Category Archives: Committees

2021-05-17 6pm Diversity in STEM Talk #5

The PTSA Diversity Committee of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will hold its last Diversity in STEM Talk for the school year in May! This series is especially for elementary and middle school students in grades 4-8. 

Dr. Zephania Birech will be our guest on Monday, May 17, at 6 p.m. He will be joining us all the way from the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Dr. Birech earned his Bachelors of Education with a major in Physics and a minor in Mathematics from Kenyatta University, Kenya in 2000. He then taught physics for seven years at a Kenyan high school before pursuing his doctoral degree at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physics in 2012. Dr. Birech is currently a Lecturer — equivalent to an associate professor at U.S. universities — in the Department of Physics of the University of Nairobi. He is leading a laser physics research group to investigate light-matter interactions for solar energy harvesting and single-molecule detection. Join us in May to find out more about Dr. Birech and his projects!

– What sparked his interest in physics?

– What does he enjoy most about physics?

– How does he merge research and teaching as a physics professor?

– What would he recommend to students who want to pursue a career in science?

– What else would you like to know?

Parents, register at this Zoom link*: http://bit.ly/TJStemTalk5

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

  *To ensure you receive the Zoom link, do not use an FCPS schools student email account!

Submit questions in advance here: https://bit.ly/tjdiversitytalks

Information and recordings from past Diversity in STEM Talks can be found on the TJ PTSA Diversity Committee webpage: https://tjptsa.com/committees/diversity/

DiversityTalks_FlyerMay2021Download

2021-06-10 7:30-9pm TJ PTSA College Outreach Committee Senior Panel

Learn About the College Admissions Experience From TJ Class of 2021 Who Will Share Their Advice & Lessons Learned.

Agenda

  • Introduction to the TJ PTSA COC and Speakers
  • Opening remarks by Dr. Bonitatibus
  • Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&AClosing Remarks

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsd-CprTwsGt1zcPMvtjvj9i5aCkXlCKxO

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

2021-05-09 TJ PTSA Providing Snacks for AP Language and Music Exams

While COVID has changed what this looks like, because snacks must be individually wrapped from the factory, the TJ PTSA Academic Support Committee is still providing snacks and drinks for all students taking AP exams in May.

Here are some comments from TJ teachers:

Dear TJ PTSA,

Thank you for the quantity and wide variety of treats for the students. – it was super thoughtful to include a Gluten Free snack!

Thanks so much.

Betsy Sandstrom

Dear TJ PTSA,
Echoing what my colleagues have said – THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for the wonderful snacks. These thoughtful and yummy treats mean so much to the students on these exam days when they are stressed and anxious. Your kindness and the PTSA’s generosity is much appreciated!!

Szilvia

Szilvia Oszko
German Teacher
Division Leader of World Languages, Arts, Music, P.E.
Thomas Jefferson H.S. for Science and Technology
Alexandria, VA

Dear TJ PTSA,

Just wanted to say Thank You on behalf of my students who took the Japanese AP exam yesterday. They LOVED the dorayaki and it was all gone! T

Koji

Your generous donations and membership purchases make this possible. Thank you!

In addition, the TJ PTSA Academic Support Committee will need a number of parent volunteers to help distribute the snacks and drinks on Monday, May 24, and Tuesday, May 25, the two biggest in-person AP testing days. Please watch out for a sign-up genius link which will be circulated soon. 

2021-05-03 TJ PTSA Hospitality Committee Teacher Appreciation Lunch

The TJ PTSA Hospitality Committee has organized a Teacher Appreciation Lunch on Monday May 3rd as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. The teachers are always appreciative of the TJ PTSA organizing these lunches as it gives them a rare opportunity to fellowship with their friends and coworkers at work outside of their immediate division.

Thank you for your generous donations and membership purchases which fund these events.

2021-05-09 Class of 2021 Graduation Yard Signs Still Available

Class of 2021 Graduation Yard Signs are still on sale while supplies last. Login to AtoZ Connect (https://atozconnect. com/cls/login.php) to purchase a yard sign before they are gone.

Visit the ANGP & Senior Celebration Committee page on TJPTSA website at https://tjptsa.com/ committees/angp-committee/ for more information related to ANGP & Senior Celebration.

If you ordered a Jeffers cup or a yard sign but have not been contacted with pickup information, please email us at angp@tjptsa.org.

2021-05-22 2021 Senior Celebration Party Consent Form (Required) – Submit by May 22

All seniors who have purchased a ticket, and their parents, must complete and sign the 2021 Senior Celebration Party Consent Form for admittance to the party on June 6. The 2021 Senior Celebration Party Consent Form has also been posted on the Geosystems Blackboard sites.

Download the form from whichever site that is more convenient for you, print, fill out and sign. Once the form is completed and signed, you can either scan your completed form on a computer or using a scanner app on your phone, or take a picture of it using your phone, and then submit your completed form via the Google form link below.

https://forms.gle/eJRpytbre9XwhVUo9

Students who qualify for FRM should submit their completed 2021 Senior Celebration Party Consent Form to Ms. Danielle Armstrong. You are welcome to stop by Student Services or e-mail your completed form to Ms. Armstrong at dsarmstrong@fcps.edu.

2021-05-15 Outdoor Senior Celebration Party – Tickets On Sale until May 15

The Outdoor Senior Celebration Party will be held on Sunday, June 6th (rain date Sunday, June 13th). Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased via AtoZ Connect (https://atozconnect. com/cls/login.php) through May 15.

Financial assistance is available to students who qualify for FRM by submitting a completed and signed 2021 Senior Celebration Party Consent Form to Ms. Danielle Armstrong.

2021-04-25 Stress Less, Laugh More Week (Apr 26-30)

Brought to you by the TJ PTSA Health & Wellness Committee

Students from TJ Minds Matter kick off Stress Less, Laugh More Week by painting the rock with messages of encouragement before AP Exams. TJ students will see other activities over the week to increase awareness of mental health resources and spread positivity and connection. Since we haven’t been able to host therapy dogs this year, there will be a Share Your Pet day this week (students at home can share live and in person students can bring a photo to share) during classes. 

2021-04-28 Strengths Finder Assessment workshop (8th period)

Students: Do you ever wonder if your personality is compatible with leadership? Do people ever tell you that you need to be more assertive or more chill in group projects? 

Come to Honor Council during A and B block on Wednesday, April 28 to take a personal strengths assessment and hear Dr. Nance Lucas speak about how to understand and implement your strengths! You can also discuss your results with others.

Parents: Encourage your student to sign up for this great opportunity (in ion/8th period signups) to take the Gallup Organizations’ Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment for free.