EHS Weekly Update - December 13, 2024


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Edison High School Weekly

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

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

collage of students dressed as peter pan, Tinkerbelle, and a minion

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!


Attention please!

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!


orchestra students playing on the stage with blue lights in the background

PTSA Food Pantry

share hope

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: chairfoodpantry.edisonptsa@gmail.com


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. 


band students playing on the stage with red lights in the background

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.


collage of 4 pictures of students playing pool, petting a cow, cutting food, standing in a classroom

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.


5 adults standing in a hallway smiling

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!

Edison High School Outstanding Employee Awards

Edison High School Outstanding Employee Awards

Edison High School Outstanding Employee Awards

Edison High School Outstanding Employee Awards

Edison High School Outstanding Employee Awards

Yearbook - Ordering

Yearbook

Order your yearbook at:

www.yearbookordercenter.com

school code: 5211

Yearbook Advisor Vanessa Briggs

Visit us on instagram@edison.ybk


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 


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