Dear TJHSST Families,
In today's Jefferson Journal, please check out Principal Mukai's invitation to our 40th Anniversary celebration! We also have information about Homecoming Dance tickets, and some policy updates/reminders.
Calling all TJ alumni, faculty, former faculty and community members! TJHSST Principal Michael Mukai '89 wants to see YOU at the 40th Anniversary Celebration this October 24-25! Please view his message above and sign-up to attend today!
TJ 40th Anniversary Celebration Website
TJ Open House Tours (Saturday, Oct. 25 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
TJ's annual Homecoming Dance takes place Saturday, September 27 from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now on MySchoolBucks. Tickets can ONLY be purchased online this year and will not be sold at the door. You must purchase your ticket by 1 p.m. on Friday, September 26.
In an effort to maintain the academic rigor of our curriculum, TJHSST has updated its policy for accepting courses taken outside of our school for transfer credit. This is particularly relevant for students taking summer courses to fulfill a graduation requirement.
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Honors Level Courses: For any graduation requirement that is fulfilled by an honors-level course at TJHSST (e.g., World History & Geography 1), any equivalent course taken for transfer credit must also be at the honors level from an accredited provider. When FCPS does not offer an honors-level version of the course during the same summer term, the transferred credit will receive standard weight on the transcript and GPA. The course can still be used to satisfy prerequisites and graduation requirements.
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Standard Level Courses: For courses offered at the standard level at TJHSST, a standard-level course from an accredited provider can be transferred in (e.g., World Languages Levels 1-3 and Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance).
As always, alternate methods of earning credit for graduation from TJHSST require approvals, before beginning any study or program, from the Director of Student Services and the Principal. Alternate methods must be ones sanctioned by the Virginia Board of Education and Fairfax County School Board directive. Students may only enroll in one course for transfer credit for advancement purposes during the summer. The only exception to this is Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance, which can be taken alongside another summer course for transfer credit. Students and parents are encouraged to consult with their school counselor with any questions about summer learning or earning credit by alternative methods. This policy ensures that the academic rigor of our honors-level curriculum is upheld, while still providing students with the flexibility to meet the TJ Diploma and graduation requirements.
To provide a more comprehensive and accurate record of a student’s educational journey, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will now specify the location where certain courses are taken. This change, which was approved by the School Board in December 2024, will affect courses taken at the following FCPS locations:
- FCPS High School Academies
- FCPS Interagency Alternative Schools
- FCPS Online Campus
- Classes taken concurrently at other FCPS schools
Starting September 26, 2025, students’ transcripts will list these courses under a separate heading for the corresponding program. Transcripts and report cards printed before this date will still show all courses listed under the student’s base school. Please note that transcripts will continue to indicate the location when credits are transferred to TJHSST from an accredited school or program outside of FCPS, such as courses taken during summer school. Colleges will be receiving the newly formatted transcripts during the fall 2025 application cycle. This update will provide a clearer picture of the diverse academic opportunities that our students are pursuing across the district.
Please remember that food deliveries to students, such as Door Dash and Uber Eats, are not allowed during the school day. If food is delivered to the main office, it will not be released to the student until after the school day is over at 4 p.m.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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
Mr. Michael Mukai - Principal
Ms. Betsy Fawsett - Associate Principal
Ms. Yaara Crane - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2026 Science and Technology Division)
Mr. Shawn Frank - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2027 and Mathematics and Computer Science Division)
Mr. Dylan Forshay - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2028 and World Language, Art, Music, and Physical Education Division)
Ms. Volita Russell - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2029 and Humanities Division)
Ms. Sara Wright - Director of Student Services (oversees Counselors, Social Worker, School Psychologist and other staff providing student support)
Ms. Leah Conte - Director of Student Activities (oversees Activities Office, 8th Period, Athletic Office, Building Maintenance, Custodians, Food Services)
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.
TJ's Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar
September 22 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Rosh Hashanah begins in evening) - school remains in session with normal hours, no activities in evening.
September 23 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Rosh Hashanah) - no school for students or staff
September 26 - Homecoming football game, 7:00 p.m. at Main Stadium
September 27 - Homecoming Dance at TJ 7:00-9:30 p.m.
October 1 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Yom Kippur begins in evening) - school remains in session with normal hours, no activities in evening.
October 2 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Yom Kippur) - no school for students or staff
October 3 - October News You Choose newsletter emailed to families.
October 8 - PSAT/SAT administered at TJ for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders (more information will be forthcoming on this)
October 13 - Staff Development Day - No school for students.
October 20 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Diwali) - no school for students or staff
October 24-25 - TJHSST 40th Anniversary Celebration
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