Jefferson Journal - September 25


Welcome and Weekly Overview

Dear TJHSST Families,

Quick update this week as the calendar turns to October. The Jefferson Junction returns this year, while next week is Blue Star Week for our military-connected families and staff. We also have a recap of last week's Homecoming adventures, so be sure to check out several exciting photo galleries. 

A grade-level E-Notify was sent on Thursday, September 24 with full details about the October 7 schedule. Please be sure to check your inbox for that email.

If you ever have questions or aren't sure who to reach out to, please feel free to contact our Director of Communications, Mike Roth. He will gladly assist you or connect you with the right person.

Warm regards,

The TJHSST Team




IMPORTANT UPDATES



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 have the Jefferson Junction, our 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 directly 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/01OcSzPV

  • Drop off non-perishable donations at the school: Attention: Silvia Monterrosa, Family Liaison

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.


Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

Step-by-Step Instructions on Completing SR&R Acknowledgement Form

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.

Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 


Next Week is Blue Star Week

Next week (Sept. 28-Oct. 2) is Blue Star Week where we honor our military-connected students, staff and their families. In addition to a pizza lunch that is being held during the school day on Wednesday, a couple of our athletic teams are hosting Blue Out games. 

  • Tuesday, 9/29 (Field Hockey Game): Anyone wearing blue gets in for $1, and all military personnel get in for free.
  • Thursday, 10/1 (Boys Volleyball Game): Anyone wearing blue gets in for $1, and all military personnel get in for free.

We hope to see lots of people there and thank you to everyone for your service and sacrifice!



FAMILY AND STUDENT RESOURCES



Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 


Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!

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

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.


Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

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 residents of Fairfax County to receive a pass.



CELEBRATIONS AND FEATURES



Recapping a Thrilling Homecoming Week

The entire TJ football team in front of their scoreboard after a 14-12 win.

 

Homecoming Dance Photo Gallery on Instagram

Homecoming Football Photo Gallery on Instagram

Friday Pep Rallies Photo Gallery on Instagram

Thursday Pep Rally Photo Gallery on Instagram

Wednesday Pep Rally Photo Gallery on Instagram

Tuesday Pep Rally Photo Gallery on Instagram

Monday Pep Rally Photo Gallery on Instagram

TJ had a lot of fun during its annual Homecoming Week last week. From class competitions, pep rallies, and artwork to a big football victory and a fun dance, the school united as #OneTJ. Please click the links above to see some of the highlights and recap all of the action!

For all sorts of TJ history from 1985 to present day, please visit our TouchPros history website. 



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

Mr. Dylan Forshay - Subschool Principal 1 

Ms. Yaara Crane - Subschool Principal 2 

Ms. Ellen Hagan-Bowerman - 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. 


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

TJHSST Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar

October 2-3 - One Acts theatre production at TJ

October 7 - PSAT and SAT given at TJ

October 12 - School Planning Day, No School for students

October 14 - Fall band concert in auditorium, 7 p.m.

October 21 - Fall orchestra concert in auditorium, 7 p.m.

October 30 - End of first quarter. Modified Red Day with two-hour early release.

November 2 - Teacher Work Day, No School for students

November 3 - School Planning Day, No School for students

November 4 - This Wednesday will be an Anchor Day for students

November 16 - Modified Anchor Day with no JLC

November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School for students and staff

November 28 - TJ Alumni Day