Dates and times are subject to change
GTJHS Student Schedule Click Here
Hello Patriot Nation! It is with excitement to write this message on the heels of the hybrid start. My heart is full to see students back in the building. I have gotten to meet many of our students and spend time conversing with them in the mornings and during lunch. Every student has been polite, friendly and charismatic. I am incredibly proud of our teachers, students and staff who have worked together for a successful hybrid opening. We all know this was a venture of uncertainty but with care and confidence we have demonstrated our ability to create a safe environment for our students. It opens a window of progress for the weeks to come. Soon we will be enjoying athletic contests outside with limited spectators. The good news is we are taking the next step in our journey towards normalcy. Each step may be small but it is heavy with promise for good things to come.
As we continue to adjust to a hybrid model and concurrent teaching, I ask that students, parents and teachers exercise patience as we navigate another shift in instruction. Teachers are adjusting each day to connect with the students in front of them while remaining connected to the students learning from home. With each week modifications are made to increase instructional efficacy concurrently.
We have some new procedures in place for our students. They are respecting those changes and doing a great job with compliance. We understand this feels very different than what they remember, but we appreciate their mature response to this new environment.
Seniors and Senior Parents: Graduation planning is in the works. We are hopeful to provide a genuine experience for our seniors that more closely resembles a traditional graduation with celebratory opportunities along the way. Please be on the watch for announcements and updates. Parents we will welcome your assistance when the call comes.
It is important our students stay the course and remain engaged. As we begin to build the master schedule and create courses for our students returning next school year, we must consider students who may potentially have to repeat course work. Our goal is for our students to earn the required credits each year so they can progress to the next grade. However, students who do not earn credit will likely have to repeat the course and may not have an ability to enroll in elective coursework of interest. We are here to help and support your child. Contact your child’s teacher, counselor or administrator if your child needs additional support.
Mid-term is Monday. Hard to believe 63% of the year is complete. Looking forward to longer days filled with warmer air!
-Ms. Kibler
FAFSA Deadline is March 1: FAFSA AND MSFAA Applications must be completed by March 1, 2021 in order to qualify for Maryland State Scholarship Programs and some Community Foundation Scholarships.
Do you need FAFSA/MSFAA Help? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Finish Virtual appointments are available to provide families with assistance in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application) for qualified children of undocumented immigrants.
During these virtual appointments, a financial aid expert will work with students and parents in completing these applications and will be available to answer any questions. FAFSA and MSFAA applications must be completed by March 1, 2021 for a student to be considered for state-based financial aid. For more information and to request an appointment, visit: www.FrederickCountyGives.org/fafsa
FCC Night Virtual Information for High School Seniors: March 4 from 6-7:30 PM online. Join FCC faculty for an evening of conversation and planning. Learn about Academic Programs, Counseling and Advising, Financial Aid and Steps to Enroll. The event also includes academic breakout sessions with faculty members and a student panel and a live Q&A. RSVP at https://frederick.edu/admissions/fcc-night.aspx and login information will be provided upon registration completion. For additional information contact FCC at admissions@frederick.edu or 301-624-2716.
The Community Foundation of Frederick County scholarship application will be available for the 2021-2022 academic year beginning March 1, 2021. The completed application with required attachments must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM. EST on Tuesday, March 31, 2021.
Students about to complete their senior year of high school, students already enrolled in a trade school, college or university, and graduate programs, and non-traditional students over the age of 21 are eligible to apply.
Scholarship criteria are established by the scholarship funds’ founding donors. Some scholarships do not consider financial need. All students are encouraged to apply.
A link to the application will be posted on this webpage: https://www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships. Stay tuned for a virtual workshop to help you complete the application during the week of March 8.
Our Counselors are available for all your in person and virtual needs. If you would like to make an appointment with your assigned counselor, you can use the link: https://patriotschool.org/counseling/conversations-and-presentations/ or contact them directly.
Please take time and view the latest Counseling Newsletter
For athletic events, please view the Athletic Calendar Here
Athletic Mulch Sale Fundraiser Order by March 30, 2021 for pick Up and delivery by April 10 there are 2 Different color options and 2 different bag sizes offered at $4.50/each. For more details and online ordering, please see the flyer Athletic Mulch Sale
For additional information, please visit our athletics website https://tjpatriotathletics.com/
The Class of 2021 is leaving their mark: Cooper Gurrie and Samyak Jain are two GTJHS seniors who are independently working on a fundraising project to purchase a new LED sign near the stadium entrance off of Motter Avenue. They are both FBLA officers who raised more than $1,500 in FBLA funds that will go toward the purchase of the sign, which is estimated to cost between $20,000-$30,000. Recently, they created, organized and conducted a livestream called “24 Hours of TJ” which consisted of interviews and games between teachers and students in an effort to collect donations. The GoFundMe account they created has generated more than $13,000 donations, with an additional $5,000 in donations from local businesses. We would like to thank the TJ Community for all who donated to the LED Sign Fundraiser and commend all of the students who were involved Marian Quintanilla, Grazia Romo, Jessie Wirtz, Jacob Orr, Justin Chappell, Larissa Rideout, Binwi Bihai, Alex Reid, Joshua Wiggins, Gareth Fountain, Jackson Smith, Eli Cornell, Garrett Frank, and Devin Bora. Cooper and Sam and the Administration wanted to make sure everyone's work and service was highlighted. This great success was truly the work of a strong team!
Congratulations to the following artists whose work will be representing GTJHS in a Flickr Gallery show on the Delaplaine Visual Art gallery website: Oritseweyinmi Bafor, Cameron Dawson, Krista Failacci, Jillian Rector and Brenna Moltere. Their work will be on display for the entire month of March in honor of Youth Art Month.
TJ student featured in FNP: This month Diya Jha was featured in the Frederick News Post for winning Frederick County’s Post Oratorical Contest. Diya is a sophomore and advanced to compete at the district level. She was the youngest contestant and earned runner-up honors to a senior. We are confident she will be back next year and will be the one to beat! The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.
We are incredibly proud of our two Senior Rotary Representatives who joined Ms. Kibler and the Frederick Rotary Club during the month of January. Brianne Helmstetter and Sartaj Gulati impressed the club with insightful questions and closing speeches. Rotary student guests are selected on academic achievement, leadership, character and service. Brianne and Sartaj truly embody excellence!
Underclassmen Picture Days are coming soon
Hybrid Students: You have 2 options for pictures
Option One: There is no fee to sit for portraits. If you want a School ID card, you must sit for a portrait. In person photos will be taken in the school auditorium lobby. Please see the schedule below:
Attached are order forms for all in person portraits Portrait Flyer Picture Day
Option Two: you may upload a portrait photo to be used in the yearbook. Please see the attached directions. Yearbook Photo Directions in English Yearbook Photo Directions in Spanish All photos must be uploaded by March 12. This option does NOT provide an option to Order Prints or get a School ID card.
Virtual Students: You have 2 options for pictures
Option One: Time slots are available for you to take in person portraits on March 8, 9, 11 and 12 from 2-5 PM. Use the link to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c44a5af2ba1ff2-gtjhs
Yearbooks are currently on sale: Our general on-line yearbook sales are still available, visit https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ and enter the TJ school code 4749 to secure the low price of $65. In addition you may order Senior AD's or donate a yearbook to a current senior who may not be able to buy one themselves.
Our Basic Bag of Groceries program provides students and families in need a supplemental, nutritious bag of groceries each week. If you would like more information on how to sign up for the Basic Bag of Groceries or to make a donation, please email Robyn.myers@fcps.org.
Need School supplies? TJ has a limited number of backpacks stuffed with school supplies available to TJ Students, please contact Robyn Myers at Robyn.myers@fcps.org or 240-236-8258 to receive a backpack!
Need Help?
Help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect--Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464
Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe--Crisis Services: Dial 211
Report threats or situations that put your safety, or others’ safety, at risk--Maryland anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-633-7233
Help if you are thinking about suicide--Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
COVID-19 Resources: Frederick County Public Schools has provided a Health Metrics Dashboard for families. Please consider this a useful tool for any COVID-19 related questions https://www.fcps.org/update/dashboard
Art Department
The dance focus of the Academy for the Fine Arts is participating in the Maryland Dance Alliance. Students participated in a virtual contemporary class, are learning choreography from a master teacher that will be submitted for a collaborative video and are creating their own work for submission to a School Choreography Showcase.
The TJ Tri-M Club will be working in collaboration with Walkersville High’s Tri-M Club to have a “Battle of the Bands” which will include other music groups from various high schools in the county. Although this is strictly a music event all are invited to attend, virtually, of course. More information will be coming soon.
The TJ Singers Club will be meeting on Thursdays from 1-1:30 PM. The TJ Singers are open to anyone interested in singing, the google meet code is gjthsktaylorclubs.
Gov Thomas Johnson HS
1501 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701