Old notices, 2006-2007
These notices were on the PTSA home page (or other important pages).
Human Relations Committee
The 2006-2007 chairpersons of the HRC are:
- Ms. Lucy La Salle (faculty)
- Ms. Aleta Embrey (parent)
- tbd (student)
Human Relations Advisory Committee Meetings
2006-2007 Schedule
We meet generally the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4-5pm in the Career Center. Please bring your concerns. We will end promptly at 5pm. The HRC requests that persons desiring to place an item on the agenda contact one of the chairpersons — or — sufficiently prior to the meeting so that the agenda item can be coordinated (usually about four business days).
Schedule for 2006 – 2007
- November 8th
- December 13th
- January 10th*, 2007
- February 14th
- March 14th
- April 11th
- May 9th
- June 13th
* This meeting will be held in the Principal's Conference room.
Summer School
Summer school slots fill up fast, so watch for registration information and don't miss the deadline. Also, check out our carpool information.
TJgear Accepting Donations for the PTSA
TJgear is now accepting credit and debit card donations to the PTSA. Please support TJ's PTSA with your tax-deductible donation today.
Landscaping Committee
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Now that we have plans, we need lots of plants to make them real. You can help by donating plants from your garden, or from the local garden center. Contact (703 281-2913) ASAP if you are thinking of donating plants. Thanks for your support!
| Herb Garden Wish List | |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Perennials |
| chives | Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum |
| germander | Bee Balm Monarda didyma – red |
| oregano | Liatris spicata |
| thyme | Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberose |
| Cone Flower Echinacea purpurea | |
| Salvia species (hardy) | |
| St. John's Wort | |
| Yarrow – yellow | |
| Native Garden Wish List | |
| Shrubs | Perennials |
| Mountain Laurel Kalmia Latifolia | Wild Columbine Aquilegia Canadensis |
| Low Bush Blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium | False Blue Indigo Baptisia Australius |
| American Beauty Berry Callicarpa Americana | Coreopsis verticillata Moonbeam |
| Eupatorium hyssopifolium | |
| Eupatorium purpureum | |
| Liatris scariosa | |
| Liatrus spicata | |
| Bowmans root Porteranthus trifoliatus (Gillenia trifolata) | |
| Fire Pink Silene virginica | |
| Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium (S. graminoides) | |
Upcoming Events
- Gardening Days: May 5, 6, 12, 13 — 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Planting Days: TBA
Summer School Carpools
According to Mr. Kosatka (Guidance), a list of summer school students and their zip codes will be published shortly. A number of students have expressed an interest in locating a carpool or participating in a ride-share. If you would like to carpool with other TJ students who live in your zip code (or close by), please check your TJ directory/ Intranet in order to locate student contact information.
Newly admitted students, please email your Cluster/County Rep to be added to a carpool list and indicate if you need a ride, can give a ride, or both in the mornings or afternoons. You might also wish to purchase a copy of the 2006-2007 student directory from your representative.
Please remember that we are simply facilitators; you have to use your own judgment about with whom you wish to carpool.
Teens and Driving – Follow-up
We were fortunate to have guest speaker Judge Teena D. Grodner and panelists Dr. Harrington, Ms. Stetson, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Potoker at our March education program on Teens and Driving. It was an eye-opening discussion about the issues involved and the very real problems that can befall teenage drivers.
Every parent of a teen driver should have and read the 40-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide. Mr. Potoker advised keeping in your car at all times a very useful step-by-step guide of what to do in case of an accident or other emergency. When an incident occurs, it's often hard to think clearly and it is a real benefit to have this information in the car's glove compartment.
Dr. Harrington discussed a program for training in special techniques to help avoid serious accidents. This one-day hand-on course is offered by the Fairfax County Police Department (Youthful Driver Program). It costs $200 and is held on a Saturday. Please download the registration form and a detailed description of the course.
TJHSST Task Force for the Future
A report and presentation was given to the School Board on February 12, 2007, outlining recommendations for the future direction of the school, highlighting student values and skills, school programs, and facility needs based on contributions from a variety of stakeholder groups, including teachers, parents, students, alumni, administrators, curriculum specialists, school board members, higher education representatives, and science and technology professionals.
Curriculum Advisory Committee
2006 - 2007 School Year
The Curriculum Advisory Committee is advisory to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Principal and faculty on curricular issues. The Curriculum Advisory Committee will serve the school in three ways this year:
- The committee will serve as a sounding board for parental and student concerns about policy issues related to the TJHSST curriculum. It will compile and analyze input on curricular issues and report findings to the school administration.
- The committee will help provide feedback to the school on draft versions of strategic plans.
- The committee will work to expand intellectual connections of TJHSST with the external scientific, engineering, and technological community, for the purpose of increasing opportunities for student mentorship experiences and facilitating other intellectual partnerships.
Membership in the committee is open to everyone in the TJHSST community who wishes to assist in the committee's work.
Curriculum Advisory Committee Working Groups
Sounding Board Subcommittee:
- Nassmah Brooks
- Louise Epstein
- Sam Gilbert
- Annette Snyder
- Ravi Tallapragada
- Dhun Tellis
To suggest curricular issues for analysis by the Sounding Board Subcommittee, please send e-mail to the Curriculum Advisory Committee chairman, , Henry Warchall.
Subcommittee to Inform Long-Range Planning:
- To be constituted later in the school year.
Subcommittee on Enhancing Connections:
- Arundhati Jayarao
- Jaewoo Lee
- Steve Miranda
- John K. Pang
- Dick Rumpf
- Tova Solo
| 2006-2007 PTSA Officers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Name |
| President | |
| 1st Vice President | |
| 2nd Vice President | |
| Treasurer | |
| Recording Secretary | |
| Corresponding Secretary | |
| 2006-2007 PTSA Representatives | |
|---|---|
| Position | Name |
| Alumni Association | |
| Academic Boosters | |
| Athletic Boosters | |
| Band Boosters | |
| Choral Boosters | |
| Crew Boosters | |
| Drama Boosters | |
| Orchestra Boosters | |
| eScrip Contact | |
| Human Relations Committee | |
| Student Services Advisory | |
| 2006-2007 Techcetera schedule | |
|---|---|
| For this monthly issue | Submit articles by |
| September 1 | August 16 |
| October 1 | September 20 |
| November 1 | October 25 |
| December 1 | November 22 |
| January 1 | December 20 |
| February 1 | January 24 |
| March 1 | February 21 |
| April 1 | March 19 |
| May 1 | April 23 |
| June 1 | May 21 |
PTSA Meeting – June 11
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the school library.
PTSA Slate of Officers
At the April 16th PTSA meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers to serve on the PTSA Executive Committee for the 2007-08 school year:
- President, Nassmah Brooks (2007, 2008, 2009)
- First Vice President, Liz Ross (2007, 2009)
- Second Vice President, Hank Warchall (2006, 2009)
- Treasurer, Carrie Kilgore (2010)
- Recording Secretary, Michele Pitler (2003, 2009)
- Corresponding Secretary, Lynne Hamrick (2007, 2010)
Election of officers will take place at the PTSA General Meeting of Members on Monday, June 11th.
After School Library Volunteers Needed
The PTSA is looking for parents to watch students in the library on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (late bus days) from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. We would like to have 2 parents each day. If you can help, please contact Help us keep the library open late for our students.
PTSA Meeting – May 14
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, May 14, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. (Agenda)
This month we will catch up with reports from our Principal, Dr. Glazer, because he was called away from the last meeting and Principal's Coffee due to the early dismissal. We shall also hear from a variety of committees including Faculty Allocations, Landscaping, and the webmaster. All are welcome to attend. Please come early for light refreshments and to network with your fellow parents.
After School Library Volunteers Needed
Have you ever noticed all the students sitting on the floor of the AudLob after school and wondered why they can't study in the library? Well, they could if we had parent chaperones!
There seems to be student interest and the PTSA has been asked to look into whether there would be parents willing to sit in the library Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6:30 pm. (when the late buses leave). We are hoping for two parents each of those days.
We are trying to see if we can get this off the ground before next year, when we will incorporate this request into the volunteer sheet. Please indicate your interest to giving her your time commitment and how often you could do this. Thank you for your help in this.
Landscaping Committee
The Landscaping Committee works year round beautifying TJ's grounds by planning, installing, and nurturing the garden beds. Parents and students work hard planting new flowers, grasses, and shrubs purchased with PTSA funds. Of course, these gardens require mulching, watering, and weeding as well.
The guiding vision of TJ's plant beds is that of a garden that would be easy to maintain (includes native plants), that would provide interest all year round (has colorful red berries, red and blue flowers, interesting bark), and – most of all – that would enhance the entrance to our wonderful school.
The goals for this school year (2006-2007) are to clean up (weed) the hillsides near the Braddock Road entrance and to plant new grasses, Russian sage, and juniper there.
Spring Cleanup Days are March 10 and 24, 9:30am-12:30pm.
Techcetera Translated
New! Translations of parts of Techcetera are now available in Korean and Chinese.
Arlington/Falls Church Potluck – April 22
The Arlington/Falls Church potluck for recently accepted freshmen is scheduled for April 22, 5-7 p.m. at 4904 North 15th Street in Arlington. RSVP and any questions to
PTSA Meeting – April 16
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. in the school cafeteria. (Agenda)
* * * Please note that the ONLY parking spaces available will be in the senior lot or gravel lot. * * *
Techcetera April 2007
Note: The date published in the April edition for the upcoming UNO Spirit Day is WRONG! The CORRECT date is Sunday, April 29th. A corrected Techcetera will be posted soon.
PTSA Nominations – March 19
It's that time of year when the Nominating Committee seeks nominations for elected positions on the TJHSST PTSA Executive Committee for the 2007 2008 school year. Do you want to get involved and make a difference at TJ? Do you want to keep up to date with what's going on and network with other parents, students, and teachers? Then we have the job for you!
Please step forward and volunteer to serve as an officer on the PTSA Executive Committee. The positions are:
- President
- First Vice President
- Second Vice President
- Recording Secretary
- Corresponding Secretary
- Treasurer
Any PTSA member with a willingness and ability to serve and provide leadership is welcome to apply. (Note: PTSA by-laws require that a person may be nominated for president only if he/she has served on the executive board for at least one term.) PTSA members who want to nominate someone else for an office may do so, with the nominee's permission.
Please send questions or your nomination form to the
Newsletter Submissions and Article Deadlines
Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on the due dates specified as follows:
| For this monthly issue | Submit articles by |
|---|---|
| September 1 | August 16 |
| October 1 | September 20 |
| November 1 | October 25 |
| December 1 | November 22 |
| January 1 | December 20 |
| February 1 | January 24 |
| March 1 | February 21 |
| April 1 | March 21 |
| May 1 | April 25 |
| June 1 | May 23 |
PTSA Meeting – March 12
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. (Agenda)
Teens and Driving – March 8
The spring parent education program will be on the subject of Teens and Driving. The date will be Thursday, March 8th at 7 p.m. with a snow date the following week, Thursday, March 15th.
Our guest speaker will be the Honorable Teena D. Grodner, Chief Judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for Fairfax County. On our panel for discussion of the issue as it applies to TJ will be Mark Harrington, Ph.D., our current school resource officer, and Mary Stetson and Barry Potoker, Driver's Ed and Behind the Wheel instructors at TJ.
The program will begin promptly at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Light refreshments will be available in the Aud Lob from 6:30 p.m. Please make a note to join us for this important education program. Students are welcome to attend also.
Summer Internships & College Applications – Feb. 21
"Culturally Diverse Parent Workshop II: Understanding Summer Internships and College Application Resources" will take place on February 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Career Center. Mrs. Laurie Kobick will go over the resources available at the Career Center such as summer opportunities and college application resources.
A Korean interpreter has been requested for this event, based on parents' requests. Additionally, a TJ student has volunteered to be on hand to answer any questions that culturally diverse parents may have. Light refreshments will be provided. The deadline for requesting interpreters for other languages is January 30. Contact TJ PTSA 1st VP, if you have any questions.
Summer Internships & College Applications – Feb. 14
"Culturally Diverse Parent Workshop II: Understanding Summer Internships and College Application Resources" will take place on February 14 (snow date Feb. 21) at 7:30 p.m. at the Career Center. Mrs. Laurie Kobick will go over the resources available at the Career Center such as summer opportunities and college application resources.
PTSA Meeting – February 12
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, February 12, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. Light refreshments will be available starting at about 7:10. (Agenda)
Letter Jackets
School jackets purchased in November will be delivered in February 2007. The next sale will be held in September 2007.
This photo shows where to attach a letter onto a letter jacket, and this one shows where to attach numbers. Most people take the jacket to their drycleaner to have the letter & numbers sewn on.
Parents from Different Cultural Backgrounds
The November 8th meeting of parents from different cultural backgrounds was a big success. If you weren't able to attend, please read the summary.
New! Read the summary in Chinese. Page 1. Page 2.
Youth, Ethics, and Technology Forum
Dr. Herbert Lin, National Academy of Sciences, was guest speaker at our October 25th 2006 PTSA Parent Forum on "Youth, Ethics, and Technology." View his presentation slides as a PowerPoint slide show or a PDF.
Summer Internships & College Applications – Feb. 14
"Culturally Diverse Parent Workshop II: Understanding Summer Internships and College Application Resources" will take place on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Career Center. Mrs. Laurie Kobick will go over the resources available at the Career Center such as summer opportunities and college application resources. Sign-up information will be provided on this website soon. Deadline for requesting interpreters is January 30. Contact TJ PTSA 1st VP, if you have any questions.
Teens and Driving – March 8
The spring parent education program will be on the subject of Teens and Driving. The date will be Thursday, March 8th at 7 p.m. with a snow date the following week, Thursday, March 15th.
PTSA Meeting – January 8
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, January 8, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. Refreshments will be available starting at about 7:10. (Agenda)
PTSA Meeting — December 11
The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, December 11, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. (Agenda)
Letter Jacket Sales – Nov. 20, 21, 27
School jackets will be on sale Nov. 20, 21, & 27 for February 2007 delivery. Check out the styles on our flyer and then print out an order form. Jackets ordered in September can be picked up during the sale.
This photo shows where to attach a letter onto a letter jacket, and this one shows where to attach numbers. Most people take the jacket to their drycleaner to have the letter & numbers sewn on.
PTSA Meeting – November 13
November 13, 2006 in the TJ Library 7:30-9:00 p.m. All are welcome! Please join us for light refreshments to meet other parents at 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Parents from Different Cultural Backgrounds – Nov. 8
With the participation of TJ Student Services, the TJ PTSA Cultural Liaison program is hosting an informal workshop for culturally-different TJ parents. Cultural Liaison parents will be present to assist you. The meeting will take place on November 8 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Room 214/215.
Nina Pitkin, Director of Student Services, will be present at 7pm to address any questions parents may have. We also plan to:
- Introduce the Cultural Liaison program and the parent volunteers/future plans.
- Let parents know about the availability of FCPS interpreters for school events.
- Introduce the "TJ A-Z" booklet.
- Discuss ways to be involved, even with limited English proficiency.
- Collect information about parent needs, ideas for us to reach out to parents who need our assistance.
Contact TJ PTSA 1st VP, if you have any questions.
Ongoing PTSA Projects
- Daily Announcement — view TJ's daily announcements
- Volunteer — Work at TJ or at home
- Keep in Touch! — Sign up for all TJ notices
- Money for TJ — EASY ways that cost you NOTHING
- Join the PTSA — Your dues help support TJ
- Directory — Keep your information up-to-date
Welcome!
Please read our mission statement, become a member, browse our committees, and volunteer!
Fall Back – October 29
Daylight time ends on Sunday, October 29. Remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour.
Reflections Program 2006 – October 27
This year's theme is "My Favorite Place." Create an original piece of artwork in any of the six categories:
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Literature
- Photography
- Dance
- Choreography
- Film/Video Production
Submission deadline is October 27, 2006. Please see the Parent and Student Packet, Reflections Program 2006-2007 for more information and application forms. For questions, please contact TJHSST Reflections Chair, at 703-339-0371.
Parent Forum – October 25
Please join us on October 25 from 7 - 8:30 in the Auditorium for our Parent Forum, Youth, Ethics, and Technology. Dr. Herbert Lin of the National Academy of Sciences is our guest speaker. TJ faculty and staff Brandon Kosatka, Josh Strong, and Shane Torbert will talk about the challenges of new technologies for our youth.
Light refreshments will be available in the auditorium lobby shortly prior to the forum.
Please contact if you have any questions.
Note: if you have a need for a language interpreter for the program, please email by October 13 and we will try to arrange these services with FCPS.
Addendum to the Student Directory – October 2006
The TJHSST PTSA Student Directory 2006-2007 is now available and can be purchased from the PTSA and in the TJ main office. The cost is $10. Checks can be made out to "TJHSST PTSA."
The PTSA is going to provide an addendum to the directory. It will be e-mailed by early October to students and parents who have valid email addresses in the online PTSA student & parent information system.
Building Initiative Petition
The online petition for TJ Building Initiative is now closed. The final petition was endorsed by 1442 families and individuals. For information about this initiative, click on the "Building Initiative" button on the Committees page.
| TJ Class 2011 Welcome Family Gatherings RSVP Today (by invitation only) Check Website for Changes & Updates |
||
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax Cluster | Contact | Date/ Time/ Location/Format |
| Cluster 1 | June 10, 2007, 4-6:00 pm Location: contact Louise. Potluck. |
|
| Cluster 2 | June 9, 2007, 10 a.m.- 12:00 noon Location: Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. Potluck. Drinks will be provided. |
|
| Cluster 3 | May 20, 2007, 3- 5 pm Location: Contact Angie. Bring a light appetizer. Drinks provided. |
|
| Cluster 4 | June 10, 2007, 6:30-8:30 pm. Location: Mount Vernon Municipal Center 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria – across the street from Sherwood Library. A light dessert will be served. |
|
| Cluster 5 | June 9, 2007, 10 a.m.- 12:00 noon Location: Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. Potluck. Drinks will be provided. |
|
| Cluster 6 | June 9, 2007, 10 a.m.- 12:00 noon Location: Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. Potluck. Drinks will be provided. |
|
| Cluster 7 | June 9, 2007, 3-5 pm Location: Contact Tricia. Bring a light hors d'oeuvre. Drinks provided. |
|
| Cluster 8 | June 8, 2007, 6:30-8:30 pm Location: Temporary Road Picnic Pavilion, corner of Temporary Road and North Shore Drive in Reston. Families should bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and lawn chairs. Party is rain or shine. |
|
| More Counties | Contact | Date/ Time/ Location/Format |
| Arlington/ Falls Church |
Sunday, August 26, 2007, 5:30-7:30 pm Location: Lubber Run Park in Arlington. Pot luck picnic. RSVP Lynn Borton |
|
| Loudoun County | Saturday, August 11, 2007 from 1-5 pm Location: Fox Ridge Park, Leesburg. RSVP Yin Yin. |
|
| Prince William/ Fauquier |
New: May 20, 2007, 1-3 pm. Contact Nassmah. Bring a dessert to share. Pizza & drinks provided. |
|
Freshmen Orientation / Big Sibs
Date: Friday, August 31, 2007
Time:
- 9-10: General information from the principal for students and parents.
- 10-11:30: Parents will stay in the auditorium and listen to students, PTSA, and staff talk about how to help the kids adjust to TJ, 8th period opportunities, and athletics.
- 11:30-12: Parents will have a group meeting with their child's counselor (know who your student's counselor is – it will be on his or her schedule).
- 10-12: Students (bring their schedules) will meet their teachers and get a layout of the building & their classes, and of course meet TJ kids.
- 12-3:30 or 4: Optional Big Sibs program.
What: Get acquainted with your peers, your Big Sib, and TJ through fun activities such as ice breakers, school tours/scavenger hunts, relay races, and even a talent show!
Where: Meet your Big Sib in the Auditorium at 12:30pm after your classes.
Reminder: Please bring a bag lunch and make sure you have a ride home. TJ provides buses, but the bus home leaves before the Big Sibs fun begins. (Note that parents cannot ride on the buses.)
If you have any question or concerns about orientation or the Big Sibs program, please email or call Cindy Wei at (703) 318-0416.