FCPS TJ Class of 2024 Press Release - Buried; AA Admits "TS" to Mention

[Anonymous]

And you see the responses from TJ students, which are basically variations of "what are the minimal changes that could be made to TJ to make us feel less guilty about the school's lack of diversity"?

TJ is inherently elitist and discriminatory; it has screwed up the feeder patterns at the schools in that part of the county; and it contributes to overcrowding in FCPS by only educating about 1300 Fairfax students when it could be educating over 2000 county students.

It's time for the School Board to do their damn jobs.

[Anonymous]

It is not discriminatory because admissions is race-blind. I don’t see you calling out base schools that are disproportionately white because that’s who spends big $ to buy those houses.

It could be called elitist since it is selective, merit-based admissions. And so? Since when is merit bad?

The crowding argument is your only valid one but it is not just an FCPS school. It is also a Governor’s school and, as such, serves the region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is not discriminatory because admissions is race-blind. I don’t see you calling out base schools that are disproportionately white because that’s who spends big $ to buy those houses.

It could be called elitist since it is selective, merit-based admissions. And so? Since when is merit bad?

The crowding argument is your only valid one but it is not just an FCPS school. It is also a Governor’s school and, as such, serves the region.

TJ admissions are not merit-based. Over half of overall scoring is subjective evaluations of the info sheet, essays, and recommendations. The applicants are essentially indistinguishable in terms of GPA and middle school performance. Many of the top scores in the math section of the test are rejected.

There are loads of kids in MS who could qualify for TJ. The problem is that qualified students are not applying.

[Anonymous]

No. I personally know an AA student who will be attending next year.

[Anonymous]

Dear TJHSST Students and Families:

While the world has been quietly hibernating in quarantine the past few months, we recognize the personal isolation, health fears, and academic challenges you have endured. Our homes have been familiar yet bustling enterprises of work and school as we awaited our world to return to normal.

However, disturbing and painful actions in our country have jarred us from our COVID-19 slumber. We are awakened to see that our country’s normal continues to be laced with racism that has plagued our nation since its founding. The recent events in our nation with black citizens facing death and continued injustices remind us that we each have a responsibility to our community to speak up and take actions that counter racism and discrimination in our society.

I implore you to think about your own journey and discovery of race and economic advantage in America. My parents never had to teach me about what it means to be white. I never have had to worry that someone would look at the color of my skin and think I either may not be smart enough to learn or I should be exceedingly smart in a certain subject. No one has surveilled me in a store while shopping, or locked their cars or front doors out of fear when seeing me in their neighborhood. While I did not come from a family with economic means, the color of my skin has given me privileges that others do not have. Please think of privileges you hold that others may not.

As we engage in self-reflection, children and adults can experience a range of emotions including hurt, anger, confusion, discomfort, defensiveness, hopelessness, humility, resolve and advocacy. These feelings are normal.

Our teachers, too, are processing everything while continuing to create classrooms that are safe and welcoming spaces. We encourage students to connect with teachers, counselors and administrators, particularly if they are struggling with how to cope with their range of emotions and ideas. Also, FCPS has several resources on countering racism and stigma you may find here on the district website.

Thank you for taking time to personally reflect. Give yourself the gift of feeling vulnerable as you process emotions individually and collectively. Reach out to trusted professionals and access resources that will help you.

During this reflection period, I would like to simultaneously call the TJ community to action in three areas.

First, our school is a rich tapestry of heritages; however, we do not reflect the racial composition in FCPS. Our 32 black students and 47 Hispanic students fill three classrooms. If our demographics actually represented FCPS, we would enroll 180 black and 460 Hispanic students, filling nearly 22 classrooms. The most recent TJ admissions trend, unfortunately, does not close the equity gap. Do all FCPS children who have high interest and aptitude for STEM enjoy the same privileges that put them on a path to TJ? Do the TJ admissions outcomes affirm that we believe TJ is accessible to all talented STEM-focused students regardless of race or personal circumstance?

Second, consider colonialism’s role in our country’s history where certain classes exerted power over others as a means to economically exploit, oppress and enslave them. During the Colonial period, there were leaders who believed those with black or brown skin were uncivilized and not capable of being educated. I speak for us all when I assert this is not a value we share as a TJ community. Yet, our mascot is a Colonial. Can our community support dismantling a symbol that perpetuated racism in our country?

Finally, the heart of public education is in the classroom. This is where students learn to become ethical and global citizens as espoused in the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate. Our students learn to understand and accept, not merely tolerate, diverse cultures and perspectives. Curriculum will need to be adapted to better equip our TJ students. As expressed by TJ alumni who have written to me, “STEM alone is not enough.” Can our community support the new conversations, lessons and activities that will need to be infused across our entire TJ program of study in all content areas?

I acknowledge some of the questions I am asking may not equally resonate with everyone as we examine our school’s place within FCPS and the world. I also know that my words may not always be eloquent, my ideas may miss the mark, and I will make mistakes. I also know that I have enjoyed growing with you these past three years and have immense trust and faith in our community to pull together and do what is right, particularly for those in our community experiencing the most pain right now.

By evaluating the racial equity at our school, dismantling a long-held symbol of racism, and embracing curricula to better prepare TJ graduates for a truly diverse and culturally responsive world, you will play a role in how TJHSST continues to lead the nation as a public school that prepares students for the shared interests of humanity. Thank you for joining in this important work.

Sincerely,

Ann N. Bonitatibus, Ed.D.

TJHSST Principal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's not a private school where the solution to every problem is a charity auction.

It's a public resource that should be operated for the benefit of all who subsidize it.

Whether by design or by default, TJ has sent a clear message to non-Asian kids that they are "less than." Applications are declining rapidly, and blacks, Hispanics and whites are all so dispirited by their admissions odds and what their experience likely would be like even if they were admitted that only 3-5% of eligible students apply. Meanwhile, close to 30% of the Asian 8th graders in the participating jurisdictions apply and over 70% of the admitted students are Asian.

It has been an abject failure as a community institution and FCPS - which can't churn out enough messages these days about its commitment to equity and opposition to racism - does nothing.

TJ was never meant to be a representative reflection. It is a STEM-focused school that offers top-notch education to all who apply and can get in. If you have evidence that the admissions committee gives preferential treatment to Asians, please publish it. The mere fact that it did not admit enough of a certain ethnic or racial group is not by itself evidence of bias.

Perhaps you should ask yourself - what is it that TJ offers that happens to be SO attractive to Asians and SO unattractive to others?

A reasonable chance of getting in if you're Asian and a student body that's over 70% Asian.

You are incorrect, TJ admissions discriminates against Asians in the admissions process. Asian applicants have to show higher test scores, better grades, better recommendation letters, more STEM activities and they are penalized in the subjective areas such as essays. You got it reversed.

+1000

Asian student percentage at TJ would be higher without the systematic discrimination against Asian applicants in the admissions process.

Don't worry, soon there will be only Asian kids there. High achieving kids from other races aren't swayed by the hype.

Or they can't handle the rigors of the top high school.

Keep telling yourself that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's not a private school where the solution to every problem is a charity auction.

It's a public resource that should be operated for the benefit of all who subsidize it.

Whether by design or by default, TJ has sent a clear message to non-Asian kids that they are "less than." Applications are declining rapidly, and blacks, Hispanics and whites are all so dispirited by their admissions odds and what their experience likely would be like even if they were admitted that only 3-5% of eligible students apply. Meanwhile, close to 30% of the Asian 8th graders in the participating jurisdictions apply and over 70% of the admitted students are Asian.

It has been an abject failure as a community institution and FCPS - which can't churn out enough messages these days about its commitment to equity and opposition to racism - does nothing.

TJ was never meant to be a representative reflection. It is a STEM-focused school that offers top-notch education to all who apply and can get in. If you have evidence that the admissions committee gives preferential treatment to Asians, please publish it. The mere fact that it did not admit enough of a certain ethnic or racial group is not by itself evidence of bias.

Perhaps you should ask yourself - what is it that TJ offers that happens to be SO attractive to Asians and SO unattractive to others?

A reasonable chance of getting in if you're Asian and a student body that's over 70% Asian.

You are incorrect, TJ admissions discriminates against Asians in the admissions process. Asian applicants have to show higher test scores, better grades, better recommendation letters, more STEM activities and they are penalized in the subjective areas such as essays. You got it reversed.

+1000

Asian student percentage at TJ would be higher without the systematic discrimination against Asian applicants in the admissions process.

Don't worry, soon there will be only Asian kids there. High achieving kids from other races aren't swayed by the hype.

Or they can't handle the rigors of the top high school.

Keep telling yourself that.

Not pp, but likewise

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is not discriminatory because admissions is race-blind. I don’t see you calling out base schools that are disproportionately white because that’s who spends big $ to buy those houses.

It could be called elitist since it is selective, merit-based admissions. And so? Since when is merit bad?

The crowding argument is your only valid one but it is not just an FCPS school. It is also a Governor’s school and, as such, serves the region.

Discrimination is often measured based on impact as well as intent. In TJ’s case the discriminatory impact of the admission practices is obvious and there is a serious question as to intent as well.

FCPS owns TJ and decides to have TJ redesigned each year as a Governor’s School. It is not state-owned. For FCPS to continue to seek that designation when it knows it has overcrowded schools, which it tries to paper over by treating separate modulars as permanent building space, is not only negligent, but reckless from a safety perspective. So your argument is BS.

Brabrand clearly is an incredibly weak Superintendent who has done nothing to improve the situation, but the new School Board has to step up.

[Anonymous]

^ redesignated

[Anonymous]

If MIT can find qualified minorities then TJ can too. MIT absolutely changes the mile maker for racial diversity. I don't mean that they are lesser qualified, but the institution recognizes and acknowledges a different standard of excellence for kids coming from rural and urban areas. They look for tenacity and creativity in the resources afforded to that particular applicant. Then, before school starts, these kids are invited to an intense summer program designed to get them up to speed with the more affluent kids. Guess what? It works. I know so many talented adults that started at MIT that way. They all deserved to be there. We can do better! Being blind to race isn't the answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear TJHSST Students and Families:

While the world has been quietly hibernating in quarantine the past few months, we recognize the personal isolation, health fears, and academic challenges you have endured. Our homes have been familiar yet bustling enterprises of work and school as we awaited our world to return to normal.

However, disturbing and painful actions in our country have jarred us from our COVID-19 slumber. We are awakened to see that our country’s normal continues to be laced with racism that has plagued our nation since its founding. The recent events in our nation with black citizens facing death and continued injustices remind us that we each have a responsibility to our community to speak up and take actions that counter racism and discrimination in our society.

I implore you to think about your own journey and discovery of race and economic advantage in America. My parents never had to teach me about what it means to be white. I never have had to worry that someone would look at the color of my skin and think I either may not be smart enough to learn or I should be exceedingly smart in a certain subject. No one has surveilled me in a store while shopping, or locked their cars or front doors out of fear when seeing me in their neighborhood. While I did not come from a family with economic means, the color of my skin has given me privileges that others do not have. Please think of privileges you hold that others may not.

As we engage in self-reflection, children and adults can experience a range of emotions including hurt, anger, confusion, discomfort, defensiveness, hopelessness, humility, resolve and advocacy. These feelings are normal.

Our teachers, too, are processing everything while continuing to create classrooms that are safe and welcoming spaces. We encourage students to connect with teachers, counselors and administrators, particularly if they are struggling with how to cope with their range of emotions and ideas. Also, FCPS has several resources on countering racism and stigma you may find here on the district website.

Thank you for taking time to personally reflect. Give yourself the gift of feeling vulnerable as you process emotions individually and collectively. Reach out to trusted professionals and access resources that will help you.

During this reflection period, I would like to simultaneously call the TJ community to action in three areas.

First, our school is a rich tapestry of heritages; however, we do not reflect the racial composition in FCPS. Our 32 black students and 47 Hispanic students fill three classrooms. If our demographics actually represented FCPS, we would enroll 180 black and 460 Hispanic students, filling nearly 22 classrooms. The most recent TJ admissions trend, unfortunately, does not close the equity gap. Do all FCPS children who have high interest and aptitude for STEM enjoy the same privileges that put them on a path to TJ? Do the TJ admissions outcomes affirm that we believe TJ is accessible to all talented STEM-focused students regardless of race or personal circumstance?

Second, consider colonialism’s role in our country’s history where certain classes exerted power over others as a means to economically exploit, oppress and enslave them. During the Colonial period, there were leaders who believed those with black or brown skin were uncivilized and not capable of being educated. I speak for us all when I assert this is not a value we share as a TJ community. Yet, our mascot is a Colonial. Can our community support dismantling a symbol that perpetuated racism in our country?

Finally, the heart of public education is in the classroom. This is where students learn to become ethical and global citizens as espoused in the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate. Our students learn to understand and accept, not merely tolerate, diverse cultures and perspectives. Curriculum will need to be adapted to better equip our TJ students. As expressed by TJ alumni who have written to me, “STEM alone is not enough.” Can our community support the new conversations, lessons and activities that will need to be infused across our entire TJ program of study in all content areas?

I acknowledge some of the questions I am asking may not equally resonate with everyone as we examine our school’s place within FCPS and the world. I also know that my words may not always be eloquent, my ideas may miss the mark, and I will make mistakes. I also know that I have enjoyed growing with you these past three years and have immense trust and faith in our community to pull together and do what is right, particularly for those in our community experiencing the most pain right now.

By evaluating the racial equity at our school, dismantling a long-held symbol of racism, and embracing curricula to better prepare TJ graduates for a truly diverse and culturally responsive world, you will play a role in how TJHSST continues to lead the nation as a public school that prepares students for the shared interests of humanity. Thank you for joining in this important work.

Sincerely,

Ann N. Bonitatibus, Ed.D.

TJHSST Principal

More of the same - what are the minimal changes we can get away with making to preserve our privileged status?

And auctioning off the phony Rotunda in front of the building pay for all the new uniforms they’ll need if they get rid of the Colonials mascot, or do they just snap their fingers and get the TJ Partnership Fund to pay for that overnight?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If MIT can find qualified minorities then TJ can too. MIT absolutely changes the mile maker for racial diversity. I don't mean that they are lesser qualified, but the institution recognizes and acknowledges a different standard of excellence for kids coming from rural and urban areas. They look for tenacity and creativity in the resources afforded to that particular applicant. Then, before school starts, these kids are invited to an intense summer program designed to get them up to speed with the more affluent kids. Guess what? It works. I know so many talented adults that started at MIT that way. They all deserved to be there. We can do better! Being blind to race isn't the answer.

TJ is a county-owned public high school, not a private university. Stop pretending it is MIT, Jr.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS and TJ do a lot of outreach. What are you suggesting? Race based admission?

Yup.

Thereby setting them up for failure? Who does that help?

That's not what data shows. It actually shows they perform up and do just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What you don’t seem to understand is that for some high achieving black students (and families), TJ is not a desirable destination. My DC is a top student, Mathcounts team both years, National science competitions, straight A’s with little effort, but was completely not interested in TJ. DC does not want to be the only black student in class and be isolated. I don’t want that either. We are a highly educated, high achieving family and if I felt that the base schools didn’t anything to offer, maybe would have considered TJ. However, our base school is good and I value a healthy environment over a toxic one.

I can understand why black kids might not want to go to TJ because of the small numbers of black students, I don't agree that the environment is "toxic." Its not for everyone, but many kids thrive there.

Not OP and not AA, but I don't think OP meant TJ is toxic per see but an environment with no AAs could be toxic for her AA child. That is how I read it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just an observer but I think the county should be extremely proud to have the number #1 rated High School in the country. can't do much better than that. Most of the rest of the high schools aren't much worse in NOVA anyway, and most all of the best students, be it from TJ or the other HS's, wind up at U.Va anyway.

Relatively few TJ kids end up at UVA. Over half that apply are rejected, and the top students use UVA as a safety.

Only 37 of those reporting in last year's graduation publication were going to UVA (out of a class size of 455). Nearly 80% reported destinations. Next were W&M with 28, Pitt and VT with 16, Michigan 14, Cornell 13, CMU 12, and Illinois 11.

Ivy+ was 43: Harvard 5, MIT 7, Yale 5, Princeton 4, Stanford 3, Penn 3, Columbia 2, Cornell 13, Dartmouth 1

Please DO NOT INSULT THE IVIES: MIT and Stanford do not belong