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Message from Principal

SIS ParentVUE Online Verification/Update Packet (OVU) Now Available

As the new school year approaches, parents/guardians will want to check their student's emergency information online and make changes if necessary. With FCPS that is done via the Online Verification Packet (OVU).

The OVU is found in your ParentVUE account. It will allow parents/guardians to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS  and kindergarten through 12th grade.

Enrolling parents will be able to access OVU through their SIS ParentVUE account.  If you need help with the Online Verification/Update packet or for technical support, create a Parent Support Request ticket for support with the application (select Online Registration in the Application dropdown menu) or call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the ENROLLING PARENT will be able to access the OVU. If you are not the enrolling parent, you will receive an error message.

Reminder About New Parental Digital Consent Platform

On Friday, August 2, we sent all TJ families an E-Notify with information on how to access FCPS' new Parent Digital Consent Platform. This has nearly all of the required and optional forms that FCPS has everyone sign each you that allows you to both opt-in and opt-out of various services the school district offers.

One very important form that we need you to fill out in this system is the Digital Consent Form. For teachers to have the resources they need to provide engaging instruction, we must have parental/guardian consent for your child to use FCPS-approved online tools listed as part of our instructional program.

You will be able click on the Digital Resource Consent 2024-25 link and approve each of the resources individually, or click on the opt-in to all resources button and opt-in to everything at once.

Required TJ Specific Forms

There are a couple more forms that parents/guardians or their students need to fill out that are TJ specific.

• The Residency Verification Form (Online Submission) 
  • This online Google Form needs to be filled out at the beginning of the year. It is the confirmation that you remain a resident in one of TJHSST’s participating jurisdictions (FCPS, Prince William, Loudoun, Falls Church, Arlington)
• TJ Honor Code Acknowledgement (Students will fill out in Advisory)
  • This is more for your awareness. Once the school year has begun, students need to fill out a Google Form acknowledging they have read and understood the TJ Honor Code.

How to Report Your Child's Attendance in SIS (New for 2024-25)

New for the 2024-25 School Year - Starting August 19th, parents/guardians can report up to two (2) consecutive full-day absences using ParentVUE. Here are instructions on how to do so. 

• The tool above is just for full-day absences. To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance, please email us at thomasjeffersonhigh.attendance@fcps.edu.

Student Schedules Available August 15!

We’re pleased to announce that student schedules for the 2024-2025 school year will be ready to view on StudentVUE and ParentVUE starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 15. New students can find their counselor assignments now under the "Student Information" tab.

Our counselors have worked diligently to create accurate and complete schedules based on your student's course selections. We encourage all students and parents to review the schedule carefully on August 15.

Back-to-School Night(s) Save the Date

TJ parents/guardians, save the date for our annual Back-to-School Nights! As we have done in the past for parking concerns, we will hold two events:

Tuesday, August 27 - 9th and 12th grades (Class of 2025 and Class of 2028)

Wednesday, September 4 - 10th and 11th grades (Class of 2026 and Class of 2027)

Both events will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to meet with each of their child's teachers and learn more about their class and expectations for the 2024-25 school year. In addition, there will be booths to meet with the TJ PTSA, TJ Partnership Fund, and the Athletic Boosters before and after the event.

More information will come later this month in the form of an E-Notify.

Save the Date - Class of 2025 Graduation Set for June 11!

We recently learned from Fairfax County Public Schools that the TJ Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

FCPS has released a graduation schedule for all of its high schools. We acknowledge our school’s traditional day of week and time changed from what historically has been a Saturday evening. Dates were assigned based on a variety of factors: the historical graduation rotation schedule, school size, avoiding conflicts with observance days, site availability, and the overall school calendar.

There will be plenty more information and details released over the coming months as we celebrate the senior year of our Class of 2025!

View TJ's 2024-25 Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar

Here is an overview of the 2024-25 school year calendar. In general, Mondays are Anchor Days, where students attend all seven courses and an advisory at the beginning of the day. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Blue Days, in which students will attend periods 1-4. Wednesdays and Fridays are Red Days, in which students will attend periods 5-8. During the first two and a half weeks of school, eighth periods will be spent in the student's advisory room.

There are exceptions as Holidays and staff workdays can cause adjustments to the schedule. Pictured above is a handy calendar that tells families whether it is a Anchor/Blue/Red Day, or a holiday where school is closed. Those dates are all subject to change, but we will keep you informed when a change is going to be made

If you would like a printable version of this calendar, please visit our website.

TJHSST 2024-25 Bell Schedules

The school day at TJ begins at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. We will have the same bell schedule that we have used for the last several years.   

Regular Bell Schedule

Visit our website to see the two-hour early release and two-hour delayed opening schedules.

Arriving at TJ - General Instructions on Student Drop-off

Safely Arriving at School - Get Here Early!

The school day begins at 8:40 a.m. However, traffic can (and definitely will!) get backed up on Braddock Road. Doors open to our TJ students at 7:45 a.m. We highly recommend if students are driving or being dropped off by parents to arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. to avoid getting caught in the backups.

Drop-Off Instructions

Student drop-off is located behind the school. Parents, please drop off your child at the Kiss and Ride by coming in the school’s entrance off Braddock Road and following signs to the left. Pull up all the way to Door 9 before letting your child out.

Student Driving Instructions

Seniors and juniors who are driving to TJ can park in the following locations: The back parking lot (just past the speed bumps at door 6), and all of the access road (the street that leads out to the Little River Turnpike exit) except for the spots immediately adjacent to the bus depot on the left of that road. 

Students will not need a parking permit during first two weeks of school, but must obtain one to continue parking at TJ beginning on Sept. 5. Parking permit information will be given in next week's newsletter.

Visitors to TJ

All visitors must enter through the Dome (Door 1) and sign in at the Main Office. A camera/buzzer system at the main entrance enhances and ensures safe entry for our guests. Also, Officer Benji Main, our School Resource Officer, will be on site regularly and his vehicle will be parked at the front of the school. 

Dismissal at TJ – General Instructions on Student Pick-Up

Pick-Up Instructions

• Enter from Braddock Rd., turn left when you drive onto campus, and follow signs and staff directions to line up, park and drive off campus once you pick up your child. You will have a 10-minute window from 4:00-4:10 p.m. to exit. Then, at approximately 4:10 p.m., the buses depart, so you will need to wait until all buses exit campus before car traffic resumes. Thank you for your patience as we keep our campus safe.
• Students being picked up will exit out of doors 7, 8, and 9.
• Students are to be picked up in the back parking lot only.
• Our speed limit driving on school grounds is 15 MPH.
• There are traffic signs posted around the building for student and staff safety. Crosswalks and stop signs have been established at very strategic areas around the school to insure everyone’s safety. Please observe ALL traffic signs.
• Finally, parking at dismissal. There are 2 areas available to parents picking up students at dismissal. Both are available at anytime prior to 3:55pm.
  • The REAR PARKING area is past the yellow speed bump at Door 7 and ends at Door 9.
  • The parking area on Minor lane (the driveway between our athletic fields), to include the football stadium area.
  • The visitors lot, all staff parking areas, and our bus depot are NOT available for parking at dismissal.

PLEASE, you may ONLY park in the 2 areas we have developed for you in the afternoon at dismissal, for YOUR students’ safety! Thank you for your cooperation.

Bus Transportation - FCPS Families

Please note: This information is for our families who are residents of Fairfax County. Information for out-of-county residents is in the next article below.

One of the most important things for your child to know is their bus route, not their bus number (which can change from day-to-day). 

Bus stops and route information are now available via your ParentVue account. Please familiarize yourself with your child's bus route to ensure a smooth start to the school year. For real-time bus delay information, including how to access the Bus Delay Notification System, visit the Transportation page.

If your bus is delayed, the information will be posted on the bus delay notification system.

While we understand that delays can occur, we encourage you to arrive at your scheduled bus stop 10 minutes early and be patient.   

Bus Transportation - Out of County Families

Transportation to and from TJ for our out-of-county students is taken care of by their resident school district. Families in Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties should contact those school transportation departments directly for transportation questions/concerns. Here is their contact information:

• Arlington County: Mr. Deriba Reba (deriba.reba@apsva.us)
• Loudoun County: Ms. Madelin Spier (madelin.spier@lcps.org)
• Prince William County: Ms. Mary Hayes (hayesme@pwcs.edu)

Welcome to TJ! More Staff Updates

In our July newsletter we introduced you to several new staff members at TJ. Since that time we've had a few more join us, and wanted to give a quick introduction of them as well!

Humanities Division

• Michael Kauffmann - English: Graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia with a degree in literature and philosophy, and earned his master's in education from Boston College. He comes to TJ after spending the past 14 years teaching in the Boston area. 
• Rebecca Walz - English: Earned her BA in Literature from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and her M.S.Ed in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She comes to TJ from the District of Columbia Public Schools where she was an instructional coach. Prior to that she was a teacher in the Chicago Public School District for 10 years.

Science and Technology Division

• Hannah Grudi – TechEd: Graduated from William & Mary with a focus on Biology and Paleontology, and is spending the summer wrapping up her Master’s in Evolutionary Biology from the George Washington University. As a jack-of-all-trades, she brings a wealth of experience as a student engineer at the William and Mary Makerspace, a Lab Associate managing undergraduate courses in Biology and Geology at GWU, and STEM field experiences ranging from salmon immunology in Alaska to regional field geology in Texas.

World Languages, Art, Music, and Physical Education Division

• Theresa Ohanian Myers - Theatre: Graduated from Emerson College in Boston with Bachelor's in Acting and Creative Writing. She received her Master's of Fine Arts in Acting, Directing and Devising from York University in Toronto. She is coming to TJ from George Mason University, where she taught in their theatre department.
• Makalla Shernick - Art: graduated from George Mason University with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Visual Technology and a Master's of Art in Teaching Art Education. A freelance graphic designer who has been teaching art within the Northern Virginia community since 2021, this is her first year as a public school teacher.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

TJ will be following the FCPS School Board Policy that was adopted at its meeting on May 9. Here are the key points:

• Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
• There will be hanging cell phone holders in every classroom. About 1/4 of our classroom have already had the cell phone holders hanging the past year. All students shall put their phones in the cell phone holders at the beginning of class. They will then pick it up back up at the end of class.
• It will be up to the individual teacher whether students can use their cell phones for the activities planned during class on that day. 
• Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students with a documented health or educational need through special services may have an exception. Please work through your child’s administrator if you believe an exception is needed.

FCPSOn Laptop Distribution Information

• Device Requirement: Students must bring a fully charged device to school each day. This can be either a personally owned device or a school-issued laptop.
• Distribution Details: Chromebooks will be distributed to students during the Advisory period in the first week of school.
• Preassigned Devices: Chromebooks are preassigned at TJ. Students will receive an email notice to their fcpsschools.net account when their FCPSOn laptops are assigned and checked out in the system
• Summer Retention: Students who retained their device over the summer should bring it to school on August 19, the first day of school, to ensure access to their classes.

Food and Nutrition Updates

TJ's Food and Nutrition Department offers breakfast and lunch each school day. Here is the information that you need to know.

• The price of meals this year has remained the same. No increase!
• The cost to students for breakfast is $1.75. The cost for lunch is $3.50.
  • Breakfast can be purchased in Nobel Commons. Lunch can be purchased in the Cafeteria.
• Here is where you can find the daily meal menu. Select "Jefferson High" in the drop down menu to find our schedule.
• All dietary accommodations requests will be processed via a centralized form(s), which can be found here. Any information pertaining to dietary accommodations, including, menu communication, requests, etc. will be through our dietary.forms.fns@fcps.edu.
• If there is need for free and reduced meals please visit this site.

Immunization Reminder

Certain immunizations are required for public school entry, including here at TJ. Many students missed well checks and their recommended childhood immunizations during recent years of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and protect them from serious diseases.

A key vaccine to be aware of is that all 12th grade students are required to have been immunized with one dose of the Meningococcal Vaccine given to at the age of 16 or older. Those who are stilling missing this vaccine were informed via E-Notify on August 6.

Students may be excluded from school after September 30, 2024 if all vaccinations are not up to date.

Please visit this site which lists all of FCPS' immunization requirements for various grade levels. We encourage you to check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-2025 school year as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine to complete their records, you can make an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of child immunization clinics. 

Self-Carrying or Storing Medication in the TJ Health Room

For students to self-carry or store medications in the health room, FCPS requires updated medication authorizations each school year. I am providing links to the most recent versions of the authorizations for your convenience. Please print the document(s) that are appropriate for you student and share with your health care provider.

*Please note: The appropriate authorization should be on file even if you student self-carries an inhaler or epinephrine.*

Asthma/Inhaler:

The Virginia Asthma Action Plan is required for any inhalers (even if self-carried).

Once your health care provider has completed the Virginia Asthma Action Plan, you will need to complete the FCPS Authorization for VA Asthma Action Plan (SS/SE-65) authorizing the principal designee/SHA/PHN/school staff to administer the asthma medication to your student. 

Anaphylaxis/Epinephrine:

Please have your health care provider complete the FCPS Authorization for Anaphylaxis Action Plan if your student will be self-carrying or leaving epinephrine in the health room.

Other medications:

Please have your health care provider complete the Medication Authorization (SE63) for all other prescription medications (not epinephrine or inhaler) or over the counter medications like Benadryl.

Over the counter (OTC) medications must be new/unopened and in their original containers. No healthcare providers signature is needed for OTC medications used for headache, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps.  If you are providing an OTC medication for any other reason or if the dosing is outside of the manufacturer’s recommendations, a healthcare providers signature is required.

Prescription medications must be in a properly labeled and the label should match the dosing and frequency information on the Medication Authorization.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me (LWilkes@fcps.edu). 

Thank you for your collaboration in keeping your student safe and healthy!

Finance Update - Overdue TJ Textbooks (Class of 2025, 2026, and 2027 students)

Please remind your child to return any TJ textbooks/paperbacks from last year that they may still have at home.  Our teachers need these books in order to re-issue them to this year's classes.  All outstanding books should be returned to the Finance Office (Room 105) as soon as possible. 

Questions? Email the TJ Finance Office at TJHSSTFinance@fcps.edu or call (703) 750-8336.

Athletics Update

Fall Sports

Cheerleading, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Volleyball are underway! There are still opportunities to join Field Hockey, Football, and Cross Country. In order to participate, students need a valid VHSL physical dated May 1, 2024 or after and need to be registered for their sport on Athletic Registration.

Football – Coach Taylor Kramer – tdkramer@fcps.edu

Field Hockey – Coach Clint Behling – cjbehling@fcps.edu

Cross Country – Todd Withington – jtwithington@fcps.edu

Winter Sports

Basketball, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Track & Field, Swim & Dive, Wrestling can start on November 11, 2024.

Spring Sports

Baseball, Crew, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field can start on February 24, 2025.

Tryout requirements and coach’s contact information can be found on our website www.tjsports.org and on social media @TJHSST_Sports. VHSL physical forms for winter and spring sports can be dropped off in the Activities Office. Please do not email forms.

Class of 2028

Welcome to TJ. Make sure to check out the Activities Office Video and PDF on our website so find out more about TJ Sports & Activities.

Please reach out to Director Student Activities Dylan Forshay DTForshay@fcps.edu for questions and concerns.

How to Contact Us

Need to get ahold of someone at TJ? Here is some commonly requested contact information:

Main Office - 703-750-8300

Attendance Office - thomasjeffersonhigh.attendance@fcps.edu

Student Services - 703-750-8340

Student Activities - 703-750-8333

Security - 703-750-8331

Administration Contact Information

Dr. Ann Bonitatibus - Principal

Mr. Shawn Frank - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2025 and World Language, Art, Music, and Physical Education Division)

Ms. Yaara Crane - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2026 Science and Technology Division)

Ms. Chrystal Benson - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2027 and  Mathematics and Computer Science Division)

Ms. Volita Russell - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2028 and Humanities Division)

Ms. Sara Genetin - Director of Student Services (oversees Counselors, Social Worker, School Psychologist and other staff providing student support)

Mr. Dylan Forshay - Director of Student Activities (oversees Activities Office, 8th Period, Athletic Office, Building Maintenance, Custodians, Food Services)

Mr. Leo Resquin - Director of Technology (oversees Technology Team, Testing Tech Support, tjSTAR, Safety and Security/Transportation)

Mr. Mike Roth - Communications Specialist (oversees NewsYouChoose and eNotify, Event promotions,  print/digital text, photo, video, Social Media accounts, TJHSST Webmaster and Visitors US & International (TJPF)

For another specific staff member, please use our Staff Directory to find contact information. 

Follow TJ on Instagram!

Be sure to visit Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology On its official social media channel on Instagram @OfficialTJHSST for pictures and highlights of all the fun events and activities going on at TJ! (Please note that we have discontinued use of our X/Twitter account).

We'd love it if you give us a follow!

Important Calendar Reminders

Aug. 15 - Class of 2028 and Class of 2027 New Student Orientation, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Aug. 19: First day of the 2022-23 school year. It will be a Modified Anchor Day with one hour advisory and no JLC.

Aug. 26: This Monday will be a Red Day - periods 5, 6, 7, and advisory will be held.

Aug. 27: Back to School Night will be held in-person at TJ for the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2028 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Aug. 29: Back to School Bash held after school at TJ Athletic Fields.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Labor Day Holiday. No school on Friday, August 30 or Monday, Sept. 2.

Sept. 4: Back to School Night will be held in-person at TJ for the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2027 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sept. 23-27: TJ's annual homecoming week.

Sept. 28 - TJ's Homecoming Dance in evening

Oct. 2: Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Rosh Hashanah begins in evening) - school remains in session with normal hours, no activities in evening.

Oct. 3: No School for students or staff (Rosh Hashanah)

Oct. 4: Teacher Work Day - No school for students.

Oct. 9: PSAT (10th and 11th grade) SAT (12th grade) 

Oct. 11: Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Yom Kippur begins in evening) - school remains in session with normal hours, no activities in evening.

Oct. 14: Staff Development Day - No school for students.

Oct. 21: First Quarter Catch-Up Day at TJ

Oct. 31: End of first quarter - Modified Red Day with 2-hour early release

Nov. 1: No School for students or staff (Diwali)

6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 | Main Office: 703.750.8300
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