Dear TJHSST Families,
We just finished a fantastic first full month of school highlighted by TJ's famous Homecoming celebration. As we move into October, we have several events coming up, including the TJHSST's 40th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 24-25!
This newsletter contains news about that reunion, a reminder about PSAT/SAT next week, information for families who may be affected by the Government Shutdown, FAFSA application information (for Class of 2026 families), and more.
The end of the month will be the end of the first quarter, hard to believe how fast things are moving!
Note: Parents/Guardians were sent a class specific E-Notify about the Oct. 8 PSAT/NMSQT and SAT day on Sept. 30. Please refer to that message for full details. Below is a basic summary of what each class will be doing.
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the PSAT/NMSQT (10th and 11th grades) and SAT (12th grades) will be administered at TJ. We will have an early release schedule with school ending at 1:00 p.m. for those who are coming into the building. What your child will be doing that day depends on what grade they are in.
Freshmen – Since most staff will be needed to administer the PSAT and SAT freshmen will have an unscheduled school day and will not report to the building. They are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Sophomores and Juniors - Sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT unless a student’s family specifically communicates a desire to refuse this assessment opportunity.
Seniors – Seniors who have registered will be taking the SAT. All other seniors will not attend school that day and are encouraged to complete any missing work/assignments or use this time to work on college applications.”
Students who attend school this day should report by the normal 8:40 a.m. start time. Testing will begin at 9:00 a.m. It will conclude between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m. with an advisory lesson to follow.
TJ will conclude the day with a lunch period from 12:15-1:00 p.m. with dismissal happening immediately afterwards.
If you have any questions about testing, please contact our Assessment Coach Lisa Broadhead at LKBroadhead@fcps.edu.
Please Note (Very Important): Students are required to use their FCPS issued device for PSAT and SAT School Day testing. If your student has not yet picked up their device from the tech office or is experiencing technical issues with their device, please have them visit the tech office before Wednesday, October 8.
We recognize that the federal government shutdown may be a source of significant stress and uncertainty for many of our families. Given our location in Northern Virginia, we know that potential disruptions to federal paychecks and operations can create immediate hardship.
We want to assure you that your child's well-being remains our top priority, and we are here to help connect you with local support resources.
If your family is experiencing financial need or requires support for basic necessities (such as food, school supplies, fees, or other immediate needs) due to the shutdown, please reach out directly:
Student Services staff is prepared to privately and confidentially assist in navigating local Fairfax County and community resources designed to support federal employees during a lapse in funding.
As part of our commitment to supporting the whole child, our school will be administering the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener to students on Monday, October 6 during Advisory. This survey is designed to help us better understand students’ experiences, strengths, and needs in areas such as relationships, emotional well-being, and school climate.
It is important to note that the SEL Screener is not a test. It does not affect your child’s grades or academic record in any way. Instead, the information gathered will be used by teachers, counselors, and school staff to guide supports, strengthen programs, and ensure that each student has what they need to thrive both academically and socially.
Students whose parents or guardians have submitted an opt-out form will not participate. We encourage all other students to take part. The more we know about how our students are feeling and experiencing school, the better we can serve them.
We appreciate your partnership in making our school a place where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.
 We are getting excited for our 40th Anniversery Celebration/All Class Reunion coming up later this month, Oct. 24-25! We encourage all alumni, former and current staff, and members of the TJ Community to attend!
Registration Link
Here is a brief schedule of events:
Friday, October 24, 5:00 pm at TJHSST
Alumni Tailgate and TJ Football Game
Join us for a special 40th Anniversary TJ Football Game - and an all-classes Alumni Tailgate! Kickoff is at 7:00 PM with halftime festivities including special recognitions and performances by the TJ Dance team and the TJ Marching Colonials, but come early for food, fun, and friendship as we celebrate 40 years of excellence as a STEM-focused magnet school!
Tickets to Football Game (Alumni Tailgate is free to attend)
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at TJHSST
TJHSST Open House
Drop by TJ during the day anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! This Open House will have multiple activities:
- Want to say hi to one of your favorite former teacher/TJ Staff member? We will be holding a Meet and Greet with them in the cafeteria from 12-1 p.m!
- Current TJ Students will have the opportunity to network with alumni in different fields from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Parents/Guardians check Schoology in the next week for more information on how to get your child involved!
- Concerned about what to do with your little ones while you are at this Open House? Our National Honor Society will have a free babysitting service in the second gymnasium during the entirety of the event!
Saturday, October 25, 6:00 - 10:00 pm at Hilton Tysons Corner
Reunion Celebration
Tickets: $89/person until October 4, $99 beginning October 5
The Main Event! Every TJ Alum is invited to this all-classes reunion event including food, drinks, dancing, and opportunities to connect and reconnect with your fellow TJ graduates as well as faculty past and present! Registration includes all food (passed appetizers and buffet) as well as two drink tickets for attendees at least 21 years of age.
Don't miss out on this fantastic celebration! Visit the TJHSST 40th Anniversary website to RSVP for all events!
If you have any questions, please contact TJHSST’s Director of Communications Mike Roth at mbroth@fcps.edu.
Once again this year the Math Team will be hosting the AMC. The option for all students is on Wednesday November 5. This will occur during JLC and 4 period so students will have an in school field trip to do the competition, and will be responsible for any work missed from class.
Here is the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/TJAMCA2526.
A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities in the division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
TJHSST will be posting volunteer opportunities soon!
We are so excited to be offering 40th Anniversary merchandise- custom embroidered Eddie Bauer quarter zips and OGIO polos. They are also customizable for the class of 1989, 2000, STAFF, PARENTS, and ALUMNI.
Whether it be on vacation, school, or at work, you can celebrate 40 years of TJ excellence wherever you go. Order now, as the store closes on October 6th to ensure delivery on October 24th- just in time for our 40th anniversary events!
https://shop.burkesports.com/groups/5993-tj-athletic-boosters-40th-anniversary-store/products
Federal Student Aid has released the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will offer several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to help complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
VASA Update
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
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. It needs 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.
| 
