The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
News
New weapons detectors were installed this morning through a pilot program required by Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid after an incident at West Potomac High School. “These threats [have] only happened once, but you can never really know when [it will happen],” junior Laura Moreno Hernandez said. “I think this precaution, if we get used to it, will be [fine]. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
News Brief: Pilot program for weapons detection system installed this morning
Karen Lee, Managing Editor • June 6, 2025

This morning, Jefferson students walked into the building with weapons detection systems at every door, instructed to take out all laptops, binders and...

Middle and elementary schoolers explored science hands-on at the DIY Bird Feeders booth during Techstravaganza, led by Jefferson volunteers. “Kids loved learning about different birds and which seeds attract them,” Sophomore Peehu Gangwani said. “I drew example birds to help explain, and even parents got involved, sharing what birds they’ve seen in their neighborhoods.” Photo courtesy of officialtjhsst
Techstravaganza sparks excitement again
May 27, 2025
Students take taffy from the tables in Nobel Commons. “Get the word out and let everyone know,” principal Michael Mukai said. “We want to share this moment before we go away [for spring break].”
Administration organizes first-ever Taffy Day for students and staff
April 12, 2025
Jefferson students participated in a fun lunchtime tournament playing an indoor variation of soccer—futsal. The tournament allowed students to be competitive while still having lighthearted fun playing futsal, and also introducing people unfamiliar with the game to a new sport that they may enjoy. “At the competition, I saw people that didn’t play soccer, but still joined to tournament for fun, and there were a lot of people that didn’t play soccer just watching games. I think the tournament spread the joy of soccer (throughout Jefferson),” 2027 class council Vice President Tony Wang said.
2027 Class Council hosts annual futsal tournament
April 3, 2025
Features
Often, famous pieces of artwork, such as the starry night, are accompanied by Ekphrasis poems, as they shine a whole new light on areas of the piece that some would never have explored otherwise. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Art inspires art: exploration of ekphrasis poetry
Juliana Jaffe, Staff Writer • June 7, 2025

Poetry club takes place every Friday during A block of 8th period. Each week the officers chose a new type of poem, rhyme scheme, or prompt which the students...

History teacher Gwen Wright smiles in a thrifted wool sweater of her signature color: bright pink. “I love thrifting clothes,” Wright said. “It’s probably where I get a good amount of my clothes. It's affordable, which is great, but it's also sustainable. Thrifting is a really fun hobby because you just never know what you're gonna find.”
Teacher fabulous fashion
April 27, 2025
Jefferson student-athlete Josie Clayton awarded NFL Flag Player of the Year
Jefferson student-athlete Josie Clayton awarded NFL Flag Player of the Year
April 25, 2025
Juniors Grace Amartuvshin and Ananya Bhatt give a lesson on neural encoding in preparation for a team-based lab during the club meeting. “I think these types of lessons and activities are a good opportunity to explore neuroscience in a deeper, more specialized way,” Amartuvshin said. “It gives students the chance to develop skills that can be applied to the field.”
Decoding the brain
April 24, 2025
Entertainment
From valedictorian to villain: rewatching Rory Gilmore
From valedictorian to villain: rewatching Rory Gilmore
Sahana Adusumilli, Staff Writer • June 17, 2025

If you’ve ever fallen into the world of “Gilmore Girls,” you know that it’s a show that feels like a warm hug from a small town of quirky characters....

13-year-old Jamie Miller gets arrested for killing a girl from his school, which turns his whole family's life upside down. The show uses intense, one-shot episodes to explore how factors such as social media, peer pressure, and toxic influences can lead a regular kid down a dark path.
‘Adolescence’ (2025) is an unfiltered reality
June 15, 2025
During Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics’ forward Jayson Tatum falls to the floor in pain after tearing his right Achilles tendon.
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury will change the NBA drastically
June 11, 2025
Delivering an ethereal, symbolic cover for the album, d4vd’s “WITHERED” is a continuity of the themes he commonly sings about: love, loss, and heartbreak.
‘WITHERED’ by d4vd, a continuation and a differentiation of his ongoing career
June 10, 2025
Opinion
Talking about our mental health only normalizes good mental health. Are you or someone you know thinking about suicide? If you are in crisis, please call 988 or text HOME to 741741.
Making the mindset of Jefferson stay healthy throughout the year
Anonymous, Staff Writer • June 16, 2025
The process of composting has been implemented in many schools in Fairfax County and there is an increasing desire here at Jefferson to decrease food waste that ends up in landfills.
Making Fairfax County more sustainable
June 14, 2025
The end of the year is a stressful time for all students, especially freshmen, who are finishing up their Integrated Biology, English, Statistics and Design and Technology (IBEST) projects and their first year at Jefferson.
Final exams should be given during final exam week
June 13, 2025
Billionaire Elon Musk was tasked with leading the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative aimed at reducing federal spending, in January.
DOGE is incompetent and harmful
April 29, 2025
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Sports
Jumping over a hurdle, junior Breanne Graham races through the 100-meter hurdles at the district meet on May 14. What began as simple conditioning turned into a passion that led her to become a team captain. “Hurdles are just fun, and I love the rhythm and technique that go into every jump,” Graham said.
Jefferson track hurdlers take on the district stage
Moqadas Khushbin, Staff Writer • June 6, 2025
Sam Taylor and Annandale defender Arisel Aguilera-Sanchez fight for possession of a grounded lacrosse ball. “It was really hot, but it felt fun. We're able to try new things and to take more risks, because we know we're able to win the game,” Taylor said.
Jefferson girls lacrosse triumphs 19-6 over Annandale Atoms
June 1, 2025
Jefferson's girls lacrosse team kicks off spring season
Jefferson’s girls lacrosse team kicks off spring season
April 5, 2025
Juniors Manya Yellepeddy, Sarah Coppenbarger and senior Helena Johnson play against John R. Lewis High School and bring home an amazing win. "You want to practice how you play, but [it is] definitely a different environment scrimmaging with your team versus [playing against] a team you know has a history of being a really good team," Yellepeddy said.
Girls varsity basketball shines with best season in six years
March 17, 2025
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tjTODAY Print Edition
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