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Dear TJHSST Families,
We hope you are having a wonderful and restful summer! Our team is hard at work preparing for the 2026-27 school year, and we wanted to take a moment to share a few important updates with you.
To help you stay connected throughout the year, we will send out The Jefferson Journal newsletter at the end of each week. It includes key school announcements, helpful resources for families, and stories celebrating the achievements of our incredible students and staff.
If you are a new family, you were automatically signed up using the email address you provided to TJ Admissions. If you would like to change your preferences, add extra email addresses, or unsubscribe, you can do so at any time by visiting the News You Choose signup page.
This week's newsletter introduces our new Subschool model and provides general updates on policies for the upcoming year. We will send another newsletter before the school year officially begins,
If at anytime you have any questions or aren't sure who to contact, please feel free to reach out to our Director of Communications Mike Roth. He will be able to find the answer for you or direct you to the proper person.
Warm regards,
TJHSST
Dear Families,
We are pleased to share an important update for the 2026-27 school year. TJHSST will operate in a Subschool model to better support our students and families. This model is designed to build smaller communities within our school.
The school will be divided into four subschools. Your student’s subschool is determined by their assigned counselor. Each subschool will be led by an assistant principal, supported by an administrative assistant and two counselors.
Counselor assignments have not changed. Students assigned to Mr. Burke will now be served by Ms. Maxwell. Counselor assignments for new students will be posted in their SIS accounts on August 20th.
Subschool Teams
Subschool 1
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Administrator: Mr. Forshay
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Administrative Assistant: Ms. Wilson
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Counselors: Ms. Hamblin and Mr. Hansen
Subschool 2
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Administrator: Ms. Crane
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Administrative Assistant: Ms. Young
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Counselors: Ms. Ketchem and Ms. Maxwell
Subschool 3
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Administrator: Ms. Russell
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Administrative Assistant: Ms. Holloway
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Counselors: Ms. Smith and Ms. McAleer
Subschool 4
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Administrator: Mr. Frank
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Administrative Assistant: Ms. Velasco
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Counselors: Ms. Phelps and Dr. Ramatowski
Thank you for your continued support as we work to make our school community even stronger.
Here is an overview of the 2026-27 school year calendar. In general, Mondays are Anchor Days, where students attend all seven courses and an advisory at the beginning of the day. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Blue Days, in which students will attend periods 1-4. Wednesdays and Fridays are Red Days, in which students will attend periods 5-8. During the first two and a half weeks of school, eighth periods will be spent in the student's advisory room.
There are exceptions as Holidays and staff workdays can cause adjustments to the schedule. Pictured above is a handy calendar that tells families whether it is an Anchor/Blue/Red Day, or a holiday where school is closed. Those dates are all subject to change, but we will keep you informed when a change is going to be made
If you would like a printable version of this calendar, please visit our website.
Here is a web-accessible version of the calendar
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TJ holds several special events during the school year that you will want to mark on your calendar. Some (not all) of these events have already been scheduled. Please notice that these dates are still tentative and are subject to change. More information about these events will be forthcoming. A calendar featuring upcoming events for the next couple of months will always be available at the bottom of every newsletter.
Thursday, August 20 - New Student Orientation (Class of 2030, plus new students from the Class of 2029 joining as sophomores), and the Open House for returning students. (details about both these events will be sent via E-Notify early next month)
Monday, August 24 - First day of school for students.
Thursday, September 3 - Back-to-School Bash
September 14-19 - Homecoming Week
Wednesday, October 7 - PSAT and SAT given at TJ
Saturday, November 28 - Alumni Day and TJ Hall of Honor Induction
Thursday, December 3 - National Honor Society Inductions
Saturday, January 23 - TJ Science and Engineering Fair
Friday, February 26 - TJ's Got Talent (SGA run talent show)
Saturday, March 6 - Hack TJ
May 3-May 14 - AP Exams
Friday, May 21 - J-Day
Saturday, May 22 - Senior Prom
Wednesday, May 26 - tjSTAR
Wednesday, June 2 - Next Level Colonials and Jefferson Champions celebration
TBD (no date set yet) - I-Nite and Class of 2027 graduation
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app became available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
If your student will need to take any medication at school next year—prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)—a completed Medication Authorization Form is required.
You can get the forms:
A signed form is still required even if your child carries their emergency medication (like an inhaler or epinephrine).
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
If your child would like to request a parking pass for the 2026–2027 academic year, please complete the form below. Please note that passes will only be issued to students with clear financial accounts. Outstanding obligations include, but are not limited to, unreturned books, course fees, and prior parking tickets.
Please note that student parking procedures have changed for the 2026-27 school year.
Students who purchase a parking pass will be assigned a specific parking spot. Vehicles without a valid parking pass or those parked in the wrong spot will be ticketed. There will be marked spots for staff and visitors throughout the campus.
For any questions or assistance, please contact Associate Principal Betsy Fawsett.
Parking Pass Form
Fall sports are here!
Below is the tryout schedule. Before attending tryouts, please make sure you have:
Student-athletes who have not completed these requirements will not be permitted to participate.
We look forward to seeing everyone at tryouts and wish you the best of luck this season. Go Colonials!
TJ Fall Tryout Schedule
Week 1: August 3-8, 2026
Times and locations may change.
Band / Color Guard
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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8:00 AM-12:00 PM Stadium / 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Gym 1 & 2
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Tue Aug 4
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8:00 AM-12:00 PM Stadium / 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Gym 1 & 2
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Wed Aug 5
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8:00 AM-12:00 PM Stadium / 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Gym 1 & 2
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Thu Aug 6
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8:00 AM-12:00 PM Stadium / 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Gym 1 & 2
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Fri Aug 7
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8:00 AM-12:00 PM Stadium / 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Gym 1 & 2
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Cheer - Varsity Competition & JV
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 2
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Tue Aug 4
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:30-6:30 PM Gym 2
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Wed Aug 5
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 2
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Thu Aug 6
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 2
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Fri Aug 7
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OFF
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Boys & Girls Cross Country
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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5:30-7:30 PM Track
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Tue Aug 4
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5:30-7:30 PM Track
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Wed Aug 5
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5:30-7:30 PM Track
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Thu Aug 6
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5:00-7:00 PM Burke Lake Park
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Fri Aug 7
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5:30-7:30 PM Track
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Sat Aug 8
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9:00-11:00 AM Wakefield Park
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Field Hockey - Varsity & JV
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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4:00-6:30 PM Practice Field
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Tue Aug 4
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4:00-6:30 PM Practice Field
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Wed Aug 5
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4:00-6:30 PM Practice Field
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Thu Aug 6
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4:00-6:30 PM Practice Field
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Fri Aug 7
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4:00-6:30 PM Practice Field
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Football
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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4:00-7:00 PM Stadium Field
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Tue Aug 4
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4:00-7:00 PM Stadium Field
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Wed Aug 5
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4:00-7:00 PM Stadium Field
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Thu Aug 6
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4:00-7:00 PM Stadium Field
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Fri Aug 7
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4:00-7:00 PM Stadium Field
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Boys Volleyball - Varsity & JV
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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6:30-8:30 PM Gym 2
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Tue Aug 4
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6:30-8:30 PM Gym 2
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Wed Aug 5
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6:30-8:30 PM Gym 1
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Thu Aug 6
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6:30-8:30 PM Gym 2
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Fri Aug 7
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6:30-8:30 PM Gym 1
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Girls Volleyball - Varsity
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Tue Aug 4
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Wed Aug 5
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Thu Aug 6
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Fri Aug 7
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Sat Aug 8
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10:00 AM-1:00 PM Gym 2
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Girls Volleyball - JV
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Tue Aug 4
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Wed Aug 5
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Thu Aug 6
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Fri Aug 7
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4:30-6:30 PM Gym 1
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Girls Volleyball - 9th Grade
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Day
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Schedule
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Mon Aug 3
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6:30-9:00 PM Gym 1
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Tue Aug 4
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6:30-9:00 PM Gym 1
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Wed Aug 5
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6:30-9:00 PM Gym 2
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Thu Aug 6
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6:30-9:00 PM Gym 1
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Fri Aug 7
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6:30-9:00 PM Gym 2
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Sat Aug 8
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OFF
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Girls Flag Football Tryouts
September 14th
If you are interested please email Casey Henry at hwcasey@fcps.edu
TJ 2026-2027 Dance Team Tryouts
Deadline: August 15th
Tryout info: Open dance tryout information
Coach: Caroline Johnson Contact: cljohnson@fcps.edu
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
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.
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. Please note that students need to be a resident of Fairfax County to receive a pass.
The competitions don't stop just because it is the summer! TJ’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed in the national competition in San Antonio June 29-July 3! Learned a lot and everyone competed their hardest. Several of our students placed in the top ten in the entire nation in their respective categories!
First Place: Sahas Reddy, Accounting
Second Place: Michael Mafanire, Journalism
Sixth Place: Namay Khandelwal, International Business
Sixth Place: Vishruth Nadikattu, Project Management
Ninth Place: Arpan Prasai, Network Design
Tenth Place: Sravya Gogineni, Akshayasri Lokam, Harini Sudhakar, Visual Design
We had a total of 19 students qualify for the national event based on their success in regional and state competitions, congratulations and great job to everyone!
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
Mr. Dylan Forshay - Subschool Principal 1
Ms. Yaara Crane - Subschool Principal 2
Ms. Volita Russell - Subschool Principal 3
Mr. Shawn Frank - Subschool Principal 4
Ms. Sara Wright - Director of Student Services
Ms. Leah Conte - Director of Student Activities
Mr. Mike Roth - Director of Communications
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!
August 20 - New Student Orientation (Class of 2030, plus new students from the Class of 2029 joining as sophomores), and Open House for returning students.
August 24 - First day of the 2026-27 school year. Modified Anchor Day with one-hour advisory.
September 3 - Back-to-School Bash after school
September 4-7 - Labor Day Holiday, No School for students and staff
September 11 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Rosh Hashanah begins in evening) - school remains in session with normal hours, no activities in evening.
September 14-19 - Homecoming Week
September 21 - Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Yom Kippur), No School for students and staff
October 7 - PSAT and SAT given at TJ
October 12 - School Planning Day, No School for students
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