Introducing TJ 2010 -2011 What is TJ

Introducing “TJ” 2010 -2011

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. 3) Page 2

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 3

Where is TJ? • 6560 Braddock Rd Alexandria, VA 22312 Copyright © 2007 National Realty, Northern Virginia Real Estate http: //www. nationalrealty. biz/map/county. htm Page 4

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. • All students must earn the TJ Diploma. Page 5

The TJ Diploma • 4 science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geosystems) • 4 math (through AP Calculus) • 3 technology (incl. Computer Science) • 2 fine/practical arts (incl. “Tech”) • 4 English • 4 social studies • 3 foreign language (in one language) • 2 Health & Physical Education Page 6

What makes TJ different? • All courses taught on honors/gifted, AP, or post-AP level • Integrated courses for integration of related ideas & flexible class time Page 7

Freshman Year IBET Integrated Biology, English & Technology An introduction to TJ’s Core Values: Critical Inquiry & Research, Problem Solving, Intellectual Curiosity, and Social Responsibility! Page 8

Sophomore & Junior Year HUM Integrated Humanities builds strong habits of inquiry and research – 10 th grade: English & World History & Geography 2 – 11 th grade: English & U. S. History Page 9

Senior Year Research Laboratories • • Astronomy Biotechnology Communication Systems Computer Systems Energy Systems Modern Physics Oceanography • • • Automation & Robotics Chemical Analysis Computer Assisted Design Microelectronics Neuroscience Prototyping Mentorship Program Page 10

Additional Science Courses • • DNA Science Neurobiology Numerical Analysis Nature of Materials Bio Nanotechnology Artificial Intelligence Organic Chemistry Computational Physics Page 11

Is it just science and tech? • Electives offered in all subject areas. • Curricular art, band, orchestra, choir, drama, journalism, photography, yearbook, etc. • Foreign languages include: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Page 12

The TJ Day • School Hours – 8: 30 AM until 3: 50 PM • 8 Periods (not 7) • Block Scheduling • Common Lunch • P. M. Break • No Bells! Page 13

Eight Periods? ! • Period 8 is an activity period – Guidance activities, study hall, tutoring, lab work, school publications, etc. – Clubs & other activities • Over 150 activities offered Page 14

Life at TJHSST • Homecoming, Pep Rallies & Sock Hops • Publications: Tj. Today, Techniques, Teknos, Reflections, etc. • Music: Chorus, Orchestra & Band • Theatre: One Acts, Shakespeare Troupe, etc. • Sports: 25 Varsity Sports (incl. crew) Page 15

What is TJ looking for? • Aptitude for successful study of – science, math, computer science – technological • Prior academic Achievement Page 16

• Genuine 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. ” Page 17

The Admissions Process Page

Timeline • Applications available in September • Applications due late October • Admissions Test in December • Semifinalist Notification in January • Packets completed in February • Final Decisions in April Page 19

Eligibility Requirements • 8 th grade to apply to 9 th • Residency in a participating school division • Algebra 1 or higher in 8 th grade Page 20

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 you attend a private school, you must verify residency. Page 21

Applications are due Oct. 22, 2010 An Absolute Deadline! Page 22

“Never put off til tomorrow what you can do today. ” -Thomas Page Jefferson

December Test Day is December 4, 2010 • 15 sites (most at middle schools in Fairfax County) • Testing accommodations and alternate date testing available upon written request Page 24

The TJ Test Two-hour math and verbal reasoning test – 45 Verbal questions • Scrambled paragraphs • Logical reasoning • Reading comprehension – 50 Math questions • Word problems and computations Page 25

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 selfassessment. Page 26

January Semifinalist Pool Determination • Based on a sliding scale of grade point average and test scores • GPA: 7 th grade final marks and 1 st quarter 8 th grade marks (core subjects) Page 27

February All Semifinalists then must: – Get Teacher Recommendations. – Prepare Student Information Sheet. All materials are due to your middle school’s TJ liaison counselor later in February. Page 28

March Selection process considers: • Student Information Sheet • Teacher Recommendations • Math and Science Marks • Math Admissions Test Scores • Essay Scores Page 29

April Notifications mailed out early April. 480 students will be admitted. Page 30

Getting Prepared Page 31

How can you be a strong candidate? • Work hard and get the best grades possible in all core courses: Math, Science, English, Social Studies (7 th grade and 8 th grade) • Be an enthusiastic learner! Page 32

How can you be a strong candidate? • Pursue interests in science, math, and technology • Work on writing and communication skills Page 33

How can you be a strong candidate? Get involved! • In-school and out-of-school activities (during the school year and during the summer), both organized and self-initiated • Community Service (NJHS, tutoring, Scouts, etc. ) Page 34

What can you do to prepare for test day? • Read!!! • Practice essay writing skills • Become a “human calculator” Page 35

A Human Calculator? Work on your Math Skills!! • No calculators allowed for TJ Test • Go the extra mile in your math class • Drill your skills Page 36

What can you do to prepare for test day? • Find at www. TJAdmissions. org under “Resources. ” Page 37

Questions? Page 38

The Admissions Website www. TJAdmissions. org Page 39

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To learn more about TJHSST for 2010 -2011 Visit us at Open House! Saturday, October 2 ND 8: 30 – 11: 30 a. m. Page 41

TJ Admissions Office • Amos Simms-Smith, Specialist – 571 -423 -3772 – Amos. Simms. Smith@fcps. edu • Main Office – 571 -423 -3770 – tjadmissions@fcps. edu Page 42