Well, it has been quite the week hasn't it? I hope everyone has been able to dig out from under the snow and ice and at least slowly begin to return to their normal routine. From my own personal experiences of just getting myself situated I can truly appreciate that this hasn't been easy for our TJ families.
This week's newsletter has information about our return to school next week. Please note the changes in the semester calendar that our Superintendent Dr. Reid previously emailed you. I've also included reminders about student parking passes and information about student fasting kits that FCPS is offering for our students who will be fasting during the school day next month.
Before I go, I want to shout out our spectacular custodial crew. They've been here all week clearing out a tremendous amount of snow and ice from our sidewalks and parking lots to make the building accessible. The picture below of the front sidewalk leading to our dome entrance showcases their hard work.
As always please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Roth
TJHSST Director of Communications
FCPS Release on First Semester Extension
You probably saw an email from FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid about the extension of the first semester due to this week's storm cancellations. The final day of the first semester will now be Tuesday, February 3, with the second semester beginning on Wednesday, February 4.
Teachers will follow up with any specific changes to their classes via Schoology. TJ will keep its same Anchor/Blue/Red Day Schedule with an Anchor Day on Monday (Feb. 2), Blue Days on Tuesday and Thursday (Feb. 3 and Feb. 5) and Red Days on Wednesday and Friday (Feb. 4 and Feb. 6).
Because of the ice, parking will be more limited at TJ next week than usual. The only students allowed to park on campus are those who purchased a parking pass for the 2025-26 school year.
Security will be ticketing cars that are in the lots next week without a pass.
For families of students who will be fasting during the school day starting next month - please see the following message from FCPS.
From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Important Meal Kit Information:
- Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
- Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
- Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
- Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 11, 2026 for the week of February 18, 2026
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February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
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February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
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March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
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March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
We’re excited to welcome therapy dogs to TJHSST during lunch on February 11, March 11, and May 20! Students are invited to stop by the Wellness Room to spend time with our four-legged visitors, relax, and de-stress.
In addition, teachers will have the opportunity to sign up their classes to visit the therapy dogs on April 28 and April 29 during designated times. More information to come.
To participate, students will need to verify that they do not have any animal allergies. Space may be limited, so visits will be first come, first served.
We hope you’ll join us for some paws-itive vibes and a well-deserved break during the school day!
Need to reach 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
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 NewsYouChoose 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 - after school in Auditorium
March 6 - March NewsYouChoose newsletter will be released.
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 - April NewsYouChoose newsletter will be released.
April 10 - School Planning Day - no school for students.
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