Dear TJHSST Families,
We just finished a fantastic first full month of school highlighted by TJ's famous Homecoming celebration. As we move into October, we have several events coming up, including the TJHSST's 40th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 24-25!
This newsletter contains news about that reunion, a reminder about PSAT/SAT next week, information for families who may be affected by the Government Shutdown, FAFSA application information (for Class of 2026 families), and more.
The end of the month will be the end of the first quarter, hard to believe how fast things are moving!
Note: Parents/Guardians were sent a class specific E-Notify about the Oct. 8 PSAT/NMSQT and SAT day on Sept. 30. Please refer to that message for full details. Below is a basic summary of what each class will be doing.
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the PSAT/NMSQT (10th and 11th grades) and SAT (12th grades) will be administered at TJ. We will have an early release schedule with school ending at 1:00 p.m. for those who are coming into the building. What your child will be doing that day depends on what grade they are in.
Freshmen – Since most staff will be needed to administer the PSAT and SAT freshmen will have an unscheduled school day and will not report to the building. They are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Sophomores and Juniors - Sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT unless a student’s family specifically communicates a desire to refuse this assessment opportunity.
Seniors – Seniors who have registered will be taking the SAT. All other seniors will not attend school that day and are encouraged to complete any missing work/assignments or use this time to work on college applications.”
Students who attend school this day should report by the normal 8:40 a.m. start time. Testing will begin at 9:00 a.m. It will conclude between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m. with an advisory lesson to follow.
TJ will conclude the day with a lunch period from 12:15-1:00 p.m. with dismissal happening immediately afterwards.
If you have any questions about testing, please contact our Assessment Coach Lisa Broadhead at LKBroadhead@fcps.edu.
Please Note (Very Important): Students are required to use their FCPS issued device for PSAT and SAT School Day testing. If your student has not yet picked up their device from the tech office or is experiencing technical issues with their device, please have them visit the tech office before Wednesday, October 8.
We recognize that the federal government shutdown may be a source of significant stress and uncertainty for many of our families. Given our location in Northern Virginia, we know that potential disruptions to federal paychecks and operations can create immediate hardship.
We want to assure you that your child's well-being remains our top priority, and we are here to help connect you with local support resources.
If your family is experiencing financial need or requires support for basic necessities (such as food, school supplies, fees, or other immediate needs) due to the shutdown, please reach out directly:
Student Services staff is prepared to privately and confidentially assist in navigating local Fairfax County and community resources designed to support federal employees during a lapse in funding.
As part of our commitment to supporting the whole child, our school will be administering the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener to students on Monday, October 6 during Advisory. This survey is designed to help us better understand students’ experiences, strengths, and needs in areas such as relationships, emotional well-being, and school climate.
It is important to note that the SEL Screener is not a test. It does not affect your child’s grades or academic record in any way. Instead, the information gathered will be used by teachers, counselors, and school staff to guide supports, strengthen programs, and ensure that each student has what they need to thrive both academically and socially.
Students whose parents or guardians have submitted an opt-out form will not participate. We encourage all other students to take part. The more we know about how our students are feeling and experiencing school, the better we can serve them.
We appreciate your partnership in making our school a place where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.
 We are getting excited for our 40th Anniversery Celebration/All Class Reunion coming up later this month, Oct. 24-25! We encourage all alumni, former and current staff, and members of the TJ Community to attend!
Registration Link
Here is a brief schedule of events:
Friday, October 24, 5:00 pm at TJHSST
Alumni Tailgate and TJ Football Game
Join us for a special 40th Anniversary TJ Football Game - and an all-classes Alumni Tailgate! Kickoff is at 7:00 PM with halftime festivities including special recognitions and performances by the TJ Dance team and the TJ Marching Colonials, but come early for food, fun, and friendship as we celebrate 40 years of excellence as a STEM-focused magnet school!
Tickets to Football Game (Alumni Tailgate is free to attend)
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at TJHSST
TJHSST Open House
Drop by TJ during the day anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! This Open House will have multiple activities:
- Want to say hi to one of your favorite former teacher/TJ Staff member? We will be holding a Meet and Greet with them in the cafeteria from 12-1 p.m!
- Current TJ Students will have the opportunity to network with alumni in different fields from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Parents/Guardians check Schoology in the next week for more information on how to get your child involved!
- Concerned about what to do with your little ones while you are at this Open House? Our National Honor Society will have a free babysitting service in the second gymnasium during the entirety of the event!
Saturday, October 25, 6:00 - 10:00 pm at Hilton Tysons Corner
Reunion Celebration
Tickets: $89/person until October 4, $99 beginning October 5
The Main Event! Every TJ Alum is invited to this all-classes reunion event including food, drinks, dancing, and opportunities to connect and reconnect with your fellow TJ graduates as well as faculty past and present! Registration includes all food (passed appetizers and buffet) as well as two drink tickets for attendees at least 21 years of age.
Don't miss out on this fantastic celebration! Visit the TJHSST 40th Anniversary website to RSVP for all events!
If you have any questions, please contact TJHSST’s Director of Communications Mike Roth at mbroth@fcps.edu.
Once again this year the Math Team will be hosting the AMC. The option for all students is on Wednesday November 5. This will occur during JLC and 4 period so students will have an in school field trip to do the competition, and will be responsible for any work missed from class.
Here is the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/TJAMCA2526.
A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities in the division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
TJHSST will be posting volunteer opportunities soon!
We are so excited to be offering 40th Anniversary merchandise- custom embroidered Eddie Bauer quarter zips and OGIO polos. They are also customizable for the class of 1989, 2000, STAFF, PARENTS, and ALUMNI.
Whether it be on vacation, school, or at work, you can celebrate 40 years of TJ excellence wherever you go. Order now, as the store closes on October 6th to ensure delivery on October 24th- just in time for our 40th anniversary events!
https://shop.burkesports.com/groups/5993-tj-athletic-boosters-40th-anniversary-store/products
Federal Student Aid has released the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will offer several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to help complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
VASA Update
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
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.
As our school community grows and changes, more of our students and families are facing practical needs. That’s why we’re excited to launch Jefferson Junction, our brand-new non-perishable food and hygiene resource for students.
But we can't do it without your help.
We're asking our amazing TJ parents and families to partner with us in stocking the pantry shelves. Whether it's some healthy snacks, or hygiene essentials, every donation makes a difference. We will collect donations on a rolling basis to keep the pantry stocked. All donations will be used to support TJ students.
🛒 Want to help? Here’s how:
- Visit our Amazon Wish List and have items sent directly to the school: https://a.co/giHCfQN Attention: Danielle Armstrong, Social Worker
- Drop off non-perishable donations at the school: Attention: Danielle Armstrong, Social Worker
- Bring them to the final 9th grade parents' book club session at TJ on October 10th
From all of us at TJ — thank you for stepping up and helping Jefferson Junction become a place where every student knows they’re seen, valued, and supported.
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!
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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Principal Michael Mukai Brings TJ Together as #OneTJ!
Monday Pep Rally
Wednesday Pep Rally
Thursday Pep Rally
Friday Pep Rally
Homecoming Game
Homecoming Dance
TJ had an incredible homecoming week from Sept. 22-27! From lunch time pep rallies, to the musical performances at the main pep rallies on Friday, to a big homecoming football win that evening, to concluding with a fun Homecoming Dance on Saturday, the Colonials came together as #OneTJ.
Please click on the links above to relive the fun!
Legendary TJHSST Physics teacher Mr. Jim Rose (one of our original teachers!) stopped by Ms. Kelly's class on September 19 to work with them on a physics lab that he developed about projectile motion!
Students applied their knowledge to calculate trajectories and land a marble inside a tin can.
Mr. Rose was Ms. Kelly's physic teacher here at TJHSST (she's a 2009 graduate!) and she said this lab was a highlight for her as a student! She was thrilled that Mr. Rose was able to come back in and introduce it to her students!
Sleep is very important for teenagers and their growing bodies. On September 29, Ms. Daniel's AP Psychology class did a fascinating lab studying sleep and its benefits.
This nap lab was accompanied by intake questions, a follow-up survey, and a graphic organizer connecting to what they've been learning about the stages of sleep.
Congratulations to the TJ Marching Colonials (TJMC) for sweeping the awards at the Colgan Classic in AAAAA! Every year, top programs compete on Music, Visual, Percussion, General Effect and Overall Performance.
TJMC’s victory highlights their discipline, artistry, and leadership as one of the premier ensembles in the region.
TJHSST History TouchPros Website
Over the past 3.5 years TJ Director of Communications Mike Roth has been slowly digitizing everything in the TJ archive room.
Thanks to a generous grant from the TJ Partnership Fund, we are now ready to share all this history with YOU!
TJ now has a TouchPros website that houses all of its history. While it can be access at the school on one of two 85-inch touchscreens it is actually a webpage that can be accessed anywhere in the world. Some of the features currently available are:
- Most Thomas Jefferson High School Yearbooks
- Nearly 99 percent of all copies of tjTODAY
- Photo Galleries (tens of thousands of photos already loaded)
- Highlights from Homecoming, Prom and Athletics
- Famous Speakers who have given speeches at TJ
This is a work in progress as we are still adding material such as
- better copies of the yearbooks
- The Hall of Honor (more information to come)
- Oral History videos (the first couple will be ready soon!)
If you need a step-by-step video tutorial on how to use the site:
https://youtu.be/gwhzivqXAQM
Otherwise the TouchPro site link is at the top of the page. Enjoy!
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.
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's Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar
October 8 - PSAT/SAT administered at TJ for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
October 10 - TJ Theatre presents One Acts Festival
October 13 - Staff Development Day - No school for students.
October 15 - Fall Band Concert - 7 p.m. in auditorium
October 20 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Diwali) - no school for students or staff
October 22 - Fall Orchestra Concert - 7 p.m. in auditorium
October 24-25 - TJHSST 40th Anniversary Celebration
October 31 - Modified Red Day with 2-hour Early Release (End of 1st Quarter)
November 3 - School Planning Day - no school for students
November 4 - Teacher Workday - no school for students
November 5 - This Wednesday will be an Anchor Day for TJ
November 7 - November News You Choose newsletter will be released
November 10 - This Monday will be a Blue Day for TJ
November 11 - Veterans Day - no school for students or staff
November 17 - Modified Anchor Day with 60 minute advisory and no JLC
November 24 - This Monday will be a Red Day for TJ
November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Holiday - no school for students or staff
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