support they need throughout the school year to reach their full potential in school and within the community. The Family Assistance Questionnaire is entirely optional and confidential. You only need to complete the questionnaire if you are interested in receiving assistance. The questionnaire is available online in English and Spanish. Paper copies and questionnaires in other languages are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact our Family Liaison, Luisa Espinoza, at [email protected] or 703-924-8200.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire

English: https://tinyurl.com/EHSassistance

Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/EHSasistencia

No-Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect families with long-term mental health services in the community if needed. 

Learn more about teletherapy for high school students.

Yearbook - Ordering

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on [email protected]

Attendance How to report an absence

Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored. 

Edison Attendance Office  703-924-8080

All Day- Call and leave a message, ParentVue, or drop off a note
Late Arrival- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note
Early Release- Call and leave a message, or send your student in with a note

Please note: Last minute check outs can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your student 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Veterans Day Recognitions
• Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
• Teacher Hiring Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Useful Links

• Edison High School Website
• Student Information System (SIS) Parent Vue
• School Payments via My School Bucks:  My School Bucks
• EHS Transcript Requests
• Former student records from more than five years ago can be requested via this site:  Verification of Graduation, Records, Transcripts

5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-8000
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