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Our marquee has seen better days and is currently not working!
We are asking for donations from the community to help us replace the marquee as soon as possible.
Business Donors-
Your $3,000 donation will get your business ad run for the entire school year!
Click here for more information and to donate for a new marquee!
Thank you for your support!
All who donate will receive a Tax Deduction Document.
Nov 8 - Craft Fair
Nov 10 - Winter Sports Tryouts
Nov 11- Veterans Day - No School
Nov 14-15 - Chicago Teen Edition Buy tickets!
No 17 - Senior Photos -appointment only! www.vosphoto.com/thomasedison
Nov 18 - Senior Photos -appointment only! www.vosphoto.com/thomasedison
Nov 18 - PTSA Meeting
Nov 20-21 - Chicago Teen Edition Buy tickets!
Nov 22 - Chicago Teen Edition Buy tickets!
Nov 26 - 28 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec 22 - Jan 2 -Winter Break
FCPS School Year Calendar Edison HS Calendar
SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
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Hello Edison Families,
We kicked off the second quarter at full speed, and students jumped right back into learning without missing a beat. Classrooms feel focused and energized, and it’s clear that our students are prepared to finish the semester strong.
This week was filled with moments that made us proud. I had the opportunity to watch our girls and boys volleyball teams compete in the first round of regionals. They played with heart and represented Edison with spirit and sportsmanship. Thank you to our athletes and coaches for a great season.
Last night, we celebrated academic excellence in a big way. We inducted 170 students into the National Honor Society. Right after that, we recognized 330 juniors and seniors who earned a GPA of 3.75 or higher at our Academic Awards Ceremony. We also honored our two National Merit semifinalists and twelve commended scholars.
At the ceremony, I shared these thoughts with our students and families:
"This is a night we look forward to because we get to stop and recognize the students who chose to put in the effort, stay focused, and keep going when the work became challenging.
Thomas Edison once said, ‘There is no substitute for hard work.’ Tonight, you are proof of that. These awards didn’t happen by chance. They represent late nights, extra practice, questions asked, and determination when it might have been easier to give up.
This year, our theme at Edison is Be the Light. In many ways, that’s exactly what you’ve done. Through your actions, you’ve shown others what commitment looks like. You’ve inspired classmates, encouraged your peers, and set a standard for what it means to lead with purpose. Your light makes this school better.”
This morning, we focused on honoring those who served our country. We hosted a Veterans Day breakfast with about 100 students and parents attending. During our gathering, we shared stories about our connections to the military and expressed what we appreciate most about service members. We represented every branch, and it was powerful to see our community come together with such respect and gratitude.
As a military child myself, I attended six different schools growing up, and today I was grateful to have my dad here with me, retired Admiral Thad Allen of the United States Coast Guard. I understand what it means to pack up, start over, and find your place again. Seeing our students and families honor service and sacrifice meant a great deal.
Thank you to our staff for supporting students every step of the way, and thank you to our families for cheering them on. We have a lot to celebrate, and even more to look forward to.
Go Eagles!
Amanda Burke
 Fashion Marketing 1 students spent the week and a half before Qtr1 completing their Dia de los Muertos masks for a project based on a lesson about the influence of Dia de los Muertos on fashion, incorporating cultural influences and cultural appreciation in fashion. Each was given the creative freedom to base their mask on their own cultural heritage, and/or their personal celebration of life for a loved one using elements from both Aztec/Mexican historical content and/or their own cultural background design elements.
For final project analysis and content synthesis students were required to create a Mask Card that spoke to the traditional elements, motif, focus, and honor & meaning, including “branding” their mask by developing a creative name for their mask that encompassed the meaning behind the design. This project incorporated Fashion Marketing 1 competencies, cultural identity and heritage appreciation, and discovery of cultural origins and customs related to fashion and design.
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!
💻 All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
🧥 Our Clothing Closet is collecting gently used winter coats for high school students in need. Donations can be dropped off at the main office—please let them know the items are for the Clothing Closet. All sizes are welcome! Thank you for helping keep our students warm this winter.
We know many of our families are impacted by the federal government shut-down. As a reminder, families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. The application can be accessed here: https://www.fcps.edu/frm. Please also make sure you complete the consent to share information as this allows us to also waive class fees, college application fees, provide SAT/ACT fee waivers, and waive other fees as appropriate.
 Saturday, November 8th
9am-3pm in the Gym and Cafeteria
https://www.edisonboosters.org/fall-craft-fair/
Students who participated in the School Day SAT/PSAT on October 8 are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. Students who participated in a make-up test will have access to scores on Thursday, November 6. Video tutorials for accessing and understanding PSAT and SAT scores are available on the College Board website.
National Merit Scholarship Information
Eleventh grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families can reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Las Calificaciones de los Exámenes PSAT/SAT están Disponibles
Los estudiantes que tomaron los exámenes SAT/PSAT el 8 de octubre pueden ahora acceder a sus calificaciones a través de la aplicación de “College Board BigFuture School”, usando sus cuentas en “College Board”. Aquellos estudiantes que tomaron los exámenes en una fecha alternativa tendrán acceso a sus calificaciones el jueves, 6 de noviembre. Videos tutoriales para acceder y entender las calificaciones de PSAT y SAT están disponibles en la página web de “College Board”.
Información sobre la Beca Académica “National Merit”
Los estudiantes de 11vo grado, quienes tomaron en el examen PSAT podrían calificar para participar en el programa de la Beca Académica “National Merit” y pueden encontrar información adicional en la página web de la National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Si tienen preguntas sobre la calificación recibida en el PSAT o sobre el programa de la Beca Académica “National Merit”, las familias pueden contactar al coordinador de PSAT en la escuela de su hijo.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is delighted to announce the launch of the first IB Community Inspiration Award, an annual honor presented to members of the IB community who make a significant impact in furthering the organization’s mission and values.
We are always inspired by our IB community members and their incredible local and global contributions and impact. Now we want to formally recognize and celebrate individuals through the newly launched IB Community Inspiration Award—and we need you to nominate award recipients!
From 2026, the IB Community Inspiration Award will be presented to three winners each year, representing Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The award is open to students, alumni, parents, educators, administrators, or anyone with direct ties to an IB school, association, network or system.
Nomination Link: IB Community Inspiration Award
 Veterans Day Breakfast!
Thank you to all who attended and all who serve and have served!
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. We will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, November 12.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. This year, FCPS expects to receive approximately $4 million in Impact Aid funding. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or submitting 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” in the Issue Description section. You may also call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
 Chicago Teen Edition
November 14-15 7pm
November 20-21 7pm
November 22 2pm
Buy your tickets here! - www.edisontheatrecompany.org
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
FCPS Family Café Series: Support Your Child’s Growth and Learning
The FCPS Family Academy announces the launch of a monthly series called the FCPS Family Café. These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child’s education. At Family Café, parents are key partners in helping children succeed. Click on a topic below to register to attend.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships, reminds us to empower families through trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.
🍂 Noviembre es el Mes Nacional de la Participación Familiar
Noviembre es el Mes Nacional de la Participación Familiar, es el tiempo para recordar que las familias son los primeros y más importantes maestros, defensores y protectores de los niños.
La Academia Familiar de FCPS apoya el éxito sostenido y el bienestar de todos y cada uno de los estudiantes dentro de la comunidad de FCPS. La Academia ofrece una variedad de oportunidades de aprendizaje que son positivas y participativas, y que brindan importantes conexiones que transforman la experiencia de la educación en FCPS en un ambiente acogedor para todas las familias.
☕ La Serie de Eventos de FCPS Café Familiar: Apoye el Crecimiento y Aprendizaje de su Niño
La Academia Familiar de FCPS anunció el lanzamiento de una serie de eventos mensuales llamados el Café Familiar de FCPS. Estas divertidas y útiles sesiones están diseñadas para mantener a las familias informadas e involucradas en la educación de sus niños. En el Café Familiar los padres se convierten en aliados clave para soportar el éxito de los niños. Haga clic sobre el tema que le interese para que se registre para asistir.
✨ Plan Estratégico de FCPS’ 2023-30 Pilar B: Las Alianzas Vibrantes entre los Hogares, las Escuelas y la Comunidad, nos impulsan a empoderar a las familias a través de alianzas basadas en la confianza, para sostener una cultura segura e inclusiva para el aprendizaje.
 NHS Inductions
Congratulations to the 170 students inducted into National Honor Society last night! These students exemplify scholarship, service, leadership, and character. We are incredibly proud of their hard work.
Academic Awards
We recognized over 330 students last night with an Academic Award. Students receive an academic award in 11th and 12th grades if they have a 3.75 GPA or higher. Their hard work and dedication to their classes is commendable. We also recognized our two National Merit Semi-Finalists and 12 Commended students. These students were recognized for their performance on the 2024 PSAT by the National Merit Scholarship organization and were among the top 50,000 scorers on the PSAT last year.
Message from our Family Liaisons
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
Resources for Families
🏛️ Fairfax County Government Resources
Basic Needs Assistance (Coordinated Services Planning) If you need help with food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, or healthcare, contact Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning (CSP). 📞 703-222-0880 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) Search thousands of local nonprofit and government programs for support with housing, childcare, food, and more.
Emergency Food Access Map Find food distributions across Fairfax County, filter by zip code and language, and locate bus routes.
Energy & Heating Assistance Apply for help with heating costs through the Department of Family Services.
🎖️ Military Family Support
Operation Homefront – Non-profit supporting military & veteran families with critical financial assistance (rent, utilities, food) in the shutdown context
Fort Belvoir ACS Food Pantry 📍 5963 6th Street, Building 1263, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 🕓 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 📞 571-231-7001
💼 Federal Employees & Contractors
Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) by MyFEDBenefits – searchable interactive map for local offers (food, housing, utilities, financial help) for federal/furloughed workers.
Capital Area Food Bank is committed to providing food for our neighbors in need, throughout the year and in unexpected moments of economic hardship.
- To support federal employees and contractors affected by the government shutdown, the food bank is holding additional food distributions at locations throughout its partner network. These new food distributions will offer boxes of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce for the duration of the shutdown.
- These new food distributions will begin the week of October 20th. To receive food, visitors will need to show a government work ID.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880) or contact Edison’s Family Liaison’s for guidance and connection to resources.
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers.
If you are scheduled for an upcoming fingerprinting appointment, please cancel your appointment unless you are a mentor, host parent, or non-parent volunteer having frequent, direct, and unsupervised contact with students, which will still require fingerprinting. FCPS will be charged if individuals miss a fingerprinting appointment without canceling in advance.
Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
Field trip chaperone opportunities will now be classified as Level 2 (not requiring a background check).
To ensure continuous safety, all new volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Certification Statement. This statement is a legal attestation confirming you have no history of violent felonies, physical/sexual crimes against children, or crimes of moral turpitude.
Want to volunteer? Visit Volunteer FCPS to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Contact Volunteers@fcps.edu with any questions.
Actualización Sobre el Registro de Voluntarios
Debido a la enorme cantidad de respuestas recibidas de nuestra comunidad, FCPS suspenderá temporalmente los requisitos de huellas dactilares para la mayoría de los voluntarios de nivel 3. Las personas que tengan programada una cita para obtener su huellas dactilares deben cancelar su cita, a menos que sean mentores, padres anfitriones o voluntarios que no sean padres y que tengan contacto frecuente, directo y sin supervisión con los estudiantes, en cuyo caso seguirán siendo necesarias las huellas dactilares. FCPS será cobrado si las personas faltan a su cita para obtener sus huellas dactilares sin cancelar con anticipación.Aquellos que ya han obtenido sus huellas dactilares serán procesados para ser elegibles para todas las oportunidades de nivel 3.
Las oportunidades de acompañantes en excursiones ahora se clasificarán como nivel 2 (no requieren una verificación de antecedentes). Para garantizar la seguridad continua, todos los nuevos voluntarios deben firmar una Declaración de Certificación de Voluntariado. Esta declaración es un certificado legal que confirma que no tiene antecedentes de delitos violentos, delitos físicos/sexuales contra niños o delitos de depravación moral.¿Quiere ser voluntario? Visite volunteer.fcps.edu para encontrar y registrarse en oportunidades de voluntariado. Si tiene alguna pregunta, visite Contact Volunteers@fcps.edu.
 Dia de los Muertos
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
FCPS also partners 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.
Recursos de tutoría para familias
Algunas familias pueden estar buscando recursos adicionales para ayudar a apoyar el éxito académico de sus hijos. El Centro de Recursos Familiares mantiene una lista de empleados de FCPS que poseen una credencial válida de enseñanza de Virginia y que están disponibles para ser contratados por los padres como tutores. Esta lista es un recurso ofrecido por el FRC, pero las familias son responsables de contactar y trabajar directamente con los tutores. Esta lista no está «aprobada» por FCPS y es sólo un recurso para las familias.
FCPS también se asocia con Varsity Tutors para proporcionar a los estudiantes y las familias con recursos adicionales para el aprendizaje. Cada estudiante puede aprovechar los servicios de Varsity Tutors, sin costo alguno, incluyendo clases semanales en línea en vivo, tutoría por chat 24/7 a pedido, edición de ensayos, recursos de estudio como contenido grabado, problemas de práctica y pruebas de diagnóstico.
Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success
Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now that will help them graduate on time and help them with time management. Parents and families can play a big role in helping kick-start good attendance habits.
Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.”
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to our school. Visit our Attendance webpage for more information.
Cada Día Damos un Paso Más Hacia el Éxito
La asistencia es una habilidad importante en la vida que ayudará a su hijo en el futuro. Es un buen hábito para construir ahora y ayudarlos a graduarse de la universidad a tiempo y reportarse a tiempo continuamente al trabajo.
De un vistazo al calendario de FCPS. Trate de asegurarse que cualquier viaje o evento familiar sea en fines de semana o en días de feriado. Cada día de aprendizaje es un día hacia el éxito. Tenga en cuenta que las ausencias se suman rápidamente. Los estudiantes que están ausentes el 10 por ciento del año escolar (o sólo dos días por mes) son considerados "ausentes crónicos."
Cuando sea posible, programe citas para su hijo fuera del horario escolar. Si su hijo tiene que faltar a la escuela por una enfermedad o una cita, debe informar de la ausencia a la escuela. La mayoría de las escuelas tienen enlaces a los sistemas de notificación o correo electrónico de asistencia escolar en sus páginas web. Si no está seguro de cómo ponerse en contacto con ellos, llame a la oficina principal.
Visite nuestra página web de asistencia para obtener recursos sobre la asistencia.
 Congratulations to our SOAR Winners this week!
9th - Markell 10th - Anhar 11th - Gabriella 12th - Jalen
Parents/Guardians and the Senior Class of 2026:
If you did not take your senior photos over the summer, do not worry!
Victor O’Neill Studios, your school’s official photographer, is excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at your school: Monday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Don’t miss this LAST opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by VOS! In addition to the free yearbook session, they also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits.
Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:
www.vosphoto.com/thomasedison
Appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.
If you have any questions, please email the Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com, and please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Thomas Edison Class of 2026” when emailing, for faster assistance.
Yearbooks are on sale now for the lowest price of the year! To order your 2025-2026 yearbook, visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter the school code number 5211. You will thank yourself later!
https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/about/attendance
Attendance Emails are no longer accepted or monitored.
Edison Attendance Office 703-924-8080 -Leave a message
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
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- State Standards of Learning (SOL) Changes
- PSAT/SAT School Day Scores Available
- Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
- ⚠️ Cambios a los Estándares Estatales de Aprendizaje (SOL, por sus siglas en inglés)
- Están Disponibles las Calificaciones de PSAT/SAT
- Recursos para las Familias
Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.
We have received feedback from parents that Instagram is not a platform all families follow, and that Facebook is where most parents get information. We took that feedback and are now on Facebook!
Follow us - EdisonHSEagles
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