Old notices, 2008-2009

These notices were on the PTSA home page (or other important pages).

Commuting

FCPS late buses run on Monday and Wednesday, leaving TJ at 6:30 pm. LCPS late buses run Monday to Friday, also leaving TJ at 6:30pm.

PTSA Forms & Documents


Approved Final Budget 2008-2009

Diversity Committee

The Diversity Committee promotes diversity within the TJHSST community. For more information, please read our charter or contact our committee chair,

Ravi Tallapragada
.

CAC 2008 – 2009 School Year

The 1st meeting of the CAC for this school year will be on Thursday, October 16, in the TJ Career Center. The 2nd meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, in Room 106. Both meetings start at 7:30 pm and should end by 9 pm or earlier.

Gardeners Welcome

As always, the Landscaping Committee welcomes more hands in the effort to beautify TJ. If you'd like to participate – either in weekend group weeding/planting sessions or during the week as it best fits your own schedule – please contact us. If you are a student in need of community service hours, the Landscaping Committee can give you all the hours you could possibly want or need. Please contact Landscaping Chair

Carol Miranda.

Weekend Gardening Days

Weekday Gardening — Tuesdays 8:30 – 12:30

Newsletter Submissions and Article Deadlines

2008-2009 Techcetera schedule
For this issue Submit articles by Mailing date
September August 18 September 4
October September 22 October 2
November October 20 October 30
December November 19 December 4
January December 17 January 8
February January 22 February 5
March February 23 March 5
April March 23 April 2
May April 20 April 30
June May 18 May 28

TJ PTSA Meetings for the year 2008-2009

Please note that the PTSA evening meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. (new time).

Parent Forms & Documents

Emergency Care Information form you can edit and save on your computer:

Fairfax County is rolling out an emergency care information system called weCare@school. When this has been implemented at TJHSST, we will provide a link to it on our Links page.

FCPS Forms Webpage lets you fill out FCPS school forms online!

FCPS Forms Packet is a bundle of forms available so you can fill out the required "first day of school" packet online. Your only need to fill in information once, and it is inserted in the appropriate places on all forms!

Other forms you are likely to need include:

Fairfax County Student Dress Code — School Board Policy 2613.3 establishes a dress code and authorizes individual schools to establish guidelines for implementing the dress code.

Student Rights and Responsibilities — As required by law and under Fairfax County School Board Policy 2601, this booklet details the legal responsibilities and rights of students in the public schools of Fairfax County and the rules of conduct and disciplinary procedures applicable to students.

Help Wanted: PTSA Parliamentarian

If you would like to assume the open PTSA Parliamentarian position, please contact the

TJ PTSA.
The job description is: "Ensures that correct meeting procedure is followed at monthly PTSA meetings." If you love order and making sure that things are done properly, then this is the job for you!

Techcetera Newsletter

Tech cetera, the PTSA newsletter, is available here on first school day of each month. PDF files require a free Adobe Reader. A paper copy of the newsletter is mailed, free of charge, to those PTSA members requesting one when they fill in their membership form.

Parent Forms & Documents

Student Rights and Responsibilities — As required by law and under Fairfax County School Board Policy 2601, this booklet details the legal responsibilities and rights of students in the public schools of Fairfax County and the rules of conduct and disciplinary procedures applicable to students.

Other forms you are likely to need include:

PTSA Forms & Documents

Temporary TJ Bus Transportation Changes

Due to high school graduations, several high schools will be closed next week. This will affect the morning transportion service related to those base schools. Parents will be required to transport students to their base school in order to catch the shuttle to TJ. Afternoon transportaion will be unaffected.

The following base schools are closed during the week of 6/15-6/19/09. Please note the schedule for pickup.

Day School Time
Monday Hayfield 7:35am shuttle
  Lee 7:50am shuttle
  McLean 7:35am shuttle
  West Springfield 7:30am shuttle
Tuesday Lake Braddock 7:30am shuttle
  Centerville 7:25am shuttle
  Marshall 7:40am shuttle
Wednesday Oakton 7:30am shuttle

Please be at the shuttle sites with time to spare!

Budget impact on teacher staffing/course offerings at TJ

At the heavily attended PTSA meeting on February 9, 2009, Dr. Glazer presented information regarding the potential impact of county budget cuts on classroom size, teacher staffing and course offerings for next year at TJ. He took questions and invited feedback from parents. In the next two weeks he will be meeting with teachers and students for similar feedback. Information regarding this situation is available in an Executive Summary Report.

FCPS Grading Policy Changes

The PTSA is presently forming a subcommittee to closely follow the plans for increased weighting and the grading scale. This subcommittee will gather information regarding these issues and recommend appropriate lobbying efforts to the PTSA executive committee if deemed necessary. If you wish to serve on this committee, please contact the

TJ PTSA.

Student Directory — On Sale!

The 2008-2009 Student Directory is on sale and can be purchased from the PTSA and in the TJ main office. The cost is only $5. Checks can be made out to "TJHSST PTSA."

Transportation Updates

Please check here for information regarding updates to transportation issues:

TJ Website Survey

TJ is currently developing a new look for the school web site and revisiting the organization of information on the site. It would be helpful to get some feedback from TJ parents who use the current site regarding their experiences. If you haven't yet done so, please take five minutes to complete our website survey.

Meet the Athletic Teams — June 11

All rising frosh are invited to Sports Preview Night in Gym I @ 7pm on June 11. See flyer for details. Sponosored by the TJ athletic department and the Colonial Athletic Boosters.

PTSA Meeting — June 8

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in the school cafeteria. (Agenda)

2009-2010 Student Parking — 5/4 through 6/5

The Safety and Security office is accepting applications for next year's student parking. It begins May 4th and the final due date is June 5th. That due date is a hard date due; the computer has been instructed to close applications on June 5, 2009 at 11:59pm.

There is both an online and hard-copy requirement for application. The hard-copy one can be obtained at either security office or the main office. A link is provided on the student intranet for the online version.

Payment is due when the student picks-up the pass, not when returning the hard-copy application.

Any questions? Please contact

Bob McCormick,
Director of Safety/Security, (703) 750-8331.

Academic Boosters Awards Banquet — June 2

Members of TJ '13 and their parents are invited to the Academic Boosters' annual banquet on Tuesday, June 2nd, from 6 PM to 8:40 PM in the cafeteria, to learn more about TJ's 20 academic teams and meet with student officers and teacher sponsors. For more information, please visit the Academic Boosters website.

Transitioning to College — June 2

The seniors and parents program, Transitioning to College, will be held at 7:30pm in the TJ auditorium on Tuesday, June 2.

Sports Physicals — June 1

To play sports during the upcoming school year, you need a physical dated May 1 or later. You can have your sports physical done at TJ each spring and support the boosters at the same time.

Fall 2009 sports will begin on August 11 (except golf, which starts August 3). Students wishing to participate in a fall sport need to be available from early August.

The Colonial Athletic Boosters website has all your TJ sports info.

TJ Star Symposium — May 28

TJ will be sponsoring its first research showcase event this year on May 28. This will be the inaugural event whereby students can present their research projects (freshmen and seniors) and also enjoy a day of special presentations, speakers and demonstrations. Much planning has gone into this day which celebrates the work of our students and invited guests. Please do not schedule appointments or absences for this day as it is a regular, though special, school day.

SSAB Meeting — May 21

The Student Services Advisory Board Meeting will be on Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 pm in the library. This is a great meeting for parents with questions or who want to hear information from other parents about educational and extracurricular experiences at TJ. This is a guidance committee and Mr. Brandon Kosatka is available to share information and answer questions at these meetings.

PTSA General Membership Meeting — May 18

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. We will elect next year's executive committee slate and vote on the revised bylaws. (Agenda)

PTSA Bylaws Revision

Every five years our bylaws are renewed and revised based on guidelines from the state PTA. The Bylaws have been been revised and now are ready for community review. We will vote on them in May. Questions and suggestions can be directed to the

TJ PTSA.

PTSA Election Slate

At the April PTSA meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers to serve on the PTSA Executive Committee for the 2009-10 school year:

Class of 2011 Parent Meeting — May 18

The parents of the class of 2011 are invited to come to a "pre-PTSA" meeting from 6pm-7pm on May 18th in the TJHSST Library. We will discuss the landscape of events over the next two years. We look forward to brainstorming ideas to share with the students and will be open for any questions you may have regarding class events during our students' junior and senior years.

Webmaster

The PTSA webmaster is "graduating" in June. We need a volunteer to take over maintenance of this website beginning in June 2009. The position involves XHTML, CSS, FTP or WinSCP, Dreamweaver, making PDFs, monitoring the webmaster email address, etc. A pro-active approach is preferred. Minimal JavaScript is helpful, but not necessary. If you have any questions, please contact our current webmaster.

Monticello Market Reminder — May 1 & 2

The Monticello Market is this weekend, Friday 7pm-9pm and Saturday 9am-11am. Since we cannot have the Market without anything to sell, we are asking you to please donate new and used items anytime this week. This is a change from before. You may now bring items any day this week to the wrestling room (located behind Gym 1, next to the boy's locker room). Items brought on Friday should go directly to the cafeteria.

This is a great opportunity to do some "spring cleaning" while helping out the class of 2011! All items not sold will be given to the Salvation Army on Saturday unless you clearly mark them as items to keep for pick up.

Additionally, there will be a bake sale at the Market. If you have time to bake anything this week (brownies, cupcakes, cookies, etc.), please bring these items on Friday. If you send them in with your child Friday morning, the bake sale items can be placed in the Principal's conference room (room A1, just outside the audlob).

WISH LIST: Sports Equipment

Per a request by Ms. Jean Stevens, students participating in outdoor 8th period activities could use donations of the following: 5 outdoor basketballs, 5 Frisbees, 1 soccer ball, 1 football. New or gently used equipment would be GREATLY appreciated. Contact

Carrie Kilgore
if you have items to donate.

Keeper of the PTSA Calendar

If you would be interested in maintaining the PTSA Google calendar, please contact the

TJ PTSA.

Scientific Review Committee

The school Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is looking for parent volunteers with a PhD, D.D.S., D.O., M.D. or D.V.M. to help review student projects for safety. This work is on an occasional basis and can be done from home. If you are able to help, please contact the

TJ PTSA.

Tech Cetera Editorial Staff

If you are interested in becoming part of the TJ PTSA newsletter editorial staff, please contact PTSA Corresponding Secretary Helen Lin.

PTSA Bylaws

Every five years our bylaws are renewed and revised based on guidelines from the state PTA. If you would like to serve in this process, please contact the

TJ PTSA.

A to Z – A Beginners Guide to TJHSST

You will want to quickly understand the language used at our school, so make sure you read and keep handy the distinctive, bright blue covered, booklet titled "From AudLob to Zero" which you will find in your PTSA Welcome Packet.

Zero was the title of the book selected to be read by the entire school population in the summer of 2005. Each year a different book is chosen, based on a selection made by a committee of faculty and students. This book can then be the catalyst for discussion when school resumes.

PTSA Meeting — April 13

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. All are welcome. (Agenda)

FCAG's FCPS Budget Cuts Meeting — March 24

The Fairfax County Association for the Gifted (FCAG) is hosting a meeting on FCPS Budget Cuts: Teacher and Parent Perspectives at TJ on March 24, 2009 at 7:30pm.

FCPS has published its FY 2010 budget, which increases class sizes. Teachers and custodians are being reassigned to other schools or will be let go if vacancies aren't created by attrition. Bus service is being reduced for magnet students. This FY 2010 budget is still tentative, and the School Board will be considering changes in the FY 2010 later this spring.

On Tuesday night, March 24th, at 7:30 PM , hear from all the teachers unions and the Fairfax County Council of PTAs about how the School Board could balance the FCPS budget without increasing class sizes or making some other cuts. Panelists include Leonard Bumbaca (Fairfax Education Association), Dr. Mark Glaser (Fairfax County Federation of Teachers), Mary Kaye Downes and Vern Williams (Association of Fairfax Professional Educators) and Michele Menapace (Fairfax County Council of PTAs). After short presentations, there will be an open question and answer session.

This meeting is free and open to the general public. It is located at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, in the auditorium. For more information, contact Louise Epstein, president of Fairfax County Association for the Gifted and VP of FAIRGRADE, at 703-917-7960.

PTSA Nominations – March 20

It's that time of year when the Nominating Committee seeks nominations for elected positions on the TJHSST PTSA Executive Committee for the 2009-2010 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 six positions are:

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.)

The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2009. Please contact the

Nominating Committee
for information or fill out the nomination form and email it to the Nominating Committee.

Nominating Committee members: Lynne Hamrick, Robin Howard, Vicky Linnell, Michele Pitler, Jane Pyrak, Ellen Ranard, and Linda Russ

SSAB Meeting — March 19

The Student Services Advisory Board (SSAB) will meet in the library at 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2009.

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

Below is an updated list of delayed school openings for 2008-09 that affect students riding buses to TJHSST:

When high school delays occur, TJ students WILL NOT be picked up at their normal locations. Parents are required to transport their child to their base school in order to be transported on the TJ shuttle. Questions? Please contact Bob McCormick at (703) 750-8331.

Principal's Coffee & PTSA Meeting — March 18

The next Principal's Coffee / PTSA meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in the school library cafeteria. Topics include FCPS budget impact at the school and on transportation services; Grading Policy: Honors weighting at TJ; and the SLEEP proposal. (Agenda)

Weekend Gardening Days

Weekday Gardening — Fridays 8:30 – 12:30

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

Below is an updated list of delayed school openings for 2008-09 that affect students riding buses to TJHSST:

When high school delays occur, TJ students WILL NOT be picked up at their normal locations. Parents are required to transport their child to their base school in order to be transported on the TJ shuttle. Questions? Please contact Bob McCormick at (703) 750-8331.

PTSA Nominating Committee

This year's nominating committee slate was elected at February PTSA meeting. They will be seeking nominations for next year's executive committee soon. Please look for these announcements or contact Michele Pitler with any questions.

SSAB Meeting — February 12

The next Student Services Advisory Board (SSAB) meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12, at 7 pm in the library. Topics for discussion include: curriculum criteria and selections, summer school, budget cuts, new grading policies and additional topics as suggested.

WAKE Presentation — February 12

Due to concerns regarding the impact of the proposed bell schedule on extracurricular activities, an open forum with Pat Herrity (the Springfield representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors) has been scheduled by a TJ parent to discuss the issues surrounding this proposal. It will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2009, from 6-7 p.m. in the TJ auditorium.

Please read the SLEEP proposal information flyer for information regarding upcoming community dialogues and an online survey, being sponsored by FCPS, along with websites offering information on the SLEEP and WAKE initiatives.

PTSA Nominating Committee

The executive committee is now soliciting volunteers to serve on the nominating committee for next year's executive committee. If you are a PTSA member and would like to volunteer, please contact Recording Secretary, Michele Pitler.

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

Below is an updated list of delayed school openings for 2008-09 that affect students riding buses to TJHSST:

PTSA Meeting — February 9

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, February 9, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. Topics will include Grading Policy, SLEEP, Budget discussions, and nominating committee selection. In addition, Dr. Glazer will present information regarding measures planned at TJ in response to this year's budget crisis. He will take questions at this PTSA meeting. This will be the TJ community's opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Glazer and to give direct feedback. This will be his only parent presentation. (Agenda)

Seniors: LAST CHANCE for Early-Bird ANGP Ticket Price!!!

The All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) organizers have announced they will be offering a last chance to parents to get their students' tickets at the early-bird price of $90. Send in your form with a check by January 31 and avoid the price rise!!! Visit the ANGP website for ticket ordering information.

School Board Meeting — January 22

A School Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Luther Jackson Middle School. A vote regarding the grading system is expected.

Principal's Coffee and PTSA Meeting — January 12

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. (Agenda)

FAIRGRADE Update

Please take some time to read the most recent article in the Washington Post regarding Superintendent Dale's response to the FCPS report on the present grading system and his recommendation for changing the present weighting system for Honors and AP classes (this would potentially be instituted retroactively for the present senior class). The full report is also available through the FCPS website. Also, visit the FAIRGRADE site to see their recommendations regarding the same report.

FAIRGRADE is encouraging everyone to come to Thursday's (1/8/09) School Board Meeting wearing a white shirt to show support for the FAIRGRADE initiative, to consider signing up to speak at the meeting, and to contact your school board members.

Principal's Coffee and PTSA Meeting — January 12

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. Agenda items include state/county budget updates and Grading System/FAIRGRADE update.

School Board Meeting — January 8

A School Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Luther Jackson Middle School. Agenda items include the FCPS report and the superintendent's recommendations regarding proposed changes to the FCPS grading system.

PTSA Meeting — December 8

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, December 8, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. (Agenda)

Student Directory

The 2008-2009 Student Directory 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."

If you pre-ordered a directory and did not pick it up at Back to School Night, please pick it up in the front office. Bring a copy of your PayPal receipt and show it to Ms. Margo Stead.

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

Below is an updated list of delayed school openings for 2008-09 that affect students riding buses to TJHSST:

When high school delays occur, TJ students WILL NOT be picked up at their normal locations. Parents are required to transport their child to their base school in order to be transported on the TJ shuttle. Questions? Please contact Bob McCormick at (703) 750-8331.

PTSA Meeting — November 19 @ 9 am

Our next PTSA meeting is coupled with a Principal's coffee on Wednesday, November 19 at 8:30am 9 am in the cafeteria. Please come and bring your questions. (Agenda)

Senior Night — November 6

Senior parents, attend Senior Night at TJ from 7-8:30 pm on Thursday, November 6. Information on graduation related events will be presented. Please bring your check book to pay for ANGP, class dues (Cap and Gown), and graduation invitations and get information on activities for the rest of the senior year.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — October 29

The County Council of PTAs invites you to the October 29th general membership meeting. The guest speaker will be Rich Weinfeld. The meeting will be held 7:00-9:30pm at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA.

Richard Weinfeld has long been an advocate for quality educational programs for all students. Twenty years of his thirty-year career with Montgomery County Public Schools were spent in a variety of leadership roles in special education. He has expertise in working with students with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional disturbance. Mr. Weinfeld served as Montgomery County's first full time coordinator of programs for students who are simultaneously gifted and learning disabled.

Mr. Weinfeld's first book, "Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential," and his second book, "Helping Boys Succeed in School," are in wide circulation, and are on Prufrock Press' best seller's list. His third book, "School Success for Student's with Asperger's Syndrome," has been a feature book nationally by Barnes and Noble and has received many outstanding reviews. His newest book, "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book," was published in March of 2008.

Mr. Weinfeld is co-host of a weekly internet radio show, "Teach Your Children Well: Hot Topics in Education," on www.voiceamerica.com. He has written two articles that have been published in Roeper Review, two articles that have been published by Teaching Exceptional Children, an article that has been published in Parenting for High Potential and an article that has been published by Gifted Child Today. Mr. Weinfeld has been selected to present at numerous national conferences, on topics including appropriate accommodations, boys' issues, Asperger's syndrome, and strength based instruction. He has been an instructor at Johns Hopkins University, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Association for Educators of Gifted Underachieving Student (AEGUS). In addition to his advocacy work, he does extensive parent and staff training (including here in FCPS) and consults with schools about appropriate programming for all students.

Safe Community Coalition Presentation — October 30

The Safe Community Coalition presents "Good Kids, Tough Choices: Ethical Parenting in a Messy Age" by nationally known ethics expert, Rush Kidder, on Thursday, October 30th, at 7pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.

PTSA Meeting — October 20

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, October 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. (Agenda)

Landscaping

Weekend Gardening Days

Weekday Gardening — Fridays 8:30 – 12:30

Navigating TJ — October 15

The PTSA is sponsoring a forum for parents of TJ students on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, from 7-9 pm in the cafeteria. The topic will be, "Navigating TJ: Parent Tips for Your Four Years." A panel of parents will present useful information about the many aspects of the wonderful TJ experience (curriculum, sports, social, extracurricular). Please come and bring your questions. For more information, please contact any PTSA board member.

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

Below is an updated list of delayed school openings for 2008-09 that affect students riding busses to TJHSST:

When high school delays occur, TJ students WILL NOT be picked up at their normal locations. Parents are required to transport their child to their base school in order to be transported on the TJ shuttle. Questions? Please contact Bob McCormick at (703) 750-8331.

Temporary Bus Schedule Changes

The following list of school delays has been forwarded by the Fairfax County school bus transportation department:

When high school delays occur, TJ students WILL NOT be picked up at their normal locations. Parents are required to transport their child to their BASE school in order to be transported on the TJ shuttle.

Re-register with the Grocery Programs — September

Grocery Programs are a great source of funds for the PTSA. Please help us with this no-cost fundraiser. We currently have programs with Giant, Harris Teeter, and eScript (Safeway). This is an EASY way to raise money for our students without cost to you!! But you must re-designate TJ each School Year! For Giant and Harris Teeter, you can even give us the numbers and we will register them for you. If you would like us to register for you, please complete our flyer and return it to the main office.

Welcome Class of 2012!

Please note that incoming students have summer assignments, including summer reading and visiting an exhibit at The National Gallery of Art.

Letter Jacket Sales – Sept. 17, 18, 19

School jackets will be on sale Sept. 17, 18, & 19 for late November 2008 delivery.

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.

Student Directory

The 2008-2009 Student Directory will be ready for purchase or pick-up (if you pre-ordered online) at Back-to-School Night. Cost is $10/directory.

PTSA Meeting — September 17

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 6:30 – 7pm in the TJ Auditorium. The traditional fall General PTSA meeting precedes the Back to School classroom visits. Its purpose is for the membership to gather to approve the 2008-2009 PTSA Budget. (Agenda)

Student Directory

The 2008-2009 Student Directory will be ready for purchase or pick-up (if you pre-order online) at Back-to-School Night. Cost is $10/directory.

CAC 2008 – 2009 School Year

It is expected that the Curriculum Advisory Committee web page for this school year will be updated by Monday, September 15. The 1st two committee meetings are currently scheduled for

The meetings will start at 7:30 pm at TJ and should end no later than 9 pm.

Class of 2009 ANGP meeting — September 9

Class of 2009 parents are needed to help plan ANGP. Please visit the ANGP website and contact the co-chairs to find out how you can help. A meeting will be held on September 9 at 7pm in the Library. Contact the co-chairs for more information.

PTSA Meeting — September 8

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 7:00 pm in the school library. (Agenda)

Back to School Bash — August 28

Date: Thursday, August 28th

Time: 4 - 7 pm (TJ's season opener Varsity Football Game vs Falls Church to follow at 7:00pm)

Location: The island and drive in front of the school. If it rains, activities will be moved to Gym 2 the cafeteria.

Purpose:To get students energized about the upcoming school year.

Contact Person at TJ:

Rusty Hodges

PTSA Parent Contacts:

John Pang
and

Participants: Parent & Student Groups, TJ Administration & Faculty

The school envisions this to be an afternoon of music, food, games, contests, TJ prizes and sale of TJ spirit wear along with other spirit-filled activities. More details will follow in TJ's Back-to-School letter and on the TJ website. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Back to School Bash — August 28

Date: Thursday, August 28th

Time: 4 - 7 pm (TJ's season opener Varsity Football Game vs Falls Church to follow at 7:00pm)

Location: The island and drive in front of the school. If it rains, activities will be moved to Gym 2.

Student Directory Advertisements — August 26

Support your PTSA by advertising your business in the 2008-2009 Student Directory. Details are on our flyer. Payment for ads can be made online.

Summer Packets — August 22

The PTSA Summer Packets and TJ Packets (with class schedules) will be distributed at TJ on Friday, August 22, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Class of 2009 ANGP meeting — August 13

Class of 2009 parents are needed to help plan ANGP. Please visit the ANGP website and contact the co-chairs to find out how you can help. An informal meeting will be held on August 13 at 7pm in McLean. Contact the co-chairs for more information.

Summer Packets — August 22

The PTSA Summer Packets and TJ Packets (with class schedules) will be distributed at TJ on August 22. No further information is available at this time.

Freshmen Orientation / Big Sibs

Please read the June 28, 2008 Letter to Little Sibs and register your Big Sibs preferences by Wednesday July 18th.

**** Information below is tentative. Check back later. ***

Date: TBD ~ near the end of August

Time:

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

Big Sibs
or call Cindy Wei at (703) 318-0416.

TJ Class 2012 Welcome Family Gatherings
RSVP Today (by invitation only)
Check Website for Changes & Updates
Fairfax Cluster Contact Date/ Time/ Location/Format
Cluster 1 June 8, 2008, 4-6:00 pm
Location: Louise's home
Pot luck, bring a dish to share, drinks provided
Cluster 2 June 7, 2008, 10 am-12 noon
Location: Fairview Elementary School 5815 Ox Road Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Pot luck, bring a dish to share, drinks provided
Cluster 3 June 1, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
June 8, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: Angie's home
Bring a light appetizer, drinks will be provided
Cluster 4 June 8, 2008, Time: TBD
Location: The Mount Vernon Municipal Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria (across the street from Sherwood Library). A light dessert will be served.
Cluster 5 Same as Cluster 2
Cluster 6 Same as Cluster 2
Cluster 7 June 8, 2008, 3-5 pm
Location: Chantilly Regional Library
Bring dessert and appetizers
Cluster 8

Sunday, June 8, 2006, 12:30 to 2:30 pm (tentative)
Location: Great Falls Crossing Club House — a block down from the intersection of Hunter Gate Way and Baron Cameron Avenue, Near Gaelic Farm Market and Reston Zoo.
Pot luck — bring a dish representative of your cultural heritage.
More Counties Contact Date/ Time/ Location/Format
Arlington/
Falls Church		 Sunday, August 10th; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Rain or shine!
Location: Bluemont Picnic Shelter
N. Manchester Street at 4th Street N.
Arlington, VA 22203
Information: contact Lynn
Summer Potluck Picnic
Loudoun County Sunday, June 1, 2008; 2:00-4:00 pm
Location: Room B, Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd. Ashburn VA, 20147
Bring a dessert to share
Prince William/
Fauquier		 Sunday, June 1, 2008; 2:00-4:00 pm
Location: Hylton HS (enclosed cafeteria)
Potluck — bring finger food or dessert to share
Contact:
2008-2009 PTSA Officers
Position Name
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
2008-2009 PTSA Committee Chairs
Position Name
Class Representatives
Alumni Parents
Class Liaisons: 2009
Class Liaisons: 2010
Class Liaisons: 2011
Class Liaisons: 2012
Cluster Representatives
Cluster I Rep
Cluster II Rep
Cluster III Rep
Cluster IV Rep
Cluster V Rep
Cluster VI Rep
Cluster VII Rep
Cluster VIII Rep
Arlington-Falls Church Rep
Loudoun Rep
Prince William-Fauquier Reps
Committees
Immediate Needs
County Council Rep
Curriculum Advisory
Directory Production & Sales

Diversity
Faculty Allocations
Government Relations
(previously Legislation)
Grocery
Lisa Hodge
Hospitality
Jacket Sales
Landscaping
Membership
Newsletter Distribution
Newsletter Editor
Parliamentarian tbd
Publicity-Historian tbd
Reflections
Rebecca Ayers
Recycling
Senior Grad Party (ANGP)

Volunteer Coordinators
Web Site
Faculty Reps
SGA Staff Rep
Student Reps – 2010 tbd
Student Reps – 2011 tbd
Student Reps – 2012 tbd
Student Reps – 2013 tbd
SGA President
2008-2009 PTSA Representatives
Position Name
Alumni Association
Cultural Liaison
Human Relations Committee tbd
Student Services Advisory tbd
Partnership Fund
2008-2009 Booster Representatives
Position Name
Academic Boosters
Athletic Boosters
Band Boosters
Choral Boosters
Crew Boosters
Orchestra Boosters
Theatre Boosters