EHS Weekly Update - August 29, 2024


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Edison High School Weekly

Important Dates

Edison School Wide Calendar

August 30 - School Closed for Labor Day

Sept 2 - School Closed for Labor Day

Sept 3 - Back to School Night

Sept 13 - Underclassmen Photos

Sept 16 - Underclassmen Photos

Oct 18 - Homecoming Game

Oct 19 - Homecoming Dance

Oct 31 - End of the 1st Quarter

Painted Rock that says 25

Table of Contents


Message from Principal Burke

Dear Edison Families,

We’ve had an amazing second week of school! Last Friday, our seniors did a fantastic job decorating the rock—I must say, it’s one of the best designs I’ve seen yet!

On Monday, our 9th and 10th graders had their class meetings, and it was fantastic to see them getting excited about upcoming events, especially Homecoming! Meanwhile, our 11th and 12th graders participated in a thorough review of Student Rights and Responsibilities, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the year ahead.

This past Monday, I had the pleasure of watching our girls' volleyball team take on TJ. It was a great match, and I was thrilled to see their teamwork and determination on the court. Tonight, I’m looking forward to supporting our football team as they play away against Washington and Liberty. Go Eagles!

On Wednesday, I enjoyed attending the JROTC family social. I want to express my deep appreciation for all the work our JROTC students do for our school and community. A big thank you to our instructors for their leadership and commitment to our students.

As a reminder, the enforcement of our cell phone policy begins on September 3rd. Over the past two weeks, we’ve focused on teaching students the new policy, and I’m proud of how well they’ve adapted. Their positive response has been encouraging, and we’re confident this change will enhance their learning environment.

As we head into the long Labor Day weekend, I hope everyone enjoys some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed next week!

 

Amanda Burke

Principal


Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy

As detailed in a letter sent to all families on August 12, 2024, Edison High School will be following the FCPS School Board Policy that was adopted at its meeting on May 9. Here are the key points:

  • Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
  • There will be cell phone storage cases in every classroom. All students shall put their phones in the cell phone storage case at the beginning of class. They will then pick it back up at the end of class.
  • Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
  • Students with a documented health or educational need through special services may have an exception. Please work through your child’s administrator if you believe an exception is needed.
  • You can find more information on FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage (for all schools) and cell phone storage webpage (for schools that are getting storage containers). Both of these webpages include a button to provide feedback. 

At Edison HS, we are dedicated to making sure all our students, staff and families feel connected and engaged. Our focus is on helping every student succeed in their learning while also supporting their social and emotional well-being.  As we implement the FCPS cell phone policy we ask for your support as we learn and apply these new practices together.

Your partnership is key to making Edison High School a place where every student can thrive. Thank you for your continued support as we work together for a great year ahead.


SR&R

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.


Yearbook Announcement!

Vanessa Briggs Edison High School English 10 Yearbook Advisor

 

Senior Ads for Sale! Share the love with Yearbook!

Express friendship, love or congratulations to the special student in your life with a personalized ad in the yearbook! Select a size, provide your own message and photos, design and pay for your ad at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Enter order number/school code 5211. To guarantee that your student’s ad appears in the 2024-25 yearbook, please complete your ad by October 31, 2024.

Pre-Order your 2024-25 yearbook now! Yearbooks are on sale for $65 until October 31. After that date, yearbook prices will go up!

Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter class code 5211.


Strategic Plan

  • ✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars

  • While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
  • The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
  • The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
  • The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
  • The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions. 

Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information. 


Wear It Wednesday

Wear it Wednesday September Contest

Safety Drills

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  


PTSA News

How you "PTSA" depends on your schedule and commitment level. Do you only have time to sign up and not be active? That's ok! Do you have time to attend an occasional important meeting, read a few emails, and/or donate to fundraising efforts? We need you! Are you a parent who wants to be more involved, chair a committee, volunteer for All Night Grad Party, or attend monthly meetings to take advantage of interacting with our admin team and Principal Burke every month? We have plenty of opportunities for you.  However you're able to volunteer, the PTSA we needs you!

The majority of our current Executive Board and Committee Chairs are in their last year at Edison. We need new parents to step up and take on some of these leadership roles, or at a minimum shadow the current positions.

To sign up: https://edisonhsptsa.givebacks.com/store

To find out more, email the PTSA President Sharon Riley at president.edisonptsa@gmail.com


School Board Welcome Video

What Is a School Board?

The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for running the public schools in Fairfax County. Twelve School Board members are elected by county voters every four years. 

A student representative serves on the board as a non-voting member. They are chosen by their peers each year.

The School Board makes general rules and sets guidelines to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools runs properly. They follow the laws of Virginia and the rules set by the Virginia Board of Education. 

Learning about your local School Board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved.

Learn more about the School Board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch their meetings.  

 

Watch this Welcome back message from Edison High School's School Board Representative, Marcia St. John-Cunning!


All Night Grad Party!

The Class of 2025 Needs YOU! 

The PTSA All-Night Grad Party committee needs co-chairs to lead this fun and cherished event!

To ensure the success of this event and to maintain continuity in future years, we are seeking a co-chair to represent the Class of 2025 and at least two other parents from any combination of the Classes of 2026, 2027 and 2028 to lead the committee together.  Many of the subcommittee chairs from last year are returning (Food, Decorations, Mulch Sale Fundraiser, Party Set up, Fire Marshall Liaison), but ANGP co-chairs are needed to lead the committee. 

Interested? Email Sharon Riley at president.edisonptsa@gmail.com to learn more!


Community Conversations

  • 🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

  • Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
  • Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
  • Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
  • Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
  • Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
  • Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


District 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:

  • Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
  • School Safety Reminders
  • Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

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


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