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FCPS is now transitioning to in-person instruction for small groups of students who might be experiencing challenges with distance learning or otherwise need in-person access to accomplish unique learning goals.
Following a survey and review process, TJHSST has been approved to offer this opportunity to students in four of our senior research labs. Families and students were notified individually last week. The astronomy, computer systems, neuroscience and oceanography lab directors are designing safe and targeted experiences that will occur on Mondays starting in the next couple weeks.
All other senior research labs will continue to be delivered in a virtual environment and will return when FCPS recalls all students to school.
Thank you for your continued support as we safely and thoughtfully integrate Return to School plans at TJHSST.
Monday, October 12, Student Holiday
FCPS recognizes October 12 as Indigenous People’s Day. Because this is a holiday for students, they do not need to complete an attendance check-in form, nor are they required to participate in any synchronous or asynchronous work that day.
Thursday, October 29, PSAT
The PSAT will be administered in person on the TJ campus to juniors who have registered. Our Assessment Coach Ms. Broadhead will continue to communicate logistics to families and students. Please be aware that October 29 remains an instructional day and it will be asynchronous for grades 9, 10, and 12. Students in grade 11 who do not take the PSAT that day will continue to work independently.
Friday, October 30, Early Release
Because it is the end of first quarter, teachers need time to complete grading and prepare for the start of second quarter. Therefore, students are released from instruction two hours early. Fifth period will continue to start at 8:40 a.m. Classes will be approximately 70 minutes in length and 8th period dismisses at 2:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3, Student Holiday
Due to the transition between first and second quarter, along with Election Day, November 2 and 3 are teacher work days and non-school days for students, meaning they are not required to complete an attendance check and they cannot be required to participate in any synchronous or asynchronous work.
This past week we held a successful textbook distribution event for the Class of 2021. Subsequent distributions are planned for October 12, October 19, and October 26 for the freshman, junior, and sophomore classes in respective order. To ensure things run smoothly, it would be helpful if you place a sign in your car window with your student's first and last name and student ID. This will allow for a more speedy and efficient process.
If severe weather is forecast or emerges throughout the day, we will send an eNotfiy message at least two hours in advance to let you know if distribution plans will be interrupted and need to be rescheduled.
We hope the texts and materials students are receiving will appeal to their tactile senses, contribute to more efficient organization, and diminish screen time. Our teachers are continuing to adjust workload expectations based on student feedback. Please encourage your children to advocate for their learning.
The Fairfax County School Board recently approved changes to the TJHSST admissions process. Starting with the next admission cycle for the Class of 2025 entering in the fall of 2021, the application fee has been eliminated along with the admissions standardized tests. In several weeks, Dr. Brabrand will return to the school board with updated information about the revised merit lottery proposal currently on the table for consideration.
Thanks to many in our community who have been actively involved in a variety of engagement sessions such as town halls, listening forums, and school board meetings. Continue to stay tuned for possible opportunities in the coming weeks. You may continue to submit feedback to school board members and FCPS leadership at tjcomments@fcps.edu.
If you submitted an application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals last school year for your child(ren), please remember to submit a new application for this school year. The current eligibility status will expire on October 20, 2020.
Apply for free and reduced-price meals by visiting www.MySchoolApps.com. Eligibility may also provide your child(ren) other important benefits. Be sure your child(ren) are approved for the 20-21 school year.
The online application is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Tagalog, French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Paper applications are available to complete and submit in English upon request at FCPS food distribution sites.
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Residency Verification Form: residency is verified annually as a condition of TJ eligibility. Please complete, print, and sign the form. You can either scan and email the signed copy to the attention of front office assistant, Ms. Tonya Mitchell, at tmitchell@fcps.edu or mail to the attention of Tonya Mitchell, TJHSST, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312
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Emergency Care Form: required for all returning FCPS students to review and update if needed.
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FCPS Application Permission: due to privacy laws, parent consent is needed for teachers to use select digital tools with your child. A list of applications used at TJ is available on the school website.
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Student Rights & Responsibility Acknowledgement Form: each year parents are asked to review the Students Rights & Responsibilities handbook with their child and return an acknowledgement form to the school. For additional resources, please see the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibility webpage.
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