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Dear TJHSST Families:
As we bring 2024 to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for the many joys we share each day. Our TJ community is remarkable as we embrace a deep love of learning and inquiry. TJ is special!
Also, I continue to thank our community for the many well wishes and for creating lasting memories as I continue my transition. FCPS leadership has actively engaged in the previously communicated processes, and updates will be shared in the coming weeks.
While we count our strengths and blessings at this time of year, the holiday season can be stressful for individuals and families. If an emergency arises, remember you can call 911, reach Crisis Link at 703-527-4077, or text CONNECT to 85511. When school is in session, administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff continue to keep doors open if students need to talk.
Remember that children and adults need breaks from the many demands of school life. Let's support our students and staff to find a healthy balance between school, work, and family. To that end, no homework shall be assigned over the winter break, and no assessments will be administered immediately upon return. This also means staff will take a well-deserved break from email and can wait until we return to respond. We all share in helping each other.
We are finishing 2024 on a strong and enthusiastic note! On behalf of the entire TJ staff, I wish all of our families a safe and relaxing winter break. We look forward to welcoming back our students on January 6, 2025. I also invite parents of students in grades 9-11 to join our virtual curriculum night on January 15 as we plan for the 2025-2026 school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus
Proud Principal, TJHSST
The 2024-2025 School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) for TJ is now available on our website.
The plan was developed in alignment with the FCPS Strategic Plan goals, and remains focused on supporting our students’ academic and social achievement. Measurable outcomes are focused on the following: Growth and Performance in Coursework, Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework, and Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered Students.
 We are excited to enter the scheduling season for the 2025-2026 school year. Please save the date for our virtual Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Parents and guardians of Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028 students are invited to login and participate in four sessions of their choice. There will be multiple sessions running concurrently. They will feature teachers from all four departments, counselors, and administrators. We will share information that will help support the important decisions that parents and students will make when selecting courses for the upcoming school year. More details about the event will follow in early January.
After the Curriculum Night for Parents and Curriculum Fair for students (both scheduled for January 15), students will meet individually with their counselors to discuss and lock-in course requests for the 2025-2026 school year. Counselors will present information about choosing courses to 10th and 11th graders during January and February. This same information will be presented to 9th grade students through IBEST near the end of February.
We ask that you ensure that your student has entered their course requests, including alternates, in SIS StudentVue prior to these meetings.
- Rising Seniors, Class of 2026 – Meetings will occur in Physics or AP Physics between January 30-February 12
- Rising Juniors, Class of 2027 – Meetings will occur in World History/Geography 2 between February 13-February 26
- Rising Sophomores, Class of 2028 – Meetings will occur in IBEST between February 27-March 12
After academic advising has concluded, we will ask parents to verify student course requests through SIS ParentVUE. Parents will have until Friday, March 21 to contact the counselor and make changes to the 2025-2026 requests.
This information is meant to help you plan ahead, we will send reminders in the new year about both the Curriculum Night events, as well as Academic Advising and course registration.
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students at TJ took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s counselor.
Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
Student safety is our security team's number one priority. One of most important parts of their job is securing the parking area and Kiss and Ride area during both arrival and dismissal.
Here are some important reminders from our security team.
Kiss and Ride Arrival
When arriving in the morning, students are to be dropped off in the back of the building between doors 7 and 9. These are the only two doors students should be entering TJ from. There are two drop off lanes, please pull as far as you are able before dropping off your student.
At 8:38 the morning traffic flow will be redirected in the front of the building. You will be directed to go to the visitor lot for drop off. Students will then have to enter the school at door 1, to obtain a late pass.
The first class starts at 8:40 am, so please adjust your commute to ensure the students are in their classrooms by 8:40 am.
Dismissal
In the afternoon, all students need to be picked up in the back parking lot of the building. Students are not to be picked up in the visitor lot or in the surrounding neighborhoods of the school. We have received complaints from our neighbors in the past as this is not our property, and they reserve the right to call the police for trespassers.
Students should only exit out of the building from doors 1, 7, 9 and 12. These doors take them directly to the buses and the back parking lot.
Thank you for following these reminders and doing all you can to keep TJ students, staff and the community safe!
Class of 2025 Families,
Show your love and admiration for your senior--purchase a Senior Yearbook Ad now.
Ads are ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL Wed., JAN. 15, 2025
Click this link for a sample.
To order visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 13621. Once there, you can scroll down to "Share Your Love" and click the "Start Your Ad" button. Options and pricing will then appear. It’s a great way to honor your senior’s past, present, and future!
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to email Lisa Hampton (lmhampton@fcps.edu).
Hey TJ students, families, and members of the general community,
Come to the very first Taste of TJ on January 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is the first of its kind multicultural night at TJ, and tickets are only $15 for unlimited food and fun! We also encourage people to volunteer to bring food or perform! All our welcome!
Tickets are available now on MySchoolBucks. They can also be purchased at the door.
If you are interested in bringing food or performing, please sign up on the form below https://forms.gle/r7dtrAfYnYKgtoKW7
We hope to see you at Taste of TJ to celebrate all of the cultures which unite us as a TJ community!
For more information, please reach out to the Class of 2025 Class Council at officialtjhsstclassof2025@gmail.com.
(The following tips were taken directly from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/supporting_children_and_teens_during_this_holiday_season_final.pdf . Please go to this site for more details and suggestions.)
The holiday season is upon us, with over two dozen religious holidays celebrated between November 1 and January 15th. No matter what holiday is celebrated, this time of year can be stressful for many families. It may even be more challenging with the ongoing world events. For those families who have recently experienced the death of a family member or are currently separated from family members, the holiday season may be even more challenging. In the midst of these difficult times, you can create moments of joy, hope, and connection. While some traditions may have to shift, this is also an opportunity to create new family traditions together.
Start a Family Conversation:
- Talk to your children/teens about this holiday season. Let them talk about their feelings, both positive and upsetting emotions.
- If loved ones have died during this year, find a way to honor their memory this holiday season and find ways to share your feelings as a family.
Find Ways to Make Connections
- Discuss how your family will stay connected to loved ones and friends you may be separated from this holiday season.
- Find out what activities may be happening in your community to celebrate different holidays.
- Think of a way to help others in which your children/teens can also participate.
Small Moments Matter
- Ask your children/teens about one thing they would like to do this holiday season.
- Continue a tradition you started last year, or make a new one.
- Take a break from the media. Play a family game, watch something enjoyable on television, read a book, listen to music, build a snowman, or take a walk outside.
Keep to a Routine and Notice the Good Things
- Maintain routines as much as possible for everyone.
- Recognize and share what each family member is grateful for this holiday season, including things you appreciate about each family member.
- As the New Year approaches, consider having each family member set both a personal goal and a family goal to accomplish in the new year.
Even in the best of circumstances, holidays can be times of high stress. Most children/teens and adults are already experiencing higher stress and distress than usual. Give each other grace during this time. Wishing you a Happy Holiday season.
Free/Reduced Application information and forms for qualified families (Online Submission)
FCPS offers nutritious meals every school day. Your child may qualify for free meals or reduced-price meals at TJHSST. Students who qualify for reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. For information on how to apply for Free and Reduced-price meals, please visit the link above. The online free and reduced-price meals application is available in 8 languages and can be completed on mobile devices. It needs to re-apply annually.
Consent to Share Form (PDF)
If you have children eligible for the Free and Reduced-price meals program, they may also be eligible to participate in other FCPS fee-based programs without paying a fee or by paying a reduced fee.
This would include things that are specified in FCPS Notice 5922. Those are:
- Musical Instrument fees
- Driver Education fees
- Student Parking fees
- Career and Technical Education Certification fees
- Fine Arts fees
- Technology and Engineering Education Material fees
- Online Campus fees
- Advanced Placement fees (after six exams)
- Returned Check fees
You are also eligible to receive information about scholarships, classes and services that are provided by agencies and organizations other than FCPS.
In order to receive the benefits, you have to fill out the Consent to Share Form (please visit the link above), a written agreement allowing FCPS staff to share information about your children's meal eligibility status.
This message from our Family Liaison Lee-Lin Finkbeiner about new book clubs for our 10th and 11th grade families!
10th Grade Families
Dear 10th grade parents/guardians,
Join us for the 10th grade Parent Book Club read this year: "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents" by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.
We are planning to have 2 in-person sessions for this book club. The tentative book club discussions will be on 1/31 and 2/14 from 9-10:30am at TJHSST. More details to come. We have 30 books available for you to borrow. If you are interested in joining the book club, please fill out this google form and indicate whether you would like to borrow a book from TJ. I can deliver the book to your students, or you can pick it up at the TJ main office. Hope to see you at the book club!
11th Grade Families
Dear 11th grade parents/guardians,
Thinking of college admission for your students and feeling anxious and overwhelmed about the process? Join us for the 11th grade Parent Book Club read this year: "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote To The College Admissions Mania" by Frank Bruni to gain a new perspective.
We are planning to have one in-person session for this book club. The tentative date for the book club discussion is 1/24 from 9-10:30am at TJHSST. Our school counselor Ms. Hamblin and College and Career Specialist Ms. Kendel Gilchrest will be facilitating the discussion. More details to come.
We have 40 books available for you to borrow. If you are interested in joining the book club, please fill out this google form and indicate whether you would like to borrow a book from TJ. I can deliver the book to your students, or you can pick it up at the TJ main office.
Hope to see you then for some engaging and thoughtful conversations about the college admissions mania!
Photo Gallery of Junior Lab Visit day on Instagram
This week, the Class of 2026 submitted their applications for their senior research lab. They needed to select their top three choices, along with come up with a potential (non-binding) idea for something they might like to research. To help them along, the TJ lab directors hosted the Junior Lab Visit Day during an eighth period last month.
Juniors visited three different labs of their choice to gain more information on the types of research projects they could do. Each junior also attended a session on the TJ Mentorship program, another terrific option that meets the senior research requirement. The senior year is really a transitional time to bridge high school with college and career interests. There are many eager organizations willing to give our students intern and mentor experiences.
Click here for more information on TJ's Senior Research Program.
Last month, upper level Spanish students took their learning on the road! Students in Ms. Rayas Abundis and Ms. Mateo's Spanish 4 and AP Spanish classes, along with members of the Spanish Honor Society eighth period club visited the Mexican Cultural institute and the exhibit of the Latin gallery of the Molina Family at the National Museum of the American Latino.
At the Mexican Cultural Institute the students learned about the history of the building and the art that is housed on its walls and exhibits. They also learned about the “Día de los Muertos” holiday and could see the altar on exhibit.
Students were guided in Spanish and were able to listen to native speakers at regular speed and with their accents. They learned much about Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead celebration.
At the museum, students had a scavenger hunt to explore the exhibit. There was a lot of information about the history of the different Latin American countries that have made an impact in the USA history. The students had the opportunity to listen to a Puerto Rican guide who explained the exhibit in more detail.
Ms. Rayas Abundis and Ms. Mateo were very proud of their students exercising their Spanish skills and their confidence in their understanding as they moved through the exhibit!
TJ has once again been awarded the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award from the Virginia Board of Education! We were one of only 92 schools (that includes high, secondary, middle, and elementary schools) in the state of Virginia to meet all the criteria to earn this honor! It included meeting state benchmarks in reading, math, and science and low absenteeism.
According to the Board, schools recognized for Highest Achievement demonstrated high levels of success across all school quality indicators, including success in narrowing achievement gaps, as well as:
- Achieve Performance Level One for reading, mathematics, and science based on the student pass rate (which does not include growth measures) for the “all students” group in the school, as well as for each student group in the school.
- In addition, schools with two student groups could have no more than a five-percentage point difference between the performance of each student group and the “all students” group; schools with three or more student groups could have no more than a ten-percentage point difference between the performance of each student group and the “all students” group.
- Achieve at Level One in the Chronic Absenteeism, Graduation and Completion Index (GCI), and Dropout Rate school quality indicators.
Photo Gallery of Diwali Event on Instagram
The TJ Namaste Club hosted our November cultural afterschool event, putting on a fantastic Diwali celebration on November 22. Students had the opportunity to learn, as well as show off their talents with several dance and musical performances!
Of course the night wouldn't be complete with a whole bunch of traditional dishes for the hungry students to enjoy!
Thank you to our TJ PTSA for their generous donation to make this possible, and great job TJ Namaste with organizing the event!
Photo Gallery of TJ Staff Thanksgiving Feast
One of the TJ staff's favorite traditions is our annual Thanksgiving feast. Hosted by TJ PTSA, they brought in a ton of food on November 25 for the staff to enjoy, while they also were able to relax and enjoy each others company.
We are so thankful for our TJ PTSA for bringing in so much wonderful food and hosting this amazing event year in and year out.
Photo Gallery of TJ Staff Visited by the Teacher Tour
The TJ Staff got a fun little surprise right after school on December 2. The Kelly and Tommy Show is in the middle of their annual Teacher Tour, where they visit schools throughout the DMV area to show their appreciation for the school staff's hard work!
This year several people nominated TJ and were chosen to be part of the tour! We were spoiled with cupcakes, lottery tickets, and a whole lot of swag!
Thank you Kelly and Tommy, Georgetown Cupcakes, and Virginia Lottery for coming out, you definitely made us feel special!
In each newsletter we want to give some quick shout outs to TJ staff, students, teams, and alumni.
- The TJ Media journalism program took eighth-place in the Best of Show competition under the newsmagazine category (for schools with enrollment over 1800) at the National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association Fall Convention in Philadelphia, November 7-9. The award was for the tjTODAY October 2024 issue. Way to go everyone at tjTODAY for all your hard work!
- Congratulations go out to our eSports Rocket League team for qualifying for the State Championships in their first year of existence! TJ is currently tied for second in the entire state (over 60 schools offer the program) with a 7-1 record. The State Tournament takes place Dec. 14 at Shenandoah University. Good luck team!
- Way to go TJ Chess Team! On Dec. 5 they secured first place in the nation in Blitz Chess at the Grade level Nationals, which took place at Gaylord’s in National Harbor! Three different TJ students placed in the top 10 individually out of 133 students. The tournament is still ongoing as the main event starts today (Dec. 6), with 17 players from TJ participating through the weekend. Keep it up!
This is a new section that covers general information and reminders that will remain important throughout the 2024-25 school year.
TJ Writing and Math Centers Now Open
The centers are now open for tutoring!
Student-tutors offer all kinds of help, from writing scientific papers and creative writing/personal narratives, to helping students at all levels of mathematics. The tutors are excited to work with their peers!.
Testing Information
Looking for information related to testing? You can find it all on Schoology in the All Parents/Guardians course! Once in the course, you will find a folder labeled “Testing”, click on that and then you can navigate to the specific test information you are looking for. Information will be updated as it comes in, so check back often.
Student Food Deliveries to TJ
As a reminder, per FCPS safety and security protocol, students may not have food and drinks delivered to the school campus during the academic day. Allowing external deliveries can create potential security risks and disrupt the learning environment. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and orderly atmosphere for all students and staff.
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
Ms. Volita Russell - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2025 and Humanities 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)
Mr. Dylan Forshay - Assistant Principal (oversees Class of 2028 and World Language, Art, Music, and Physical Education Division)
Ms. Sara Genetin - Director of Student Services (oversees Counselors, Social Worker, School Psychologist and other staff providing student support)
Mr. Dave Arthur - 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.
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!
TJ Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar
Dec. 6 - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony in TJ Auditorium - 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 - Winter Band Concert - TJ Auditorium. 7 p.m.
Dec. 23-Jan. 3 - Winter Break, no school for students and staff
Jan. 6 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany) - school remains in session with normal hours.
Jan. 7 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Orthodox Christmas) - school remains in session with normal hours.
Jan. 10 - January News You Choose newsletter released.
Jan. 13 - Second Quarter catch up day at TJ
Jan. 15 - TJ Virtual Curriculum Fair for 2025-26 school year in evening (more details coming soon)
Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday - no school for students and staff
Jan. 23-Jan. 28 - Midterm exams
Jan. 28 - End of Second Quarter/First Semester
Jan. 29 - Teacher work day, no school for students
Jan. 30 - Beginning of Second Semester/Third Quarter
Feb. 7 - February News You Choose newsletter released
Feb. 10 - This is a modified Anchor Day - there will be a 60 minute advisory and no JLC.
Feb. 17 - President's Day Holiday - no school for students and staff
Feb. 28 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Ramadan) - school remains in session with normal hours.
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