EHS Weekly Update - May 15, 2026


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Edison High School Weekly

Important Dates

May 22 - Senior Exams Start (see below for details)

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

May 26 - No School - Teacher Work Day

May 27 - No School - Eid al-Adha

May 28 - Senior Academic Awards 6:30 pm in the Auditorium 

June 1 - Senior Fest 9:30 am at the Stadium 

June 2 - Senior Choice Awards 7 pm

June 3 - Varsity Sports Awards 6:30 pm

June 5 - Graduation 7 pm at Eagle Bank Arena

June 11 - Global STEM Celebration 2 -3:30 pm

June 17 - Last Day of School

FCPS School Year Calendar    


Table of Contents


Message from Principal Burke

Edison Community,

We are officially 21 days away from graduation, and there is definitely a sense of excitement in the air. We are so proud of our seniors and all they have accomplished. As we head into these final weeks of the school year, let’s continue to support one another and finish strong.

A few important reminders for our seniors and families:

  • Senior exams begin Friday, May 22.
  • Senior Awards Night for students receiving awards will take place on Thursday, May 28.
  • Varsity Sports Awards Night is scheduled for June 3.
  • Graduation will be held on Friday, June 5, at 7:00 PM at EagleBank Arena. We look forward to celebrating this incredible milestone with all of our seniors and their families.

Seniors, don’t forget about the All-Night Grad Party. Tickets are on sale now, and it is such a great opportunity to spend one last night together making memories with friends before everyone heads off in different directions next year.

This week was another great example of the incredible talent and dedication of our students.

On Tuesday night, I attended a poetry workshop where two of our students, Frances Ketchum (Walt Whitman in High School) and Camryn Gray (Still She Dreams), shared original poetry. They both did a fantastic job writing and presenting their work. Congratulations as well to Camrynn for receiving an Honorable Mention.

On Thursday evening, we hosted our Academy Awards celebration here at Edison. It was wonderful to recognize and honor the hard work of our academy students. The trades and career pathways represented in our academies are essential to our daily lives and to the functioning of our communities and world. We are incredibly proud of the work our students are doing. Congratulations to Devin Timberlake for receiving the Academy Student of the Year Award. 

Last night also marked the start of the first round of district competition for several of our athletic teams. Congratulations to our baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, and girls lacrosse teams on fantastic performances and advancing to the next round.

Tonight, our girls' and boys' soccer teams compete in the first round of districts. Good luck to all of our athletes and coaches.

We also have Night on Broadway this evening. If you are not out supporting our teams on the fields, come inside and enjoy an evening of Broadway music performed by our talented students. It promises to be a wonderful show.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Edison High School. Have a great weekend.

Amanda Burke
Principal


Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update

On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget. 

Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.


Group of students gathered outside on the track to begin track meet

Last weekend, our Eagles had an amazing time at the Unified Track Meet at Tuscarora High School! So proud of all our athletes for competing, supporting one another, and making memories together! 


New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage

Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year

Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:

  • Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. 
  • Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
  • Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.

eagle

All Night Grad Party tickets can be purchased here: All Night Grad Party tickets

The party is a fun and safe place for our seniors to celebrate graduation.  Note, only Edison Seniors may attend.


Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Bus Discount Program for Adults

Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.


High school students presenting their poems on stage

Edison High School youth poet ambassador finalists! 


Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong. 

Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.

If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.

If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources


Students with their families in the gym celebrating national signing day to their colleges

Last week at Signing Day, we had the honor of recognizing an incredible group of students who officially committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! 


Student’s Intention Forms for 2026-2027

Families who are NOT returning to Thomas A. Edison High School for the 2026-2027 school year are asked to complete and return the “Student’s Intention form for the Next School Year” by June 17, 2026. Please use the link below to access the form:

https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it110.pdf.

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


Group of students sharing their presentations to Superintendent Reid

Thank you Dr. Reid for meeting with our students and HVAC teacher, Robert Stringham for the latest installment of the "Our Voices, Our Future" video series!


Edison High School Freshman Orientation – Class of 2030

We are excited to support your student’s transition to high school! For the third year, Edison High School is offering an optional Jump Start program for rising 9th-grade students.

Program Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 28th Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Edison High School

During this session, students will:

✔️ Meet staff members, including administrators, counselors, and teachers

✔️ Tour the school building

✔️ Receive tips for high school success

✔️ Learn about our wide range of sports and club opportunities

✔️ Receive lunch and Edison Eagle Pride T-shirt

Please note: Transportation will not be provided.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2030!

Save the Date: Registration will open on May 27th and a link will be located on the Edison website for those interested in our Jumpstart program. Please contact Greg Dombrowski: GSDombrowski@fcps.edu or Ellen Hagan: EMHaganBower@fcps.edu for further information.

Jumpstart program

Scholarship Applications Are Live

https://www.edisonboosters.org/scholarships/

Edison Athletics Booster Club will offer six scholarships to graduating Edison High School seniors who have participated in Varsity Edison Athletics as a player. Applicants will be judged on athletic accomplishments, community service, coach’s recommendation, and written essay. Financial need is not a determining factor. Each scholarship award will be in the amount of $500. Scholarships (checks) will be made payable and sent directly to the recipient’s college or technical/vocational school. CLICK HERE for the application and information on how to submit your coach's recommendation. Deadline: Thursday, May 21.

Graduation cap and diploma

SOL Calendar - Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments 

Spring assessments

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. 

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.

Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season. 

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible. 

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters

May

sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri

sat

17

18

Geometry and Algebra 2 SOLs

IB Chemistry exam 8:30 a.m.

IB Global Politics exam 12:00 p.m.

19

Algebra 1 SOL

IB Global Politics HL exam 8:30 a.m.

IB French exam 12:00 p.m.

20

IB French exam 8:30 a.m.

IB Math HL exams 12:00 p.m.

21

22

Senior Final Exams 1st and 3rd periods

23

24

25

Memorial Day

26

Teacher Workday

27

Eid al-Adha

28

Reading SOL Retakes

Senior Final Exams 6th and 8th periods

29

Science SOL Retakes

Senior Final Exams 5th and 7th periods

30

June

sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri

sat

 

1

Science SOL Retakes

Senior Final exams 2nd period

Seniors dismissed at 9:28 a.m.

2

Math SOL Retakes

Graduation Practice, 1:45 p.m.

3

Math SOL Retakes

Graduation Practice, 1:45 p.m.

4

5

Graduation 7 p.m.

Dismissal 10:30 a.m.

6

7

8

9

10

11

Underclassmen Final exams 2nd period

Dismissal 11:30 a.m.

12

Underclassmen Final exams 1st and 3rd periods

Dismissal 11:30 a.m.

13

14

15

Underclassmen Final exams 6th and 8th periods

Dismissal 11:30 a.m.

16

Underclassmen Final exams 5th and 7th periods

Dismissal 11:30 a.m.

17

Last Day of school

Dismissal 10:10 a.m.

18

19

20


Make A Mark On The Legacy Brick Wall

Leave a lasting mark at Edison High School by honoring your student-athlete, senior, or loved one with a commemorative brick at Luke Fennell Field. Each brick is $40 and includes up to four lines of personalized text along with an optional icon. The 2025–2026 brick order form closes on Sunday, May 17. Bricks purchased during this cycle will be installed in the summer of 2026.

If you have any questions, please email: brickfundraiser@edisonboosters.org

Buy Now: http://www.edisonboosters.org/bricks/

Senior bricks

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 (such as community resource information). 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

English Empowerment Center Summer 2026 English Classes (Registration Open Now) The English Empowerment Center is now accepting registrations for Summer 2026 English classes for adult English learners. Classes focus on building practical communication skills to support success at work, at home, and in the community. Summer Class Schedule Flyer

In-Person Classes: Available at locations across Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Culmore, Falls Church, Fairfax, Herndon, Lorton, and Mount Vernon. Site-specific flyers in English and Spanish are available here: https://englishempowermentcenter.org/for-students/in-person-classes/

Online Classes: Open to learners anywhere. Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251064922607152

Cost: Classes are $65 unless otherwise indicated. The English Empowerment Center is committed to ensuring that financial challenges are not a barrier to participation and will work within each learner’s means.

FCPS Summer Camps

Registration is open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities.

Career and Technical Education camps, and Fine and Performing Arts camps, will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (registration for after-care is available from 2 to 5pm) Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools.

Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

  • 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.
  • Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theatre. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well.
  • Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive camp 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. Read about last year’s camp

Edison High School girls varsity lacrosse game

This week, the Edison Varsity Girls Lax beat the Annandale Atoms 17-3 to kick off Edison HS playoffs! Go Eagles! 


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

If you prefer to have an abbreviated way to share district news, consider sharing the language below in your newsletter. Please edit the list of topics to best fit the needs of your community.

FCPS News: In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • 2027 Budget Updates
  • New Cell Phone Policy
  • Stay Up-to-Date with the Mobile App

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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