Principal's Message
December 2007
US News & World Report recently ranked TJ as the Best High School in America. Congratulations to our teachers and students for this extraordinary recognition! The criteria used in the ranking heavily weighs student test performance, and at TJ we are fortunate that our students are smart enough to do exceptionally well on tests. However, we know that the real world wants something more out of our students: people who can come up with original ideas, solve problems, and improve society.
Our students need resources and mentors to take their learning to the next level so they can join the ranks of leading future problem-solvers and innovators. We all know that, as a public school, TJ is starving for resources that will give these students a platform on which to create and build breakthrough ideas that benefit humanity. FCPS and the Commonwealth of Virginia provide TJ with an operating budget for supplies, books, general equipment, and salaries. We could not operate without their support. Our unique opportunities for students, however, are often associated with special experiences and resources made possible by outside sources. For example, the equipment in our new neuroscience lab has been acquired through grants, corporate donations, and a gift from the Partnership Fund.
To understand our major resource and equipment needs, please look at our priority list.
Please take time to review this list and let us know if you or one of your colleagues can help us obtain one of these items that we can use in the school. Many area companies are eager to help IF only we reach out to them with an opportunity to "partner" with TJ. You may also contact Gary Bottorff at gary.bottorff@fcps.edu.
We are grateful for the time and contributions made by all our supporters. You are a significant part of the engine that makes TJ a special place for our students and teachers. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Evan Glazer
Principal