Thanksgiving = Time for Family
Dear TJHSST Families:
The entire TJ faculty and staff extend a heartfelt thank you for supporting our amazing school! We would not be who we are today if not for your tireless dedication, volunteerism, sacrifice, and pride you bring to us each day.
For that reason, we wish to give families the gift of time during the holiday break. No short-term homework is assigned over the holiday. This means nothing is due on Monday, December 2, nor will any assessments be given on that day. We want our students to enjoy a mental wellness break and have time to connect with family and friends.
To that end, you may find this Playtime, Downtime and Family Time for teenagers a valuable resource as shared by our Challenge Success network of schools. And because this is a season of gratitude, the University of California at Berkeley shares this publication on fostering gratitude in children.
Finally, our PTSA has initiated a gratitude campaign and shares the following message:
As Thanksgiving gives us a break from the normal routine, let’s take a step back from worrying about homework and who needs to be where and be grateful for all that is good and special about our children. We would like to encourage you to join us in taking the TJ Parent Gratitude Pledge, originally written by Dr. Madeline Levine, Ph.D., co-founder of Challenge Success., and adapted by This Week @ TJ. Details can be found in the PTSA newsletter. Also, sign up for a Challenge Success parent focus groups that will give feedback on our ongoing efforts to address workload, expectations and sleep.
Enjoy the holiday!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus
Principal
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...all our parents who support our school and students in individual and collective ways. Pictured: PTSA President Shaista Keating and Hospitality Committee members at luncheon for TJ staff. |
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... all our students who bring talent, joy, wonder and excitement each day. The TJ Symphonic Wind Ensemble poses for a picture following their recent concert. They also were the featured ensemble at the VA music teachers conference. |
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... all our teachers and staff who are such dedicated professionals. Ms. Spoden, Mr. Arthur, Ms. Geiger, Dr. Morrow, Dr. Bonitatibus, Dr. Burnett, Dr. Gabor, Ms. Razzino, Ms. Russell, Mr. Jurj, and Ms. Gabriel attended a recent STEM conference. |
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... the donations from business and community partners who make opportunities possible in our research labs. The TJ Partnership Fund hosted a lab preview evening where Mr. DelaCuesta, Dr. Burnett, Mr. Behling and Dr. Gabor, along with other lab directors, showcased research projects and labs with their students. |
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... sleep! Who doesn't enjoy a restful slumber to recharge the batteries? The PTSA recently sponsored a Principals Book Club where dozens of parents, students and staff participated in meaningful conversations about the health benefits of sleep, including uplifted mood, healthy body, positive relationships, and increased academic success. Teens need at least 8-9 hours of sleep nightly. Let's all do our part for a healthy school. |
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... fun! Our Student Government Association is always thinking of ways to incorporate fun activities into the day. SGA sponsored a costume contest at Halloween and the administrative team got in the act as characters from TV show Stranger Things. |
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