EHS Weekly Update - May 2, 2025


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Edison High School Weekly

Important Dates

May 3 - Student One Act Festival -Auditorium  7pm

May 7 - Jazz Band Concert Edison and Twain - Auditorium  6:30 pm

May 10 - Flea Market 7am - 2pm

May 12 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation -Auditorium 7pm

May 16 - Night of Broadway -Auditorium 7pm

May 17 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria 10am - 12pm

May 21 - Meeting of Edison Band families 5:30 pm

May 21 - Spring Band Concert for Edison and Twain - Auditorium  6:30 pm

May 22 - Orchestra Spring Concert w/ Twain -Auditorium 6pm

May 26 - Memorial Day -No School

May 27 - Senior Awards - Auditorium 6:30pm 

May 28 - Sports Awards - Main Gym  7pm

May 28 - Senior Fest - On the football field  11am

May 28 - Sports Physicals Night 5pm - 8pm

May 29 - Thespies -Auditorium 7pm

June 3 - Graduation 2pm at Eagle Bank Arena - GMU

June 7 - Flea Market 7am - 2pm

June 7 - Padres Latino Meeting -Cafeteria 10am - 12pm

June 11 - Last Day OF School!

June 14 - Flea Market 7am - 2pm

FCPS School Year Calendar      Edison CalendarWiz

last day of school is wednesday june 11, dismissal at 10:10am

Table of Contents


Message From Mrs. Burke

Dear Edison Families,

We’ve had another exciting and busy week at Edison High School!

This week, we celebrated two incredible Senior Nights—on Tuesday, we honored our boys tennis team, and on Wednesday, we recognized our track team. Congratulations to our seniors and thank you for your dedication and contributions to our athletic programs!

Our IB Anthropology class had an enriching trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they explored and experienced Amish culture firsthand. The students returned with new insights into cultural traditions and practices, making it a powerful extension of their classroom learning.

On Wednesday, our 10th grade Global STEM Challenges students presented their research on Ocean Acidification. If you’ve ever wondered What is Ocean Acidification, and why should you care?, their powerful Call-to-Action campaigns offer compelling answers. We’re proud of the work they’ve done to raise awareness and promote solutions to this critical environmental issue.

On Thursday morning, we began our permanent weapons detection screening.  Doors 1,5, 14 and 17 will be the only doors open during arrival moving forward.  Our students handled this transition with maturity and cooperation—thank you! Starting Monday, all students and visitors will be screened at Door 1 throughout the day. Please remember that while this is an important layer of security, the most essential layer will always be the strong relationships and sense of community we build together.

Thursday afternoon, we capped off the day with a spring pep rally. It was fantastic to see our students showing school spirit, participating in games, and earning points for their class. Even the staff joined in the fun!

Tonight and Saturday, our Edison Theatre Company will be performing their One Act Plays. Please come out and support our talented students—it’s always an entertaining and inspiring evening!

Looking ahead, we’re now just one month away from graduation! May is filled with exciting senior events:

  • 🎓 Senior Academic Awards – May 27 at 6:30 PM in the auditorium

  •  ♥   Senior Fest - May 28 at 11 am on the football field
  • 🏅 Varsity Sports Awards Night – May 28 at 7 PM in the main gym

  • 🎓 Graduation – June 3 at 2 PM at EagleBank Arena

Thank you for your continued support of Edison and all the ways you show up for our students and staff.

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Burke

Principal


Student Spotlight - PROM!

students posing at promstudents posing at promstudents posing at prom

Teacher Spotlight!

Congratulations to our teacher Desa Elwell!

The ACE Mentor Program of America and your local ACE Mentor affiliate want to thank you for being an ACE Exemplary School Champion! Your affiliate submitted your name for this recognition, and we are very excited to celebrate you. 

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your support and commitment to our students. This is what makes ACE Mentor such a wonderful community. We continue to celebrate the incredible work being done by all of our ACE Mentor programs and School Champions! Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Thank you for your dedication and leadership!


Thank a Staff Member!

Edison Eagle logo with the words thank a staff member Edison High School

As we near teacher appreciation week, May 5th – 9th, we invite you to take a moment and express your gratitude to our staff here at Edison High School! Has a staff member gone the extra mile, given you support, gotten your student excited about a subject, or do you just want to say thank you?

Fill out the Thank a Staff Member Form and let them know.

Sometimes a simple thank you can make a lasting impact!


A message from McDonald's

McDonald's Arches

To the Parents and Guardians of Edison High School Students,

We love being part of the Edison community and serving your teens each day. However, due to ongoing safety concerns involving fights and loitering at our McDonald’s location, we must make a change.

Starting immediately, students will not be allowed in the restaurant unless accompanied by an adult. This decision was made with the safety of both students and our staff in mind, and after speaking with school leadership and local police.

We appreciate your support as we work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely, Ashley Welburn Owner/Operator, McDonald’s


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

video still of a teacher speaking to a young child

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.


PTSA Needs You!

Our PTSA is a vital part of what makes Edison such a special place. From supporting student scholarships and teacher mini-grants to organizing our All Night Grad Party, celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, and marking joyful traditions like cupcakes on Edison’s birthday—our PTSA is the heartbeat of many of our most meaningful moments. I work closely with our current president and PTSA leadership team, and together, we help shape a school environment that supports both staff and students.

Please contact the Edison PTSA President at president.edisonptsa@gmail.com to find out how you can make a difference!


students on a hay ride

IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Field Trip to Lancaster PA


Band News

Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 pm - Jazz Band Concert for Edison HS and Mark Twain Middle School Bands (at EHS Auditorium). Free to attend, all are welcome.

Wednesday, May 21 at 5:30 pm - Meeting of Edison Band families and welcome to families of rising 9th graders. Learn more about band activities for next school year. All are welcome.

Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm - Spring Concert for Edison HS and Mark Twain Middle School Bands (at EHS Auditorium). Free to attend, all are welcome.

Scholarships for band seniors - 2 scholarships for $500 each - deadline May 11

2025 Band Scholarship Application

The Edison Band Parents Organization (EBPO) is offering two $500 awards for graduating seniors. We invite you to apply by May 11, 2025 (11:59 pm). Use this link to apply:  2025 Band Scholarship Application Through these awards we aim to recognize students who have made meaningful contributions to the Edison HS community through their musical activities and have grown in their musicianship. Consideration will be given to students for all band-related activities (i.e., Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band and other ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, District Band participation, other band related activities) Students who are eligible for an award:

  • Current graduating seniors at Edison High School in good academic standing.
  • Have participated in at least 1 year of Edison HS Band.
  • Have created a post-graduation plan. This may include application to college, vocational school, military, or workforce.

How applications will be evaluated:

  • Selection Committee will review all completed application forms submitted by the deadline.
  • Selection Committee for 2025 includes EBPO parent volunteers, administrative staff member from Edison HS, music educator from FCPS outside of Edison HS.
  • Information shared in applications will be maintained with confidentiality within the Selection Committee.

Deadline: May 11, 2025 (11:59 pm) Awards will be announced at the Spring Concert on May 21, 2025. We are proud of all of our seniors and wish everyone great success in your future endeavors!


people standing in front of a newly built home

Mr. Morrow's classes at the Residential Construction site welcomed visitors from Clark Construction to discuss summer internships and post-graduation job opportunities and show their yearlong build. They also showed the house to representatives from Region 3 and the Office of CTE, as well as School Board members. The work the students and Mr. Morrow are doing is quite impressive.


FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


students holding a feeding animals

IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Field Trip to Lancaster PA


Online Driving Permit Test Prep Offered by ACE

Nearly 35,000 students have been educated by FCPS ACE’s Driver Education program in the last decade, preparing them to be safe, responsible drivers. 

In Virginia alone, 17% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving, amounting to over 21,000 accidents that could have been avoided. The Virginia DMV reports that driver education plays a significant role in safer driving by young drivers, with some studies showing that it can reduce accident rates by up to 20%. 

ACE now offers one of the only online permit test prep courses authorized by the state of Virginia. Learn more about driver education and FCPS ACE Driver Education courses.


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 

  • All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
    • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
    • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
    • As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
  • All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
    • To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department

✅ Share Feedback With County Health Department on School Health Services

The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.


3 people standing with the eagle mascot holding tennis rackets

Tennis Senior Night!


Excellence at a Crossroads: FCPS Budget Update

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will begin finalizing the budget on Tuesday, May 6. The current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million.

Without new revenue, such as the meals tax (adding just $2-3 to an average dining bill for a family of four), FCPS will face significant cuts.

What is at Risk?

Go to fcps.edu/crossroads to see examples of where FCPS exceeds minimum state standards.


Student’s Intention Forms for 2025-2026

Families NOT returning to Thomas A. Edison High School in the fall of 2025-2026, please complete and return the “Student’s Intention form for the Next School Year” by June 11, 2025

STUDENT'S INTENTION FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

A digital or typed parent/guardian signature is acceptable.  Student ID Number may be left blank. Send to our registrar, Tawanna Bates at tjbates@fcps.edu.  Thank you for your assistance. Go Eagles!


students on the field holding signs

Track and Field Senior Night!


Family Liaison News!

Message from out Family Liaisons

Hi Edison Families!

We're Here to Support You!

As your Family Liaisons at Edison High School, we're here to help you stay connected, informed, and supported throughout the school year. Whether you have questions about programs, need help navigating resources, or just want someone to talk to—we’re your point of contact.

Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Douha Kalouda – 703-924-8074 | dkalouda@fcps.edu
Luisa Espionza – 703-924-8200 | leespionza@fcps.edu

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 dkalouda@fcps.edu or 703-924-8074.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire
English: https://tinyurl.com/EHSassistance
Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/EHSasistencia

Food Pantry

Did you know Edison High School has a food pantry available to support students and families? The pantry provides non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other basic necessities—free of charge. If you’d like to request support or learn more, please contact one of our Family Liaisons.

words food pantry and cartoon pictures of food

Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG)

The Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) is a powerful, searchable online database that connects Fairfax County residents to thousands of nonprofit and government services. Designed especially for low-income individuals and those in need, the HSRG provides 24/7 access—from any device—to detailed information about available programs, including service descriptions, eligibility criteria, locations with maps and directions, and contact information. Whether you're looking for housing support, food assistance, healthcare services, or other help, the HSRG makes it easier to find the resources you need.

Explore the guide today at: https://fairfacsportal.fairfaxcounty.gov/resource-guide/

Teens in Action Summer Camp

A Fun, Free Program for Teens!

As summer approaches, Teens in Action offers an exciting, free camp opportunity for Fairfax County teens ages 12 to 18. With activities like team sports, arts and crafts, STEM programs, service projects, and cultural field trips, it's a great way for your teen to stay active, learn new skills, and make lasting memories. Nutritious lunches and snacks are also provided at no cost!

Even though summer is just around the corner, there’s still time to register your teen for this engaging and healthy recreation program. Admission is free, but some activities and field trips may require a small fee. Financial assistance is available for eligible families.

How to Register:

Visit the website or your local Teens in Action location for more details. A flyer with further information is also included in this newsletter.

flier for teens in action summer camp 2025

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:

  • FCPS Budget Update
  • Required Immunizations
  • Mental Health Resources

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


students in a shop with blankets and bags, also in a barn

IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Field Trip to Lancaster PA


Mental Health Teletherapy

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports to include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and more. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov


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.


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 


Useful Links