EHS Weekly Update -February 20, 2026


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Edison High School Weekly

Important Dates

March 17 - PTSA Meeting

March 20 - No School - Eid al-Fitr

Mar 27 - End of 3rd Quarter - Early Release

Mar 30 - April 3 - Spring Break

April 6 - No School Teacher Work Day

April 10 - No School Teacher Work Day

April 10 - Edison Theater Spring Performance 7 pm Buy Tickets Here!

April 11 - Edison Theater Spring Performance 2 pm Buy Tickets Here!

April 11 - Edison Theater Spring Performance 7 pm Buy Tickets Here!

April 21 - PTSA Meeting 7pm

May 19 - PTSA Meeting 7pm

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

May 26 - No School - Teacher Work Day

May 27 - No School - Eid al-Adha

June 5 - Graduation 7pm at Eagle Bank Arena

June 17 - Last Day of School

FCPS School Year Calendar    


students at AI event

We are incredibly proud of the Edison HS project entries and wanted to highlight the 1st place winning team and their dedicated coaches. Christian Tam, Eko Dang, Justin Jaran earned 1st Place in the school-level challenge and will showcase their innovative project at the district event. These students created an app called Armadillos which identifies misinformation with the Misinformation Detector! Copy and paste an article you feel might be misinformation, and our AI will tell you if it is misinformation or not, using techniques experts have constructed.   This AI also provides tests for you to test your knowledge, or give examples of misinformation. Check out their app!

app image

Table of Contents


Message from Principal Burke

Good afternoon, Eagles,

We have had a great week of athletics and student accomplishments, and I want to take a moment to share a few highlights.

It has been an exciting basketball week. Both our girls' and boys' teams are playing for the district title tonight. The girls will take on Hayfield at 5:30 pm at Hayfield, and the boys will face Mt. Vernon at 8:00 pm here at Edison. If you can get out to support them, I know our Eagles would appreciate it.

Our wrestling and swim teams are also competing in the state tournaments today and tomorrow. We wish them the very best and are proud of our Eagles, who are out there representing Edison at the state level.

In the arts, our Edison Theater department will be competing in the Regional One Acts at Fairfax High School tomorrow at 10:30 am. Students will be presenting Cinderella, and I hope you will come out to support their hard work and talent.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting Herndon High School to watch Christian Tam, Eko Dang, and Justin Jaran compete in the FCPS Seize the Moment AI Challenge. They did a fantastic job representing our school. You can find a link to their app in the image at the top of this newsletter, and I encourage you to check it out.  A shout-out to our other groups that created apps: Rafael Pilavdzic with the app "Your Language Coach" and Christian Gulley with the app "Math Matrix."  And a big thank you to Mr. Whittle, who coached them through the competition.  

We also had a great PTSA meeting this week. I am always grateful for our parents who consistently look for ways to support the school. If you have a moment, please take a look at the PTSA newsletter and consider signing up for the mulch delivery fundraiser. Every bit of support makes a difference.

Each day, I am reminded by our students, staff, and families just how strong this community is. We show up for one another, both in and outside of school, and that matters. Thank you for being such a supportive and caring Edison community.

Have a great weekend, and good luck to all of our Eagles competing tonight and this weekend.

Amanda Burke
Principal


Student Spotlight: Asheigh Tootle wins Two Gold Medals at Special Olympics Winter Games in PA

Our very own Ashleigh Tootle won two medals, one silver (on the slalom) and one gold (on the super G), at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Pennsylvania!

We are incredibly proud of Ashleigh’s dedication and sportsmanship. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work, and it is a joy to see her represent our community so well. Please join me in congratulating her on this amazing accomplishment!

student wearing medals

New Visitor Management System

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!

Nuevo Sistema de Manejo de Visitantes a las EscuelasNos entusiasma anunciar que nuestras escuelas están ahora usando el nuevo sistema “Raptor Visitor Management System”, VMS. Esta actualización forma parte del compromiso que nuestras escuelas y FCPS mantienen con la mejora de la seguridad escolar y con la simplificación del proceso que deben seguir los visitantes a las escuelas. El sistema VMS garantiza que ningún visitante esté en el registro de delincuentes sexuales.

Para la mayoría de los visitantes, la experiencia como usuarios será la misma que ahora tienen cuando se anotan en la oficina principal de cualquier escuela.

Pero ahora contamos con una aplicación que puede hacer mucho más rápido el proceso de anotarse en la escuela. Aquellos visitantes que descarguen la aplicación RaptorSafe App y creen un “Pasaporte Raptor”, pueden verificar su información con antelación, antes de llegar a la escuela. Esta aplicación le dará un código QR que puede usar cuando se anote en la entrada de la escuela.

Si tiene preguntas, o necesita asistencia con el nuevo sistema, por favor contacte a nuestra oficina principal. ¡Gracias por su colaboración haciendo nuestras escuelas más seguras!


Black Parent Affinity Group – February Meeting

All Black/African American parents and caregivers are invited to join our next Black Parent Affinity Group meeting on Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 PM via Zoom.

This group is a space for connection, support, and conversation. During this month’s meeting, our Director of Student Services will lead a discussion on how bullying and racial harassment are addressed at Edison, including student rights and reporting procedures. We will also continue conversations about supporting the Black Student Union and organizing next steps for the group.

All families are welcome — whether you attended our first meeting or are joining for the first time!

Zoom Information:

Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99912320979?pwd=pwzhFW1OmRSDOTEJCqiKXH9tXbCLAL.1

Meeting ID: 999 1232 0979

Passcode: 095024

We hope to see you there!


Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the FCPS Virtual Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs. Contact Pamela White with any questions. 

Conozca sobre las Oportunidades para el Año Después de Graduarse Los Servicios de Consejería Escolar de FCPS y la empresa Go Overseas serán los anfitriones de la Feria Virtual del Año Sabático de FCPS el martes 24 de febrero, de 6 a 7 p.m. Este evento está dirigido a estudiantes de escuela secundaria y sus familias, quienes estén interesados en oportunidades para el año después de la graduación de la escuela secundaria. Los estudiantes deben registrarse en la página Feria del Año Sabático de USA. Contact a Pamela White si tiene cualquier pregunta.


Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at [School]. All volunteers must:

  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Regístrese Hoy como Voluntario para FCPSEl sistema “Volunteer FCPS” les permite a los individuos encontrar y registrarse para tomar oportunidades de ser voluntarios. El sistema garantiza un ambiente seguro, consistente y acogedor en nuestra escuela [School]. Todos los voluntarios deben:

  • Crear un perfil en el sistema “Volunteer FCPS”. 
  • Registrarse en oportunidades de voluntariado a través del sistema “Volunteer FCPS”. 
  • Anotarse al entrar y al salir de la escuela, usando el kiosko para visitantes.  

Puede completar una orientación para ser voluntario en volunteer.fcps.edu. Visite la página de Preguntas Frecuentes de Volunteer FCPS para que encuentre más información.


teacher standing in front of black leaders honor black history month

Mrs. Johnson, one of our business teachers and the department chair of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, is standing in front of a display honoring Black leaders for Black History Month.


Order your yearbook today!

Order your 2025-2026 yearbook today for the lowest price of the year! Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school order number 5211 to reserve your copy today before we sell out!


Chinese new year decorations

🐎 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family. #OurFCPS


Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.

Mural of Carter G. Woodson

Ramadan

Parent/Guardian Permission for Student to Regularly Miss Instruction Time

As we approach Ramdan, we wanted to remind families about permission to miss instructional time. If your student is able to access the room during their normally occurring lunchtime, the form is not required.

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 form linked below.  This means 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. 

School students can access our designated space during the instructional time with parent/guardian authorization. By completing this form, you are acknowledging that you understand your student may be missing daily instruction time. 


DECA

Please help me congratulate Edison juniors Divita Gupta and Janice Camacho for earning the gold metal certification for our new School Based Enterprise The Eagle Brew Café Coffee Cart!

This means these 2 students automatically advance to DECA Nationals (ICDC)- this year in Atlanta, GA! 


Soar bulletin board

A glimpse into our Advisory competitions!  Building community!


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s Online Campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.


students at district chorus

Proud of our singing Eagles!  They spent 2 days rehearsing, learning from outstanding clinicians, and collaborating with students across the district.  Pictured above- Claire Anderson, Arianna Balkissoon, Jackson Byrd, Marisol Chavez, Rabhya Das, Mia Diaz, Stajah Dorsey, Kathryn Fennell, Samantha Galindo, Madelyn Gilliod, Lydia Israel, Tanisha Khan, Kelvin Mak, Sasha Mendieta, Lindy Norris, Mason Palmer, Moira Paz Pasa, Nicoletta Pelekasis, Alexander Ramos-Salinas, Madison Roegner, Alexandria Rosimo, Sarah Sackey-Addo, Adriana Sansone, Jackson Sher, Layla Spiro, and Gabrielle Woodrum.


Meal Kits for Fasting Students

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

 

Comidas para Estudiantes que Están en AyunoEntre el 18 de febrero y el 19 de marzo, aquellos estudiantes que estén observando ayuno durante el día podrán llevar a casa las comida escolares. Estas comidas incluyen un desayuno y un almuerzo que pueden comer una vez que el día termine.

Las familias deben llenar una solicitud cada semana, por cada estudiante para quien pidan estas comidas. La primera fecha límite para llenarla es el miércoles 11 de febrero, la cual cubre la semana del 16 de febrero.

  • Costo: Las comidas cuestan lo mismo que se cobra en un día normal de clases. 
  • Recolección: Los estudiantes deben recoger las comidas al final del día de clases.
  • Menú: Las comidas incluyen alimentos que son fáciles de recalentar en casa.

Visité la página web de Alimentación y Nutrición para que encuentre las planillas de solicitud, conozca las fechas topes para enviarlas y halle más información. Por favor, si tiene preguntas, contacte a la Oficina de los Servicios de Alimentación y Nutrición escribiendo a la dirección FCPSFNS@fcps.edu o llamando al 703-813-4800.


Family Liaison News

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

 

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 Family Liaison, Douha Kalouda at dkalouda@fcps.edu or 703-924-8074.

Link to Family Assistance Questionnaire

The Family Café Series
The next Family Café Series session is Introduction to Career Pathways for Students — an opportunity for families to learn about important topics that support their child’s growth and learning.
This session will explore the wide range of career and technical education (CTE) courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Families will receive information about:
  • Available career pathways
  • Specialty programs
  • Career academy opportunities
📅 Thursday, February 26
📍 Lorton Community Center
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM
Families can register using this LINK.
Family Academy February Webinars & Workshops
  • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (offered in English & Spanish)
  • Lexia Family Information Night
  • Family Resource Center Webinars, including:
    • Early Childhood Identification
    • Building Flexibility
    • Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students
    • Effective School Communication
    • Caregiver Self-Care
View the full schedule: Family Academy Catalog

Virtual Therapy for High School Students

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your student 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 FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service. 

Teleterapia de Salud Mental Sin Costo para Todos los Estudiantes de Secundaria

Su hijo de secundaria está teniendo ansiedad, cambios de comportamiento o dificultades con las relaciones familiares o con sus compañeros? Si es así, los padres/cuidadores pueden referir a sus hijos a terapia semanal con un terapeuta licenciado a través de Hazel Health. Visite la página web Teletherapy para obtener información por este servicio.


How to Report Attendance at Edison

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 


District News/In Case You Missed It

  • In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
  • Celebrating Our Students
  • Summer Camp and Learning
  • New High School Name

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