Edison Regional Gifted Center

PTO - August 2025 Newsletter

Aaaaand they’re off! Back in the building, ready to mingle with friends and break in some books. 

It’s not just the kids who have work to do; the PTO has been incredibly busy this summer, anticipating what the year could look like, especially in light of the CPS budget situation. CPS currently has a $734 million deficit, projected to reach $1 billion in two years, and $1.3 billion by 2030. CPS has already implemented changes over the summer for many schools, including smaller class sizes, fewer hot meals, and fewer custodians. The budget issue means more changes could be on the horizon for CPS schools and for non-profit organizations like ours, whose priority it is to ensure the school has everything it needs. 

On our part, the summer has required a lot of scenario planning. We are preparing for potential critical asks from the school once we know the results of the school board, which must legally adopt a spending plan by August 29th. 

We are incredibly fortunate that our kids go to the #1 school in the state… for free. While some CPS schools are having to fundraise significant amounts to cover staff salaries, so far, the school and the PTO have managed to make sure that our kids and staff don’t feel the negative impact of shrinking budgets. Our organization is committed to helping the school continue its tradition of excellence. By staying agile and responsive, we can prepare for a shifting and often unpredictable CPS budget. By working together, we can pool our resources of time, talent, funds, and heart to keep our school soaring. 

A special thanks to all the parents who have already come forward offering whatever they can. I’m so proud of our little school and all the wonderful people who keep us moving forward, and I know if we all pull together, we’ll keep seeing the smiling faces we saw on Day 1.

The PTO hosted a kindergarten playdate on the Edison playground and a super fun 1st & kindergarten playdate at Welles Park with almost 50 littles plus their parents!

The PTO also helped welcome families at the school’s Orientation sessions for new students and kindergarteners. It was so heartwarming to see all the excitement from new parents.

We hope this helped families – some experiencing school for the first time – feel welcome and ready to create new friendships that will last many years to come! 

Registration was a blast! This year we brought CPS volunteer fingerprinting to the school – and the spots filled up quickly! Forty-four parents were able to cross that off their list!

Still need clearance? Apply through CiviCore and reach out to our school clerk, Veronica Santos, with any questions.

Parents also went home with loads of free pre-loved spirit wear, stickers, and yard signs. We will have the last of the spirit wear available at Curriculum Night if you need to pick anything up – youth and adults sizes available.

Grown out of your spirit wear? Give it a wash and drop it in the PTO mailbox, next to the trophies case! We’ll offer it up at the beginning of next year!

One more first day of school in the books!

Parents got to grab free spirit wear and yard signs, slap on a name tag to connect with parents, and... caffeinate!

The rain held out while we served a whopping SIX BOXES of coffee for parents and staff! We met so many parents and helped new families mingle with Edison families.

We then took a coffee cart around and made sure our teachers and staff had enough caffeine to power through the day.

Thank you to all the families who have signed up for PTO membership! We’re still counting on you to help make sure our school is always supported. Basic membership is $20, and this fall we’re offering the chance to win major prizes when you include a donation to the Annual Fund! Prizes include a school parking pass, dinner at Maple & Ash, and BULLS TICKETS! Your chance to win these prizes will expire soon, so join today! Memberships and donations are tax deductible!

Many companies offer matching gift programs to boost their employees’ charitable contributions. This means that the gift you make to the Edison PTO could have twice the positive impact on our students and staff. Contact your company's human resources department to find out if your employer participates.

September 4: Curriculum Night



We worked with the school to bring in-house childcare! Youth Guidance will offer Pizza and a Movie from 5:30-7:30PM in the gym and fine arts room.

Space is limited to the first 40 children who register. Edison siblings are able to participate. The cost is $40 per child. Register here. Email Frencia with any questions.

September 7: Elston Electric from 12-4PM



Bring all your friends and family for some all-ages gaming fun and 15% of all sales go right back to Edison! And don’t forget to RSVP!

September 11: Jeni's Ice Cream from 2-5PM
3404 N. Southport

Join us for ice cream at Jeni’s from 2pm to 5pm, and we’ll receive 25% of all sales!

The best part? Jeni’s made a flavor just for us! Ask for “The Edison Eagle” and send us a pic!

We’re excited to welcome you back with hybrid PTO meetings! You can join us in-person in the school library or remotely via Google Meet or phone 401-646-2537 PIN: 455 917 611#.

Subscribe to the school calendar for the PTO meeting schedule. Meetings will be held on varying days of the week and at several different times of day to accommodate different parent schedules. We will provide meeting minutes in case you are not able to attend.

Ready for some new spirit wear? Check out our new online shop with items for the whole family!

If you’re new to Edison – or you don’t have access to the spreadsheet – fill out this form and we’ll make sure you are added to our community directory. It’s the best way to make sure you’re getting all the latest!

Love to read? Help us host Book Club! We’re looking for one (or more) Edison community members to plan and host meetings throughout the year. Let us know and we’ll help you with the launch! Reach out to Oriana and Shannon to get started!

Know of a cool bookstore that would like to collaborate? Let us know!

Our track & field fundraising event -- Trackathon -- is October 9th at River Park from 12-2:45.

We need volunteers to help us on the day of! Handing out water, setting up tents, helping kids move around… parent volunteers make it happen! Reach out to board member Shannon if you’re interested, and don’t forget to join us at our next volunteer meeting to learn more:

August 25th, 8:30-9:30PM via Google Meet or dial: +1 413-338-0417‬ PIN: ‪405 379 547‬#

Can we borrow that? Let Shannon know if you can lend us any of these items:

• Canopy tents
• Bubble machines + solution
• Adult & Child inflatable costumes
• Megaphone