We've completed a nice short week, finishing with our students putting on their annual Lunar New Year Celebration after school on Friday.
We're back to a regular schedule next week, but keep an eye on the forecast as there is the potential for a disruption on Monday due to the weather!
This week's update gives a little more information about the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS), along with celebrating successes in several competitions.
We have several after school events for your entertainment next week. On Wednesday, our band will put on its Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Next Friday after school the Black Student Union (BSU) will be hosting its annual Black History Month celebration at 4:30 p.m., while the Student Government Association (SGA) will be hosting the annual TJ's Got Talent Show at 5:30 p.m.
As always please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Roth
TJHSST Director of Communications
This past week we've switched over to the new Raptor Safe Visitor Management System (VMS) for check-in of our guests. The system is very quick, it seems to have cut our visitor check-in process times nearly in half!
There is also an app you can download for an even easier process when you need to visit TJ. Here are some frequently asked questions about the new Raptor system.
How do I download the Raptor Safe app?
You can download the Raptor Safe app for free from the Apple App Store or
Google Play Store by searching for “Raptor Safe.”
Do I need to create an account to use the app?
Yes, you’ll need to create a profile within the app to use features such as creating a Raptor Passport for quick check-in and managing dismissal preferences.
How is my identity verified?
When creating a Raptor Safe account, you’ll scan your driver’s license, and the app will take a live selfie to verify that you match the photo on the ID card. The photo taken during this process is not stored in the app, ensuring your privacy.
How does the Raptor Safe app improve school safety?
The app allows for secure, easy check-ins for visitors and allows you to manage dismissal plans for students—all of which help maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
What should I do if I forget my login credentials?
The Raptor Safe App uses your mobile phone number for login. If you have access to your cell phone, you will receive a one-time password via SMS when you log in. If you lose access to your phone number, contact Raptor for assistance.
What information is being stored when I create a Raptor Safe account?
When creating a Raptor Safe account, including a Raptor Passport, we only store the information necessary to verify your identity and enable secure access to your school. This includes your name, date of birth, the last four digits of your driver’s license or passport, and the license photo. Any additional information is entered directly by the user.
How do visitors check in using the Raptor Safe app?
Visitors can use the Raptor Passport to scan a QR code at your school’s visitor
entrance, allowing them to quickly and securely check-in without waiting in line.
What if someone has issues with the app?
If you encounter any issues, you can visit the Raptor Safe help page: https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/.
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. You will need 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
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.
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.
Photo Gallery of the Tour Groups Who Went to BEYA on Instagram
Over 30 TJ Students traveled to Baltimore last Friday (Feb. 13) for the annual BEYA STEM Conference. They had the opportunity to tour several exhibits, hear some speeches, and meet with STEM mentors to learn more about exciting future potential careers!
Thank you to TJ Counselor Andrea Smith and several chaperones who helped make this trip possible!
The TJ Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team competed in the Regional Competition on Tuesday. We are incredibly proud to announce that our 1st and 2nd place winners will be advancing to the State FBLA Leadership Conference. Please join us in congratulating these hard-working students on their success!
All TJ results are listed above.
Spring Sports will start on Monday, February 23. To try out, families need to complete the Athletic Registration, and students need a valid VHSL physical. Physicals on file from last year are good for 14 months from the date they were signed by the doctor, meaning most will expire during the season. You will not be allowed to participate with an expired physical.
Link to Athletic Registration: https://arbiter.io/
Link to the April 2025 VHSL physical form https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RuSs631yiqZ5nllCgvvo2Cj84JTRPpJx/view
Contact Heather Murphy if you have questions about tryout eligibility hrmurphy@fcps.edu
Need to get in contact with 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
February 25 - Winter Band Concert - 7 p.m. in Auditorium
February 27 - TJ Talent Show - after school in Auditorium
March 7-8 - HackTJ 13.0 - Cvent Headquarters in Tysons, Va.
March 14 - INite Performance - NOVA Alexandria
March 16 - This Monday will be a Red Day for TJ.
March 19 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day begins in evening (Eid-al-Fitr) - school remains in session.
March 20 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Eid-al-Fitr) - no school for students or staff.
March 27 - Modified Red Day with two-hour early release - end of third quarter
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break - no school for students or staff.
April 6 - Teacher Workday - no school for students.
April 10 - School Planning Day - no school for students.
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