Hope everyone has made their preparations for whatever weather might be coming our way this weekend. As a reminder, Fairfax County Public Schools makes the decision as to whether we are open, closed, or on a delay so please bookmark their website, or watch the local news for those decisions.
If TJ is closed, please do not come to the building. It will be locked and no one will be there. When the building is closed, we can't guarantee that our parking lots have been plowed or cleared of ice so it is not safe to be on campus.
This week's newsletter includes several fun announcements, our students have been busy winning some major awards! We also have a lot of athletics news, including the announcement of our new head football coach!
As always please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Roth
TJHSST Director of Communications
NASA TechRise Website
Congrats to Nihal Gorthi, Kedar Kalluri, Akshat Patel, and Katherine Russell, along with their sponsor Ms. Highsmith, as their project was one of the winners of the NASA TechRise Student Challenge!
The students will now receive a grant to build their project, entitled "G.A.L.A.C.T.I.C. - Gravitational Acoustic Loading and Analysis of Catheter and Tubing In Circulation." The goal is to test how microgravity affects the resonance and damping of vascular-like elastic materials.
Once completed NASA will launch it into low orbit in May to complete the experiment!
Top 40 Finalists Announcement
In our January News You Choose newsletter we revealed that TJ had 8 Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 300 Scholars.
Well now, we are excited to announce that for the third straight year, TJ has a top-40 finalist in senior Aashritha Penumudi!
Her project is A Novel Approach to Understanding the Structural Basis of Ribosome Stalling by AMD1 and Cellular Arresting Peptides.
Aashritha will now compete in the final competition in March! Way to go!
TJ is excited to announce the appointment of Rachel Worsham as Head Football Coach.
Coach Worsham brings more than 17 years of experience as a player and coach across youth, high school, collegiate scouting, and professional football. Her work within the Fairfax County Public Schools community reflects a strong commitment to educational-based athletics, student safety, and long-term program development.
“I believe student-athletes thrive when programs are built on respect, consistency, and clear expectations,” said Coach Worsham. “I am passionate about helping students see the value of participating beyond the school day and understanding how athletics support personal growth, connection, and well-being.”
Throughout her career, Coach Worsham has focused on developing individuals while building cohesive, accountable teams. She emphasizes strong communication with families, intentional practice structure, and a coaching staff aligned around supporting students both academically and athletically.
“Coach Worsham understands the important role athletics play in helping students develop balance, resilience, and a sense of belonging,” said Leah Conte, Director of Student Activities. “Her approach aligns with our district’s commitment to educational-based athletics and providing meaningful opportunities that support the whole student.”
In addition to her coaching background, Coach Worsham’s professional role allows her to maintain a consistent presence on campus, supporting after-school practices, summer programming, and ongoing communication with student-athletes and families. This visibility will help increase awareness of the football program and encourage broader student participation.
Thomas Jefferson High School leadership looks forward to Coach Worsham’s leadership as the football program continues its long-term growth and development.
Coach Worsham is excited to serve the students of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and to build a program grounded in respect, accountability, participation, and opportunity for all student-athletes.
Students interested in football, whether experienced or new to the sport, are encouraged to get involved. Information about interest meetings, workouts, and next steps will be shared soon. Students should listen for announcements or stop by the Activities Office to learn more about joining the TJ football program.
Our athletics website (www.tjsports.org) is currently under construction. Schedules posted there appear to be accurate, but we are working to update the remaining information as quickly as possible. In the meantime, if you have questions, please reach out to your sport-specific coach or the Activities Office.
For the most accurate schedule please use this link. TJHSST ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
Tryout Information
Spring Sports – Tryouts Begin Monday, February 23, 2026: Baseball, Crew, Girls/Boys Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Girls/Boys Soccer, Softball, Girls/Boys Tennis
Fall 2026 Tryout Dates Announced (Plan Summer Vacations Accordingly):
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July 27, 2026: Golf begins
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August 3, 2026: Cheer, Field Hockey, Football, Girls/Boys Volleyball, Cross Country begin
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Girls Flag Football: Start date TBD
Required for Participation
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VHSL Physical: Must be dated after May 1, 2025. Submit to the Activities Office or Athletic Trainer Heather Murphy: hrmurphy@fcps.edu
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Online Athletic Registration: Must be completed each school year. Registration Link
Notable Dates
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March 2 at 6:00 PM – Meet the Coach Night (Spring Sports) - Meet the coaches, learn expectations for the season, and hear directly from each program about team needs. The Colonial Athletic Booster (CAB) will also be selling spirit wear in the concession stand. All spring sport families are strongly encouraged to attend to receive important information and help ensure a great start to the season.
- Save the Date: June 3 – Physical Night
We’re excited to welcome therapy dogs to TJHSST during lunch on February 11, March 11, and May 20! Students are invited to stop by the Wellness Room to spend time with our four-legged visitors, relax, and de-stress.
In addition, teachers will have the opportunity to sign up their classes to visit the therapy dogs on April 28 and April 29 during designated times. More information to come.
To participate, students will need to verify that they do not have any animal allergies. Space may be limited, so visits will be first come, first served.
We hope you’ll join us for some paws-itive vibes and a well-deserved break during the school day!
Need to reach someone at TJ? Here is some commonly requested contact information:
Main Office - 703-750-8300
Attendance Office - thomasjeffersonhigh.attendance@fcps.edu
Student Services - 703-750-8340
Student Activities - 703-750-8333
Security - 703-750-8331
Administration Contact Information
Mr. Michael Mukai - Principal
Ms. Betsy Fawsett - Associate Principal
Ms. Yaara Crane - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2026 Science and Technology Division)
Mr. Shawn Frank - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2027 and Mathematics and Computer Science Division)
Mr. Dylan Forshay - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2028 and World Language, Art, Music, and Physical Education Division)
Ms. Volita Russell - Subschool Principal (oversees Class of 2029 and Humanities Division)
Ms. Sara Wright - Director of Student Services (oversees Counselors, Social Worker, School Psychologist and other staff providing student support)
Ms. Leah Conte - Director of Student Activities (oversees Activities Office, 8th Period, Athletic Office, Building Maintenance, Custodians, Food Services)
Mr. Mike Roth - Communications Specialist (oversees NewsYouChoose and eNotify, Event promotions, print/digital text, photo, video, Social Media accounts, TJHSST Webmaster and Visitors US & International (TJPF))
For another specific staff member, please use our Staff Directory to find contact information.
Be sure to visit Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology on its official social media channel on Instagram @OfficialTJHSST for pictures and highlights of all the fun events and activities going on at TJ! (Please note that we have discontinued use of our X/Twitter account.)
We'd love it if you give us a follow!
TJ's Anchor/Blue/Red Day Calendar
January 28 - Modified Red Day with two-hour early release - end of first semester
January 29 - Staff Development Day - no school for students
January 30 - Teacher Workday - no school for students
February 6 - February News You Choose newsletter will be released
February 16 - Presidents' Day Holiday - no school for students and staff
February 17 - Teacher Workday - no school for students
February 18 - This Wednesday will be an anchor day for TJ. It is also Religious or Cultural Observance Day (Ash Wednesday) - school remains in session
February 25 - Winter Band Concert - 7 p.m. in Auditorium
February 27 - TJ Talent Show - after school in Auditorium
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