Dear TJHSST Families,
One more week until break! I know everyone is excited, but it is very important that students remain focused and come to school next week while it is still in session. Who knows, there might be a surprise one day!
We've seen an uptick in Acute Respiratory Illness this week. I've included an article from our school nurse with some advice from the Health Department.
Also included this week is information on joining our PTSA, news about Jefferson Junction, the Toys for Tots toy drive, and other winter resources for families.
We are working with the Fairfax County Health Department to inform you that there has been an increase in respiratory illnesses at our school. These illnesses can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and fatigue. They may be caused by various germs, including COVID-19 and influenza (flu).
To help keep our school community healthy, the Health Department recommends the following:
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Keep your student home if they are sick. Coming to school while ill can spread infection to others. Keep your student at home even if they insist on coming to school to complete a test or other assignment.
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Follow FCPS guidelines: Students must be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
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Test for COVID-19 and flu, if possible. At-home test kits are available at local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) without a prescription. If you test your student, please report the results to attendance@fcps.edu.
- If you are a Fairfax County resident, the following public libraries may have free combined COVID/flu test kits: Centreville, George Mason, Reston, Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, Richard Byrd, Lorton, Sherwood Hall Library. We recommend calling the library in advance to confirm availability.
As always, please remember the basics for preventing illness:
- Remind your student to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns, especially if they have a chronic illness or take long-term medications.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our school community healthy. Please follow these recommendations to help keep your child healthy and to prevent others from getting sick. Please contact the Public Health Nurse at 703-750-8320 with questions.
We are pleased to announce that the Jefferson Junction is now open! This is our brand-new non-perishable food and hygiene resource for all students! We have plenty of snacks & simple lunches and hygiene items (like toothbrushes, deodorant, dental floss etc.)
If your child would be interested in receiving some of these resources please reach out to your child's counselor.
Please watch the video above that explains more about how the Jefferson Junction works.
TJ could not function the way it does without the support of the many volunteers of the TJ PTSA. From organizing events, to providing support during tests, to their many shows of appreciation for TJ staff, their work does not go unnoticed!
We encourage TJ families to sign up for PTSA membership and visit the online stores for donation and graduation/merchandise items. Here is the website: https://tjptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/, and follow on Instagram @tjhsst.ptsa. If parents or students have any questions or suggestions, email us at contactus@tjptsa.org. If you have content to publish in PTSA weekly newsletter, send an email to thisweek@tjptsa.org.
Dear TJ Community,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Because of your incredible generosity, we were able to successfully drop off two full boxes of toys for the Toys for Tots drive.
Your heartwarming donations are going directly toward supporting families and will help make this holiday season truly memorable and bright for their children.
Thank you,
Military Connected Student Ambassadors
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
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
December 22-January 2 - Winter Break - no school for students or staff
January 6 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany) - school remains in session with normal hours.
January 7 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Orthodox Christmas) - school remains in session with normal hours.
January 9 - January News You Choose newsletter will be released
January 14 - Winter Orchestra Concert - 7 p.m. in Auditorium
January 19 - Martin Luther King Holiday - no school for students or staff
January 20-21 - Midterm Exams - Humanities, WLMAPE courses
January 22-23 - Midterm Exams - Math, Computer Science, Science and Technology courses
January 28 - Modified Red Day with two-hour early release - end of first semester
January 29 - Staff Development Day - no school for students
January 30 - Teacher Workday - no school for students
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