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.
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