Jefferson Journal February 27, 2026

Message from the Director of Communications


Dear TJHSST Families,

Another week, another weather-related disruption! It's been a winter for the record books this year. Despite that, we kept everything on track and are looking forward to the calendar turning to March!

This week's newsletter encourages you to make nominations towards our new TJ Hall of Honor. This is your opportunity to nominate an alum, faculty or staff member for recognition for achievements throughout their life. Read the article below for more details.

In addition, I have a message from FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid about her Community Conversations, as well as a few TJ student accomplishments to brag about!

As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mike Roth

TJHSST Director of Communications





IMPORTANT UPDATES



TJHSST Hall of Honor Nominations Open Now!

TJHSST has had alumni go on to do some amazing things in life. Part of that success can be attributed to the amazing faculty and staff we have had over the years!

Now it is time to honor those accomplishments!

We are excited to announce the TJHSST Hall of Honor! This is your chance to nominate the best of the best both in alumni and former staff! We will be holding a yearly induction ceremony with the first class being inducted on Alumni Day, November 28, 2026 (save the date!)

Alumni they can be honored both for accomplishments during their time at TJ and in professional/personal life after TJ. The same applies to faculty and staff, who can be recognized for their contributions during their time at TJ and anything they have accomplished since

We invite you to nominate a TJHSST alum (it can be yourself) or a former staff member here:

TJHSST Hall of Fame Nomination Form

These are the official nomination categories (we expect to add more as suggestions roll in, use the "other" category for that!):

  • Faculty and staff
  • STEM fields
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Government
  • Law
  • Education 
  • Humanities
  • Other

We request as much supporting information as you can provide. We welcome a letter explaining their accomplishments along with photos and contact information (not necessary, but appreciated). If you have any questions please reach out at mbroth@fcps.edu.



Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.


FAMILY AND STUDENT RESOURCES



How to Apply for Free and Reduced Meals and Fee Waivers

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.


Donate to the Jefferson Junction to Support TJ Students

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.


Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

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.


No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.



CELEBRATIONS AND FEATURES



TJ Students Celebrate Lunar New Year

Four TJ Students doing a traditional dance with fans.

 

Photo Gallery of Lunar New Year Celebration on Instagram

The Year of the Horse began last week, and our TJ students celebrated after school on February 20 with their annual Lunar New Year showcase!

Cohosted by several of TJ's cultural clubs, and thanks to the support (both physical and monetary) from the TJ PTSA there were performances by students and parents, games to play, many cultural displays, and of course an amazing feast of food!

Thank you to all who helped put on a great celebration and helped honor the many cultures of TJ!


TJ Baseball's Adaptive Clinic Receives Media Coverage

Andrew Haydon in front of a camera being asked questions by a reporter

 

Photo Gallery of Media Coverage of Adaptive Baseball Clinic on Instagram

Over the past three weekends, the TJ Baseball team, led by junior Andrew Haydon and his mother, put on an Adaptive Baseball Clinic.

Andrew was inspired by his younger brother's efforts to learn how to play baseball and worked with his teammates and school administration to create an adaptive baseball clinic program that could accommodate young athletes with disabilities.

You may remember the story FCPS did earlier this month. Well, several local media outlets also were interested and did features that aired earlier this week! Check them out below:

Way to go Andrew and all of TJ Baseball! You are making a difference for the Northern Virginia community!


GENERAL INFORMATION



How to Contact Us

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. 


Follow TJ on Instagram!

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!


Important Calendar Reminders

TJ's Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar

March 7-8 - HackTJ 13.0 - Cvent Headquarters in Tysons, Va.

March 14 - INite Performance - NOVA Alexandria 6:30 p.m.

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.

May 4-May 15 - AP Testing at TJ

May 20 - tjSTAR at TJ during morning.

 


TJHSST 40th Anniversary Logo