Dear TJHSST Families,
Thank you for a great first half of the year! We hope you will take the next two weeks to relax, enjoy each other's company, and recharge for the new year. I will not be bothering you during the break, so the next weekly newsletter will be the January News You Choose edition on January 9.
I have received some questions about homework assignments over the Winter Break. FCPS policy is that teachers are not to assign homework or projects that are due on the two school days following any extended breaks. There should also not be any assessments on the two days following extended breaks. This does not preclude teachers from assigning long-range assignments in the weeks before a break and tasking students to use their own time management skills to determine if they need to work during their holiday.
This week's newsletter talks about our Winter Break Office hours, attendance matters, and announces our 2025-26 TJ Employee Award winners.
I will be sending out more information via E-Notify about the January 15 Virtual Curriculum Night shortly after we return from the break, but in the meantime I encourage you to review our Course Selection webpage for a preview.
During the two-week Winter Break, TJ is open by appointment only. Please contact the party you wish to meet with and arrange the meeting before showing up at the school as staffing will be limited.
Hello TJ Students, Parents and Guardians,
Please be aware that after the winter break, in January, we will be sending out your child's Attendance Report Card via your registered email address in ParentVue.
Why Regular Attendance Matters
Daily, regular attendance is essential to student success and is directly linked to high academic achievement.
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Academic Success: Consistent attendance correlates strongly with higher grades and better understanding of course material.
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Classroom Engagement: Being in class every day ensures your student doesn't miss key instruction, discussions, or in-class practice.
We understand that special situations and circumstances may occasionally occur that affect attendance. However, please remember that consistent student attendance remains crucial for educational success. We appreciate your partnership and helping your student make the most of their learning opportunities at TJ.
We want to congratulate our 2025-26 TJ Outstanding Employees! The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional school-based and non-school based employees from throughout the district.
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Outstanding Teacher - Dr. Danielle Ross, Biology
Dr. Ross' student nominator says: "Dr Ross is a great sponsor for Model UN. She's an outstanding leader, able to lead us and make sure that we stay on track while letting us cover most of the details on our own so that we understand all the minutiae of running the club and the conference, like how she let us plan all of the details for tryouts, bookings, and more for our recent MUN conference. She also proactively facilitates cooperative relationships between all members of the club by encouraging and allowing us to host trainings in her room that build skill and relationships between all members of the club."
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Outstanding New Teacher - Dr. Ryan Gesme, Social Studies
Dr. Gesme's nominator says: "Dr. Gesme entered TJHSST with so much enthusiasm for his students, it is truly inspiring. I see this in his careful planning for his course, where he is able to provide insight from being a subject matter expert in World and US History and a university professor. However, he thinks so deeply about how to engage his audience. Dr. Gesme is a joy to work with, he is a benefit to his students and brings a wealth of understanding and enthusiasm to his classroom and his team that is an instant benefit for the TJ community. I look forward to watching him grow in his practice and I am proud to call him a colleague."
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Outstanding Principal - Mike Mukai
Mr. Mukai's nominator says: "Michael Mukai genuinely cares about his students and consistently shows up to support them. He actively participates in student activities, whether it's cheering at sports events, attending performances, or simply being present during school celebrations. His hands-on approach and visible presence make students feel valued and connected, reinforcing a strong sense of community throughout the school."
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Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee - Dr. Maria Cruz, School-Based Technology Specialist (SBTS)
Dr. Cruz's nominator says: "Maria Cruz is an outstanding School-based Technology Specialist, the most helpful one I've worked with in the last three decades. She is truly a partner in curriculum design, whether that involves Canva, Schoology, generative AI, etc. Besides responding promptly and respectfully to all tech issues, she engages teachers with expertise and curiosity, as she keeps her eye on what's best for student learning. She models what it means to be a lifelong learner. For example, she checks with other tech specialists about best use cases and she invites teachers to test out tools and ideas. In recent years she has been a go-to discussion partner on the topic of generative AI. I also admire how when she leads professional development, she demonstrates tech tools with good humor and patience; she has clearly not forgotten what it means to be a classroom teacher. Overall, her work has made a tremendously positive difference in my teaching."
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Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee - Mr. Junpei Yuan, Custodian
Mr. Yuan's nominator says: "For more than ten years, Junpei Yuan has been the heartbeat of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. As our Building Supervisor, Junpei takes immense pride in ensuring that our school is safe, clean, and welcoming for all students and staff. His leadership is exceptional—he models hard work, resourcefulness, and ownership every day. Whether finding creative, cost-saving solutions for major building needs, responding immediately to unexpected maintenance issues, or coordinating team efforts during large school events, he consistently goes above and beyond. His team holds deep respect for him because he leads with firmness, fairness, and dignity, bringing out the best in every member. He values diversity and equity in his work by fostering an inclusive, supportive team culture where every staff member feels seen, respected, and appreciated.
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Photo Gallery of Donut Day on Instagram
You do not want to miss the last day before a break at TJ, because you never know what surprise may await!
Friday was donut day! The TJ Administration surprised students and staff with 2200 Krispy Kreme donuts as they walked in the door! Everyone got a tasty treat heading into their last day of class before Winter Break!
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 a hold 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 News You Choose and e-Notify, 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
February 6 - February News You Choose newsletter will be released
February 16 - Presidents' Day Holiday - no school for students and staff
February 17 - Teacher Workday - no school for students
February 18 - This Wednesday will be an anchor day for TJ. It is also Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Ash Wednesday) - school remains in session
February 25 - Winter Band Concert - 7 p.m. in Auditorium
February 27 - TJ Talent Show - afterschool in Auditorium
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