Additional Information for the Class of 2016
Dear Parents of the Class of 2016,
This is just a friendly reminder that we will be hosting Registration Night on Tuesday April 24 and Wednesday April 25 from 5-7 pm. Please come with your completed registration forms and any questions you may have on your assigned day. TJ faculty members will be on hand to assist you.
In the meantime, please feel free to browse a couple of podcasts that may be helpful in answering questions and aiding in decision making.
Things to think about before 9th grade
We look forward to seeing you this week!
Registration Night’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I hear I have to go to summer school to fit it all in? Is this true?
A: Technically, no. You can graduate from TJ within four years never having gone to summer school. However, if you have an interest in pursuing four years of an elective (i.e. band, orchestra, journalism, photojournalism, etc.), taking summer school may be the only way to get in all of your graduation requirements. To familiarize yourself with your elective options and how to fit it all in, consider listening to the podcast “TJ Four Year Plan for 2015 and Beyond” located on the Class of 2016 website: http://www.tjhsst.edu/curriculum/dss/2016_addl-info/.
Q: I still want to go to TJ’s summer school. Where can I learn more about the specifics – classes offered, dates, times, cost, etc.?
A: http://www.tjhsst.edu/curriculum/summer/
Q: Which classes can I take online this summer?
A: Econ and Personal Finance, Geometry Honors, and Health & PE 9 can be taken online for credit. For more information about FCPS’s online summer campus, please refer to: http://www.fcps.edu/is/summer/hsonline.shtml. Please know that online classes are typically not the same preparation/course as the ones offered at TJ over the summer.
Q: How can I verify that I’m enrolling in the right math and language classes for me next year?
A: TJ freshmen come from lots of different middle schools, many of which have different curriculums, syllabi, and expectations. To make certain that you’re going into the right math and language classes, please take the time to meet with our curriculum specialists here tonight. They can make specific suggestions based on your (child’s) previous instruction. Remember also that TJ is not a race; if you’re not completely confident in your (child’s) understanding, consider repeating the course to ensure a strong foundation, especially in the math and language areas.
Q: How do I expunge a high school class from my (child’s) record? What classes are expungable?
A: If your child took a high school credit in middle school and wishes to have it removed from their transcript, there is a one-time window to do so next year. Please talk to your child’s counselor within the first quarter of next year about the pros and cons of doing so. If you decide to expunge a credit earned in middle school (usually a foreign language or math credit), your counselor will need something in writing. Expunging the class also means that any verified credits (earned when you pass the class and the coordinating SOL) become expunged too.
Q: Is TJ’s registration first come, first served?
A: Summer school: yes. Regular classes: no. No preference is given to those students who register tonight vs. those that register later this week. That said, all registrations must be made on the Online Scheduler by May 18th.
Q: How come you make us pick alternates? What if I want to change my mind after I’ve submitted online?
A: It is likely that you (your child) will get the classes you want. That said, a small percentage of students will not receive their first choice due to conflicts, hence why we require that all students select alternates. Please make sure that you place your electives in the order that you’d like to take them. If you should change your mind after you submit your classes electronically, you‘ll need to contact Student Services before May 18th, 2012.
Q: What percent of incoming freshmen will take World History and Geography 1 in summer school this summer?
A: Approximately 45%.
Q: What percent of incoming freshmen will take Computer Science as their elective during the ninth grade?
A: Approximately 45%.
Q: Can I just change my TJ password at home and avoid tonight’s really long line?
A: Unfortunately, no. We ask that you access your TJ account here to be sure it’s working and change your password. BUT, you can register for next year’s classes at home!
Q: What electives am I eligible for as a freshman?
A: A complete list is available on the Online Scheduler. Several year-long and semester classes are available. Naturally, if you select semester courses, please pick two. The Online Scheduler can be found at: https://www.tjhsst.edu/curriculum/dss/freshmenscheduler.php.
Q: I’m planning on skipping Precalculus. What are my chances of passing? What should I register for on the Online Scheduler?
A: Some incoming freshmen will try and skip Precalculus to get to take AP Calculus BC. This is not necessarily recommended, yet some advanced math students still try. Last year, only two freshmen successfully placed directly into AP Calculus BC. If you are planning on taking the placement test, please still register for Precalculus. If/When you pass the test, we will automatically move you into AP Calculus BC. The placement test will be administered on Friday, August 24, 2012. For more information, please refer to: http://academics.tjhsst.edu/mathcs/rising9thgrade2012.htm
Q: What do I do with my child’s SOL scores? Am I responsible for getting them to TJ?
A: Fairfax County public school students SOL scores should already be entered into our system, leaving nothing for FCPS parents to do. IF your child attended a public middle school outside of FCPS, we are hopeful that your scores will come with your child’s records. Sometimes, however, they do not. Please retain copies of your child’s official score report, just in case. If needed, you child’s counselor will contact you in the Fall. IF your child attended a private middle school or was homeschooled and has never taken SOL exams, your child will be scheduled to take them during the first two weeks of January.
Q: My child received their TJ username and password information at the Registration Night. When can I (the parent) expect to receive my log in information?
A: Parents will not receive “log in information” per se – they will, however, be included on all emails sent to their child’s issued 2016student@tjhsst.edu account throughout the summer.
