View
212
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Introducing “TJ”Introducing “TJ”
Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson
High School High School
for for
Science and TechnologyScience and Technology
Page 2
What is TJ?
A 4-year comprehensive high school for “those who have demonstrated high achievement, aptitude, commitment, intellectual curiosity, and creativity in mathematics, science, and technology.”
(FCPS School Board Policy 3355.2)
Page 3
Where is TJ?
• 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA • Bus transportation to TJHSST Bus transportation to TJHSST
provided by FCPS & most other provided by FCPS & most other jurisdictionsjurisdictions
• Late Buses – 2 x week for FCPSLate Buses – 2 x week for FCPS• Carpooling helps if you are involved Carpooling helps if you are involved
in any after-school activities in any after-school activities (especially sports)(especially sports)
Page 4
TJHSST Mission
“…is to provide students a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, to inspire joy at the prospect of discovery, and to foster a culture of innovation based in ethical behavior and the shared interest of humanity.”
Page 5
What makes TJ different?
• TJ is the Virginia Regional Governor’s School for Science and Technology for Northern Virginia.
• Students are selected through a competitive selection process.
Page 6
What makes TJ different?
• 5 additional credits for graduation: – 4 technology
– 1 extra math (Calculus)
• All courses gifted and challenging
Page 7
What makes TJ Special?
• IBET Integrated
Biology,
English &
Technology • (9th Grade Research Block)
Page 8
Courses Unique to TJHSST (examples)
• DNA Science
• Neurobiology
• Numerical Analysis
• Nature of Materials
• Bio Nanotechnology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Organic Chemistry
• Computational Physics
Page 9
Research Laboratories
• Astronomy• Biotechnology• Computer Systems• Energy Systems• Modern Physics • Oceanography
• Automation & Robotics• Chemical Analysis• Computer Assisted Design • Microelectronics• Neuro Science • Prototyping
Mentorship Program
Page 10
Is it just science and tech?
• Electives in all subject areas
• Art, band, orchestra, choir, drama,
journalism, photography yearbook, etc.
• Foreign languages including Chinese,
French, German, Japanese, Latin,
Russian, and Spanish.
Page 11
The TJ Day
• School Hours– 8:30 AM until 3:50 PM
• 8 Periods
• Block Scheduling
• No Bells!
Page 12
Eight Periods?!• Period 8 is an activity period
– guidance activities, clubs, study, tutoring, mentoring, lab work, school publications, etc.
• Over 125 activities offered
• A chance to try something new.
Page 13
Life at TJHSST• Homecoming, pep rallies, sock hops, etc.
• Newspaper, Yearbook & Magazines
• Dance (Swing, Hip Hop & DDR)
• Chorus, Orchestra & Band
• Theater Program
• 25 Varsity Sports
Page 14
What is TJ looking for?
• Aptitude for successful study of – science, math, computer science
– technological
• Prior academic Achievement.
Page 15
• Interest/ Curiosity/ Creativity in study of math, science, and technology.
• “Background, skills or experiences that promote the School Board’s goal of providing diversity in the student body to enhance a unique learning experience and to develop future leaders.”
TJ looking for
The Admissions
Process
Page 17
October
Applications are due
An Absolute Deadline!
Oct. 26, 2007
Page 18
Eligibility Requirements
• Eighth grade (public or private)
• Residency (Fairfax, Fauquier, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties; Falls Church City)
• Algebra 1 or higher in 8th grade
Page 19
Initial Application
• One-page application seeks general information.
• You choose your Test Site for December.
• You pay a Processing Fee ($90. Reduced fee and waivers available on request).
• If private school, you must verify residency.
Page 20
DecemberTest Day is
December 1, 2007
• 15 sites (most at middle schools in Fairfax County)
• Testing accommodations and alternate date testing available upon written request
Page 21
The TJ Test
– 2 ½ hour aptitude test– 70 Verbal questions
• Word meanings • Logical reasoning • Analogies • Reading comprehension
– 50 Math questions• Word problems and computations• Relationships between quantities
Page 22
Essays
On test day, applicants also write two one-page long essays in response to
specific essay prompts.
• Essay 1 focuses on real-world problem solving with an ethical component.
• Essay 2 requires self-reflection and self-assessment.
Page 23
Semifinalist Pool Determination
• Based on a sliding scale of grade point average and test score
• GPA: 7th grade final marks and 1st quarter 8th grade marks (core subjects)
January
Page 24
February
All Semifinalists then must:– Get 3 Teacher Recommendations.
– Prepare Student Information Sheet.
All materials are due to your middle school’s TJ liaison counselor later in February.
Page 25
MarchSelection committees meet and consider:
– Application Form
– Information Sheet
– Teacher Recommendations
– Marks in Core Subjects– 7th grade final marks – first two quarters of 8th grade
– Test Scores and Essay Scores
Page 26
April
Notifications mailed out early April.480 students will be admitted.
Page 27
Getting
Prepared
Page 28
How can you be a
candidate for admission to TJ?
Page 29
To Prepare for TJ
Work hard and get the best grades possible in all 7th and 8th grade core courses:
MathScienceEnglishSocial Studies
Page 30
Preparation for TJ
• Be an enthusiastic learner!
• Pursue interests in – Science – Math– Technology
• Work on writing & communication skills
• Take at least Algebra 1 in 8th grade
Page 31
How can you prepare for the TJ Test?
– Read for comprehension and vocabulary
– Work on math skills • do hard problems in math• go the extra mile
– Practice essay writing skills
– Review Student Handbook
Page 32
Can be downloaded at www.TJAdmissions.org
under “Resources.”
Page 33
What else? In-school and Out-of-school Activities
during the school year and the summer
both organized and self-initiated
Page 34
School Programs
Class ProjectsScience Fair
Odyssey Odyssey of the of the
MindMind
Math Teams
Page 35
Summer Enrichment Programs
• TJ Summer Tech
• Adventure Camps
QUEST
Summer Programs
Page 36
Community Service
• NJHS
• Tutoring
• Scouts etc.
Page 37
To learn more about
TJHSST
Visit us at Open House!
Saturday, September 29, 2007 (8:30 a.m. to Noon)
Page 38
• available after September 24th from middle school liaison counselors
Page 39
The Admissions Website
www.TJAdmission.org
Page 40
Information/Contacts
• Judy Howard, Admissions Director Judith.Howard@fcps.edu– 703-658-5824
• Joshua Strong, Admissions Specialist
Joshua.Strong@fcps.edu– 703-658-5806
Recommended