Comments
dude.. so true about ceiling tiles.. first day of gym i thought i was gonna die!
Posted by: lcr, Jan 08, 2010 08:41:06 PM
John Han, I wish you were 18... =] Luckily, when I was at TJ, it was uncommon for me to interact with arrogant shmucks. Your plight loses significance when you talk about it in the manner you have... on a Comment Page online. Congratulations, you are a douchebag.
Posted by: AR, Nov 06, 2009 09:24:58 AM
Quit the arrogance, TJ. You make me ashamed to be part of it.
Posted by: 2011 TJ Student, Oct 25, 2009 08:10:58 PM
I will never buy another Washingtonian again!
Posted by: A TJ Parent, Oct 21, 2009 09:03:27 AM
If it had not been for the high standards of ethics and community sense, apart from the obvious academics, I do NOT know how my son could have felt at home at school while undergoing cancer treatment. Upon his passing, the school truly showed their spirit: TJHSST students and parents are family! There will always be "Neider" (German for someone who is envious, jealous). And they should be envious for not being able to attend this school. As I said, not JUST for the academics.
Posted by: Trish Hamilton, Oct 20, 2009 03:57:58 PM
#fail Washingtonian - an utterly senseless mistake in advertising and marketing - http://www.dullessouthonline.com/loudoun_county_gateway/2009/10/fail-washingtonian-why-you-should-love.html
Posted by: Loudoun, Oct 10, 2009 05:38:44 AM
My wife and I are both TJ alums from the 90’s. I don’t really have a specific comment about the article. TJ like everything else in life has its pluses and minuses. My wife and I both did the ivy thing and got advance degrees afterwards. That TJ drive never seems to end and lasts well into your thirties.
Most of the first/second generation of TJ grads have children or are at child-bearing age now. I was wondering if anyone has done a study of the incidences of autism for the children of TJ grads. Might make an interesting study or senior science project. As a TJ alum & the father of a very mildly autistic child, I certainly would like to know. There’s also probably a Nobel prize in medicine waiting for the scientist(s) that figure out autism. Thank you.
Posted by: TJ Alum, Oct 10, 2009 05:15:36 AM
the cynical, envious, numbskull sentiment that led to the cover of the magazine is symptomatic of the devaluing of education that is contributing to America’s competitive decline - see Krugman’s column in the Times today for reinforcement...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/opinion/09krugman.html?hp
Posted by: TJ parent, Oct 09, 2009 06:23:51 AM
I don’t understand the big deal. I am a TJ student (senior), I have a 4.408 because of a stupidly-lenient honors/AP weighting and grading system, and I don’t consider myself to the smartest of them all, to be quite frank. So, in short, this grade inflation has simply caused TJ students to get extremely arrogant about themselves. In many respects, TJ has gone downhill, and I have notice many negative changes over my four years here.
But what do we care so much? It is a high school nevertheless. And yes, there are biology teachers who doesn’t know the difference between frog eggs and plant cells (and may she never forget it). But, come on! It’s old. Quit the arguing, and stop wasting press space on high schools.
Posted by: se-sen-seniors SENIORS!!!, Oct 03, 2009 08:36:20 PM
Now...I freely admit to not reading the entirety of the article. I also admit to wanting to bash someone for the articles title. Now, with so much heresay, the way I heard it, from a teacher of mine, was that Mr. Lindsay wrote a good article. You were a TJ Grad? That’s awesome! Anywayz, to continue: the way I hear it is that the article did not originally have this title. And also that what the article says is almost entirely positive (haven’t read it). So. I’m not going to rag on the writers, or editors, or publishers, who all have jobs, unlike TJ students. Even some of these parents have written a few interesting comments...but I can’t know what reason the article was given its title. So. Those of you who’ve been ragging on the Washingtonian, I say: is that part of TJ? I mean...come on. We may act like teenagers and joke around, but a serious series of invective and veiled insults? You’re making the title true. Let me add a little Fairfax County education to this mix: "When somebody calls you names, ignore it, and they’ll eventually stop." Now, that doesn’t always work...like Salem Witch trials...but my point is that we don’t need to spit out every single little way the title or any spin in it is untrue. Let sleeping dogs lie, let little lies fly. It’s like trying to find 4000 factorial by hand. It just gets messy.
Posted by: Owl, Oct 01, 2009 05:54:27 PM
To all the current TJ students reading this:
I graduated from TJ in 1993. I can say without a doubt that TJ changed the entire trajectory of my life. Sure, it most certainly put me on track to succeed in college and get a rewarding career, but it also surrounded me with the kinds of people that inspired me to find the best in myself, who gave me lots of hope about what we could collectively achieve and opened my eyes to an vast universe of knowledge and discovery and exploration that was out there waiting for me. You can’t put a price on that or measure it, but it’s right there in front of you right now, and I promise you, it’s not found in many places, so take advantage of it.
In contrast, I saw many of my friends who stayed in the local high school lose their way and fall off the path. Sure there are exceptions on both sides, and TJ is NOT perfect by any means, but the environment at TJ is so nurturing, supportive and innovative, and you should be proud that you are part of what makes it that way. You have opportunities there that certainly are unique to high school and in many ways provide experiences that even universities cannot replicate.
My TJ years are some of my most cherished memories, and if I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat. My advice to you as someone who traveled your same road is to just ignore all the nonsense and the naysayers here, embrace the incredible opportunity you now have, live in the moment, and I promise you it will pay you back tenfold.
- An extremely proud TJHSST ’93 graduate
Posted by: TJChangedMyLife, Oct 01, 2009 06:36:03 AM
To all the current TJ students reading this:
I graduated from TJ in 1993. I can say without a doubt that TJ changed the entire trajectory of my life. Sure, it most certainly put me on track to succeed in college and get a rewarding career, but it also surrounded me with the kinds of people that inspired me to find the best in myself, who gave me lots of hope about what we could collectively achieve and opened my eyes to an vast universe of knowledge and discovery and exploration that was out there waiting for me. You can’t put a price on that or measure it, but it’s right there in front of you right now, and I promise you, it’s not found in many places, so take advantage of it.
In contrast, I saw many of my friends who stayed in the local high school lose their way and fall off the path. Sure there are exceptions on both sides, and TJ is NOT perfect by any means, but the environment at TJ is so nurturing, supportive and innovative, and you should be proud that you are part of what makes it that way. You have opportunities there that certainly are unique to high school and in many ways provide experiences that even universities cannot replicate.
My TJ years are some of my most cherished memories, and if I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat. My advice to you as someone who traveled your same road is to just ignore all the nonsense and the naysayers here, embrace the incredible opportunity you now have, live in the moment, and I promise you it will pay you back tenfold.
- An extremely proud TJHSST ’93 graduate
Posted by: TJChangedMyLife, Oct 01, 2009 06:35:37 AM
btw I couldn’t find anyone with a school ID
"2010jhc" i found 12 senior with 2010jh but none for 2010jhc on intranet so I doubt you are even a current student...maybe you saw other TJ students initials and copied that...? I don’t know but how bout giving a name or posting your real student ID for intranet?? If you have one that is...
I swear to god if you’re only pretending to be a TJ student you make me sick...
Posted by: John Cielarius Han, Sep 30, 2009 10:01:51 PM
to "2010jhc"
First of I’m not "Learning disabled TJ student" as many have mistaken me for. I don’t really know why. I’m John.
wow you obviously have some problems well let me reeducate you. I was never misdiagnosed as you might have realized if you had carefully read my angry comment.
Second of all if you had the slightest idea of what perthes disease was you wouldn’t be talking. I had the severe type and I am still disabled at the hip and have problems with heavy impact workouts. The difference between you and me is determination. My doctor said i would never walk again and that was how it was. I worked out, swam a lot, had therapy. You have no right to judge me, you don’t know how much pain i had to deal with to recover. Name calling etc etc, but most of all it HURTS. Maybe you never been hurt before or been punched in the face but you should come find me and I’ll show you what getting punched in the face feels like =]. 2010 Name please? I’ll come find you =]. Every step I took during therapy and work outs it hurt like hell. I was on two pills of Aleve for arthritis a day. Yes I still have perthes and my hip will probably give away over time but I am doing all i can to prolong that effect.
Also thank you for your insightful lecture on Insomnia, because that was totally relevant to what I been saying. I have to apologize that I was not killed due to the disease and i give you my deepest regard for your sympathy towards others.
What bothers me is your statement saying "such a comment towards people with disabilities" ...what comment? I didn’t make a comment. I AM DISABLED, and sorry I don’t have insomnia and not disabled due to it.
I am not like you, I don’t wish you ill as you done with me. =] If i did wish you ill I will come find you and do ill to you my self =]. So if you really are angry or frustrated then I suggest you to not be a coward and confront me, I will welcome and embrace you. =] unless you are a girl then I will not be able to confront you. I believe you should act according to your actions, so I’m standing, come and get me.
I am not able to discuss trivial matters of 504 and such because I am not educated in that part, but i am educated about my disease and my disability. Have you tried to keep your weight below 120 pounds at a height of 5’8 through puberty and you happen to be a dude? I don’t know about you but its pretty hard. I don’t know what disability you have or even have one, but I say I been through and still go through a lot more crap then you. IF you’re suffering is a simple thing as insomnia, well then screw you, take some pills and stop whining about it. That might be mean but yea, I wish there were pills for what i have. If you read this thoroughly and comprehended the message then most likely you won’t respond but I understand, the world is full of cowards, but next time be prepared for the consequences of your words and actions because I am =].
-John Cielarius Han 2011
Posted by: John Cielarius Han, Sep 30, 2009 09:50:14 PM
And also-
I am poor and black and I went to TJ.
Eat it.
Posted by: Michelle, Sep 30, 2009 07:07:25 PM
TJ Dropouts, ftw.
Life after TJ? Different, but it’s not a horrible school and I’m way more prepared now than I would have been before. Everyone needs to chill out. Let’s go to bed.
Posted by: Michelle, Sep 30, 2009 07:00:26 PM
The article: An antidote to the anti-intellectualism that pervades so many of our schools and has left the U.S. lagging in math and science education.
The title: An antidote to the article.
Posted by: Pro-Science, Sep 29, 2009 11:46:53 AM
For anyone who doubts whether we or not we are well rounded, please take a second look. Personally, I’m in the band, I dance, Im a Girl Scout, I’m a class officer, and I’m a participant in my church’s youth group. All that, of course, is in addition to all my regular TJ activities. I know many other students who carry similar schedules. Some might call us over-scheduled, but I know I would get bored if I weren’t doing so much. I’m able to do a lot and I love it.
And to anyone who thinks we work nonstop and are simply program-producing machines, think again. We work hard, but we play hard as well. We have boyfriends/girlfriends, we go to movies, we go to Starbucks with friends, we go to football games, we have hobbies, we go to dances, we have close friends, we go shopping, the list goes on and on. Please talk to people who attend TJ before passing final judgement. You’;ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like it. :)
And just for the record, Homecoming Week is fantastic. I’ve been preparing for it since the beginning of August. You’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Posted by: studentandlovingit, Sep 28, 2009 08:09:38 PM
These comments are hilarious. But I agree with many of the points.
1. TJ kids are most definitely not all rich. In fact, Jefferson as school is also the farthest from rich you can get. The building is so rundown, freshmen here aren’t afraid of the seniors, they’re afraid of falling ceiling tiles.
2. Everyone who goes to TJ earned their right to attend. Maybe a lot of black and Hispanic people just have no interest in going to a science and tech high school - but that doesn’t mean you blame it on the people who do (whites and Asians). Besides, Asians can also be considered a minority...Chinese Exclusion Act ring a bell to anyone?
3. Someone said that sending their kids to TJ would make them push themselves too hard and not be well-rounded. OBVIOUSLY they have never been to any type of TJ orientation, because they always emphasize the fact that we have over 200 clubs and activities and are super proud of it. We also have state-champion sports teams. In addition, being well rounded is a quality that everyone knows colleges love. And uhm TJ has the highest college admissions rates, no? So we’re definitely well-rounded.
3. We really are real....live....TEENAGERS...*GASPP!* We have boy problems. We go to dances. We spend way too much time on Facebook. We stay up all night texting. We do sports (fascinating! =0). We can’t wait to drive. We just happen to be able to juggle all that and multi-variable calculus at the same time.
4. NEWSFLASH: NOT ALL OF OUR TEACHERS ARE FANTABULOUS. To those who mentioned that some of their teachers were disappointingly unhelpful - TRUE STORY, I’M WITH YOU.
5. Not ALL of us are supersmart and take Physics freshman year. (<- I only knew one person who did that) Okay? In fact, some of us don’t even use fancy vocabulary! (How many words in this comment can you find that the average Joe can’t understand?) Also, another proof that not all TJ kids are sophisticated and intelligent is some of these other comments that were just stupid and obnoxious. See? We’re normal. TJ kids are *ACTUALLY* capable of making mistakes too - Shocker, I know.
6. And just to prove that we’re not crazy workaholics that push ourselves too hard, it is currently 9:18 pm on an anchor day and I haven’t started any homework. So there.
Moral of the story: TJ is a well-rounded school that should be an example to other high schools allover the nation. 99% of our students love it here despite hour-long commutes, and if you don’t believe that we have the most school spirit of any high school, come visit this week. It’s homecoming week. =)
Posted by: TJKID2011, Sep 28, 2009 06:27:54 PM
This is to the first comment about not sending your kids to a NOVA school. Since you did not do any research but went off of your own opinion I would like to clear up a few things.
NOVA schools have been widely accepted as being one of the best school system in the country as a whole. T.J. is just one of the many fine schools there. And if you look at the latest ratings multiple NOVA schools such as Langley, Chantilly, Centreville, etc have made the list.
With an extremely diverse population in race, religion, and economics, students come out of those schools not just prepared for college, but also prepared to function in a world that is being forced to interact closer than ever.
Living in NOVA and going to public school there I was exposed to people who were college educated, cultured, and well traveled. I was friends with Muslims, Iranians, and Asians. I was also friends with people who went to T.J. and that also allowed me to be exposed to different ways of thinking.
If one school did not provided you with the tools you needed you were able to take classes at other ones. My school for example had three schools in one. First, there was the regular high school that many AP course. Second, there was the school for the disabled where they got to interact with other people and were taught to be independent. Third, there was the vocational school.
Does this make NOVA schools the end all of be all? No. But at least they teach people to be open minded.
Posted by: NovaKid, Sep 28, 2009 11:18:31 AM
Some critics of the Washingtonian should calm down, and see the article for what it is. It is overwhelmingly positive, for one thing, so some TJ fans who have vented here are wasting ammo! Of coursze, the cover’s "hate" angle aimed at teasing and coaxing potential readers. So what? Do any of us believe that folks will think ill of TJ once they’ve spied that cover in the grocery checkout line? Of course not...and readers will pass judgments based on the article itself, and not the cover. Also, I think too many here have missed the attempt at humor. I guess the editors were shooting for something like, "YOUR scool is SO good, and I HATE you for it"...that sort of silly school yard utterance. So, let’s assess this article calmly and reasonably, and keep our senses of humor intact, even if you dont’ find the cover to be funny!
Posted by: TJ parent of Two, Sep 28, 2009 10:39:22 AM
First of all, I would never send my children to public school in NOVA to begin with. They are far to large and the fact that there are magnent schools tells me the other HS’s might not be up to par.
After reading this article, I found TJ to be full of far to overachieving students who are pushing themselves to hard and not experiencing a well rounded lifestyle. The main part that bothered me was the section about the student who took 7 AP tests in one year. I would not want my children to have that type of pressure or competition in their classrooms.
Kudos to all who are doing well and have suceeded, but my children will as well without going to this school. They also will be much more well adapted socially.
Posted by: xx, Sep 28, 2009 09:08:34 AM
To realitycheck, quote: "Seems like a very successful school however it also seems odd that in the best high school in the US, that only wealthy, prepared white and asian students are accepted."
You can’t judge percentages of Asians and whites at TJ compared to the surrounding area. You need to look at the percentage per race of those who *applied* to TJ, and then those who attend.
As for the wealthy bit... Yes, there are some wealthier people at TJ, but so does every school. You might think that everyone at TJ is inherently wealthy for spontaneously dishing out the $80 fee to apply, but we’re not. Exhibit A - me.
Posted by: X, Sep 27, 2009 01:29:53 PM
to John Cielarius Han. you disgrace not just the population of TJ students but humanity in general. i cannot believe you made such a comment towards people with disabilities. if you are walking, you obviously do not have a disability, and therefore you are in no position to be speaking as if you are in their shoes. i am disappointed that you didnt die of a more fatal disease. being misdiagnosed was more than a blessing for you and more than a curse for our species. your narrow-mindedness is frustrating to levels that cannot be described with words. i am a TJ student, and i disagree completely with Mr John Han of 2011. i dont even see why you identified yourself. in my list, you just made yourself a target.
let me reiterate what i meant to say in capital letters. JOHN CIELARIUS HAN IS AN IDIOT. physical and mental disabilities are not the only disabilites that are dealt with in FCPS. the new 504 codes rule that disabilities are now extended to students who have trouble eating, sleeping, standing, bending over or even focusing. insomnia is a condition that falls under these new 504 regulations. insomnia can be an acquired condition that comes from imbalanced circadian rhythms.
stop being stupid and so ignorant about things you dont even know or understand. we do make accommodations for disabled people. in fact, every school under fcps is required to do so.
you are OBVIOUSLY not "not the smartest person in the school or even close," as you stated in your own words.
this post is also pointed towards the rude words of "Shirley Bridges". i hope your mind has changed from the new 504 regulations.
Posted by: 2010jhc, Sep 27, 2009 11:19:43 AM
Kudos to Washingtonian for a positive article about TJ. I am so tired of the negative articles in the Post, whose editors have decided that TJ is bad, because everyone should regress toward the mean. The title was a shocker - but a magazine needs to sell issues to stay in business, so give them a break! TJ is a fantastic environment to encourage learning and discovery on a different level that can be achieved at a base high school. Exceptional students need an place where they can both excel and conform at the same time. That is what makes it so special. Thanks for pointing that out to all the jealous/haters out there.
Posted by: former tj parent, Sep 27, 2009 08:12:59 AM
@2011cp
"We just happen to have 4.5 GPAs"
"As future CEOs, doctors, lawyers, politicians..."
"10 years from now, when we’re buying beachfront houses and reeling in the dough, it’s all gonna be meaningless"
i loled... now get your dumbarse outta here
Posted by: tj2010, Sep 27, 2009 12:55:01 AM
Frankly, I have become very disillusioned with the way that TJ is being run. It’s recent rankings as the #1 High School in the nation has turned TJ into merely a media-fest. Continuing on this note, I have been very dissatisfied with many teachers, due to incompetence or simply their unwillingness to help students. So many students at TJ cheat, and no faculty is attempting to fix this growing problem in a stressful environment.
In summary, I think that TJ is starting to make some "gimmicky" moves regarding their students’ educations, including mine. "Psychology" is now "Neuropsychology" - there’s no difference in the course material, but the school is feebly attempting to make everything sound more advanced. It’s a shame, but nevertheless I am writing from the most objective standpoint from which I am able.
Posted by: 2011 TJ Student, Sep 26, 2009 09:51:29 PM
Hating smart people: the last of the great American intolerances.
Posted by: 2011KR, Sep 26, 2009 06:14:22 PM
Guys, read the article. It’s actually applauding TJ; the title is just a joke. Please don’talk smack when you haven’t even read the content. You all just sound arrogant and are actually making TJ kids look stupid.
Posted by: TJ Student, Sep 26, 2009 01:14:37 PM
thanks for removing this... dunno why u did... washingtonian is stupid though.
First off, I hope everyone has figured out by now that the cover is not chosen by the journalist; it’s chosen by the newspaper editor, so we shouldn’t be criticizing the author. If you want someone’s house to egg, then find that guy.
If you are a current or former TJ student: please be mature when you comment! Personally, I am not extraordinarily happy with my decision to come to TJ because I feel the amount of time it takes away from our sleep and social lives isn’t worth the hassle. But nevertheless, I am a student of the number 1 high school in the country, and you don’t have to be a nerd to accept that ranking with a great deal of pride. Obviously, it hurts when people criticize you for being smart, successful, ambitious, hard-working... traits that are supposed to be glorified. But we don’t have to be affected by it. We know who we are, and we know that we are as human as any other high schoolers in the country. We play sports (and win state championships). We have soc-hops. We break the rules. We talk about football and sex and music and social events. And for haters who think beautiful girls don’t have brains, I have a really hot girlfriend, and she goes to TJ. We just happen to have 4.5 GPAs at the same time. And if you’re a smart kid, you will not feed Bruce crap about how ridiculous his comments have been. As future CEOs, doctors, lawyers, politicians... we should take this criticism and do... nothing!
We don’t have to defend ourselves. 10 years from now, when we’re buying beachfront houses and reeling in the dough, it’s all gonna be meaningless.
Just stop buying Washingtonian if you do... I have never even heard of it until yesterday, so it’s not as if they are a significant source of news anyways.
Posted by: 2011cp, Sep 26, 2009 12:57:32 PM
The Washingtonian should run a septic tank service because they’re Taking the Piss!
Posted by: asdf, Sep 26, 2009 08:43:11 AM
The troll is feasting.
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Posted by: yum, Sep 26, 2009 08:26:06 AM
Shirley Bridges -- I have identified myself. Do you know how narrow a category learning disabled senior at TJ is? Evidently not, but the most important bit is that I’m informed, and I’ve said why I’m informed. Please do the same. If you’re unwilling, then it means that you probably a) don’t really have anything to contribute or b) work for the county and never should have said as much as you did in the first place. I’m glad you’re vacating the forum, because you’re unwilling to engage in anything but demagoguery.
Thanks,
Learning disabled TJ student
Posted by: Learning Disabled TJ student, Sep 26, 2009 07:55:49 AM
My family lives in Alexandria and when it came time for my son to go to high school, it was a great disappointment that the City of Alexandria did not allow students to go to TJ. Several of my son’s friends attended TJ and had the opportunity to take courses and have experiences that were not available to him in Alexandria. Intelligence and hard work are valued at TJ. Being smart and studious does not make one an outcast. These are huge bonuses. TJ is an extraordinary school with intelligent, interesting students. The atmosphere at TJ is conducive to success and your peers share your motivation and determination to succeed. Academic success is not something to make light of. The school and students are deserving of the accolades they have received. It is distressing that academic success is viewed in a negative light.
Posted by: Alexandrian, Sep 25, 2009 08:46:52 PM
To the commenter identified as "tjstudent, Sep 24, 2009 08:11:29 PM", you are obviously not a TJ student because your grammar is terrible. You could not have been admitted to TJ thinking that "noone" is a word. It isn’t. I assume you meant no one. Beginning your post with ’’firstly’’ is also poor sentence/paragraph structure.
You are a phony, but thanks for the support anyway. If you really do care about your education, please take a grammar course and learn to write properly, so that you are able to graduate from college at some point in your future.
Best of luck to you in whatever Montgomery County high school that you attend.
Posted by: TJ class 2006, Sep 25, 2009 08:40:43 PM
I don’t quite understand why the editor had to choose a title and subtitle like that, but it was explained to my physics class that the writer did not choose the title. I would like to say that from the excerpt, the actual writer didn’t seem to be disparaging TJ necessarily. I haven’t read the whole article yet, but it seems like we shouldn’t be that outraged about the article itself. The comments on this page make me more angry than the actual article actually...such as all of the comments about minorities at TJ. First of all, I am Asian, I am not rich, and I worked extremely hard to get into TJ and to stay there. TJ is based on merits, not ethnicity. Simple fact is that the people who are driven to be successful, are intelligent enough, and work hard enough, get into the school. The challenging course at TJ means that if you aren’t prepared to work hard and to be able to handle all of that work, it’s not going to be a pleasant experience. Getting good grades at a high school other than TJ looks better on a college application than dropping out of TJ because you couldn’t handle the work. Simple truth. TJ is the school it is because the community is so driven towards learning.
Posted by: 2011, Sep 25, 2009 08:18:36 PM
Here’s what I don’t understand: the "brain drain" problem. Other schools complaining that their "best and brightest" are being shipped off to TJ, depriving them of good students.
I don’t think there’s any doubt that the kids at TJ are overall getting a substantially better education than they would at their base schools. Also, there can be little debate over the fact that this is largely because of the concentration of intelligent students. The view that students "belong" to schools makes our education system sound like it exists to employ teachers, not teach children. And indeed, looking at the human resources policy of FCPS (don’t fire anyone unless absolutely necessary) I find it likely that large parts of the county bureaucracy operate under such a paradigm.
TJ is an economy of scale. By concentrating the good students it is possible to offer high-level classes with a sufficient high-performing population to support them. If the high-level classes cease to exist at other high schools as a result, this is a good thing: some teachers can be laid off, and the system becomes more efficient and cost-effective.
Posted by: sgodofsk, Sep 25, 2009 08:14:30 PM
Um overall after reading the hundreds of comments this is just absurd and for the most recent one that caught my eyes "Shirley Bridges" Who are you? An Alumni? Or are you one of those former TJ kids who couldn’t keep up and dropped out? No I didn’t think IBET was special, I thought it was just different. Were you one of the disabled students? True our school does lack a population of mentally and physically disabled students and may lack in service to those students, but I do not see anyone complaining about it. I was diagnosed with Perthes Disease in 4th grade, my doctor said I would never walk again, yes that would make me disabled if you haven’t figured it out. Guess what? I AM WALKING, I’m in the wrestling team and the crew team. I never even thought about the lack of disability service in our school. Sure its a hard school, and if you happen to be someone who dropped out because you could not take the rigor, well then you make me sick to the stomach. I despise the likes of you, I am not the smartest person in the school or even close, but kids in our school don’t give up that easily. If I can walk and play sports and do what ever then you have no right to criticize our school for its lack of service to the disabled. If you wanted to do something about it then maybe you should have tried to get funding for our school as we all know we are not well funded. Bluntly put, you disgust me and to put it in a completely non elegant way, Screw you. Become severely physically disabled, and supposedly permanently, recover, pick up two school sports and a winter job as a ski instructor then come talk to me about disability services.
I am no coward like you who just puts up their name, I am a current student, you want to talk to me? Come find me any time in school John Han class of 2011.
Posted by: John Cielarius Han, Sep 25, 2009 07:24:01 PM
Um overall after reading the hundreds of comments this is just absurd and for the most recent one that caught my eyes "Shirley Bridges" Who are you? An Alumni? Or are you one of those former TJ kids who couldn’t keep up and dropped out? No I didn’t think IBET was special, I thought it was just different. Were you one of the disabled students? True our school does lack a population of mentally and physically disabled students and may lack in service to those students, but I do not see anyone complaining about it. I was diagnosed with Perthes Disease in 4th grade, my doctor said I would never walk again, yes that would make me disabled if you haven’t figured it out. Guess what? I AM WALKING, I’m in the wrestling team and the crew team. I never even thought about the lack of disability service in our school. Sure its a hard school, and if you happen to be someone who dropped out because you could not take the rigor, well then you make me sick to the stomach. I despise the likes of you, I am not the smartest person in the school or even close, but kids in our school don’t give up that easily. If I can walk and play sports and do what ever then you have no right to criticize our school for its lack of service to the disabled. If you wanted to do something about it then maybe you should have tried to get funding for our school as we all know we are not well funded. Bluntly put, you disgust me and to put it in a completely non elegant way, Screw you. Become severely physically disabled, and supposedly permanently, recover, pick up two school sports and a winter job as a ski instructor then come talk to me about disability services.
I am no coward like you who just puts up their name, I am a current student, you want to talk to me? Come find me any time in school John Han class of 2011.
Posted by: John Cielarius Han, Sep 25, 2009 07:22:54 PM
Dear Learning Disabled Student,
I appreciate you are inquistive and ask questions. I don’t see that you identified yourself, but I will say -- I am not comfortable sharing so much information on a public forum. I will say: what I have said is true. The decision from the OCR and the resolution agreement was during July 2009. You are the students of TJ...you can make the future a better place, but being open to what might have happened in your own school is significant. It is admirable what TJ students do outside the school -- but seek remedies within your walls too.
BTW, the OCR problems were not with the students.
Best wishes......I am out of here. Good Luck
Posted by: Shirley Bridges, Sep 25, 2009 07:13:39 PM
Oh man, these comments are more interesting than the article was.
@ TJ Supporter 1,2,3,4,5,6,.....N: I agree with all but one of your points. TJ kids waste WAY too much time on video games and facebook. Or maybe my class was the only one.
@ reality check: An interesting trend I admit, but you seem to be inserting a false sense of causality where it ought not be. Also, not all of the kids are wealthy. I’m definitely not, and I still got in.
@ JHobz: Well put.
Posted by: TJGrad, Sep 25, 2009 07:13:35 PM
I went to TJ unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I took cool science courses, like astronomy and marine biology, that I wouldn’t have been able to take at any other high school. But I also took excellent courses in European History, French Literature, Economics, and Creative Writing. I ended up studying History, French, and Economics in college. TJ prepared me extremely well in the humanities but it also gave me an edge in the sciences.
This article could have explored WHY students at TJ are so motivated: the teachers, the unique course opportunities, the wide assortment of clubs...instead it presented TJ students as mere grade-grubbers. There’s more to us than that.
Posted by: TJ_Rocks_My_Socks, Sep 25, 2009 04:35:59 PM
I really don’t understand the purpose of this article, whether it promotes positive or negative connotations of the school. I am a student myself and I think that there really isn’t a difference in our high school and any other in the region. We are all just normal teenagers looking to enjoy our lives. We aren’t here to condemn Christianity, prevent students from outside schools from getting into college or try to prove our intelligence over everyone else. We don’t walk into school in the morning thinking about how smart we are. We are really only here because we want to enjoy our teenage years and the program that TJ offers is exactly what we need. Please just let us live our lives because all of the attention, whether good or bad, is undeserving and annoying.
Posted by: Pointless, Sep 25, 2009 04:31:22 PM
Nice article, bad title. I get the joke. Haha. I understand what you’re trying to say, but to be honest, it is not an intelligent or witty title to pick. Yes, I realize that the author of this article did not pick the title. Yes, I actually read the entire article as it was sent to me by a teacher from TJ.
My conclusion? Sensationalism is meant to stay dead. You want to catch eyes with your title, but there’s a fine line between catching eyes in an exciting way and catching eyes just to foster feelings of disgust.
The question is not "Why you should hate this school?"
It’s "Why should we hate this title?" I think the answer is obvious here. Think on it.
Posted by: 2010xhu, Sep 25, 2009 03:05:10 PM
Having read the entire article, it was a fair and mostly positive look at TJ. Unfortunately, what you chose to put on the front cover was sensational and tasteless. Not everyone will pick up the magazine and read it thus their impression of TJ will be the front cover and "Why you should hate this school" emblazoned on it.
Posted by: TJ Parent 2013, Sep 25, 2009 11:39:47 AM
I agree that the title is surely provoking “haterism,” displaying hate for the next individual success as a result of ones own short comings. Since haterism is contagious and a serious mental disease, just ignore the title or, if you wish, “washingtonian.com” all together. Hope washingtonian.com become more responsible next time.
Posted by: Love TJ, Sep 25, 2009 07:31:35 AM
Yo Washingtonian, I’m really happy for you, and I’mma let you finish, but US News and World Report had the best TJ headline of ALL TIME.
Posted by: Kanye West, Sep 25, 2009 06:18:05 AM
Stupid title.
Also,
longcat is looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong
Posted by: A, Sep 25, 2009 06:11:01 AM
"Shirley Bridges" -- When did this occur? Can I hear a timeframe? Also, can you identify why you’re informed on this? Are you a past student, a parent, do you work for the county, or are you just blowing hot air? I’ve identified myself and why I’m informed, can you do the same if you’re going to keep insisting that the 504 compliance at TJ has a problem?
Also, what of IBET? I remember it. Do you mean if I thought the program was unique? If I thought my disability was unique? Well, the program is unique, so far as I know, and I didn’t think my disability was unique. But I also know of no student who’s complained about the service provided. Please enlighten us as to why you know what you’re talking about.
Thanks,
Learning disabled TJ student
Posted by: Learning Disabled TJ student, Sep 25, 2009 05:23:41 AM
I am completely shocked that your magazine would use such poor judgment in its choice for the October cover, “Why You Should Hate This School”. This type of sensationalism is the main reason we are currently at war; the promotion of ungrounded hatred. This behavior is just wrong . Many people will never read the article, will only see the cover and form opinions based on your cover statement alone.
Obviously you were trying to increase sales of your magazine. Unfortunately for you, I think you will find that your bad choice of covers will cause people to refuse to buy the magazine, drop their subscription and remove their advertising. I will never buy another one of your magazines.
Posted by: Tj Parent, Sep 25, 2009 05:19:57 AM
Dear Learning Disabled TJ student,
I am happy that you had good fortune at TJ with your IEP. But it doesn’t mean your experience was universal. The Office of Civil Rights investigated. They found the school did not timely and/or appropriately provide for a disabled student in three areas: health, transportation and instruction.
BTW, do you remmeber IBET? Did you think it was unique?
Best wishes for college....
Posted by: Shirley Bridges, Sep 24, 2009 09:36:52 PM
While the title was not in good taste, I have read the article in it’s entirety in the magazine itself, and that seems to give a reasonably fair representation of TJ.
TJ is the only place I know of where a large portion on the junior class will stay up together to help each other out with physics problem sets, sometimes until the sun is practically coming up. It’s fantastic everybody wants to help others succeed.
Posted by: 2011er, Sep 24, 2009 09:29:40 PM
This is a compilation of some of the interviews they did of the seniors last year. Just shows the facts that they distorted into profit based reporting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI
Posted by: TJ09, Sep 24, 2009 08:55:30 PM
First off, to those who comment: Please don’t write some hateful comment based solely on reading other comments and the title. Also, I think we can stop with the random shouts of "You Lie!" and the like. Oh, and they’re not deleting your post unless you curse, so stop posting it twice.
Secondly, to those who make a point when they comment: Good for you. Thank you for trying to bring some thinking into this discussion. I really don’t want to sound pretentious but these comments are more interesting when they have some substance to them and not just mocking the paper or students.
Thirdly, to the Washingtonian: After having heard about the article from an open mind (reading the full thing tomorrow), I agree that it does not play down the talent at TJ or call everyone workaholics. That still does not excuse the fact, however, that you chose a title just to catch an eye. We may not like it, but many (if not, most) people will only see the cover of this magazine on a shelf or rack rather than picking it up and reading it. While you may be getting the business of TJ students and faculty, you’re method is still sleazy, unoriginal, and unintelligent, leaving you no better than The National Enquirer claiming to have found Bigfoot’s baby.
Lastly, to Drew Lindsay: Thank you for coming to the school and talking with the students and faculty before writing. I think you did a fine job and have no reason to be criticized because that sleazeball of a boss wanted to sell magazines under false pretenses.
Oh, and to "realitycheck," TJ doesn’t reject people based on race, the trend just happens to be that more white and Asian students apply. Next time come back with some references to support your conclusion (middle school applicant ethnicities & the like).
.... I’m done.
Posted by: JHobz2010, Sep 24, 2009 08:40:17 PM
Honestly, I am shocked that the Washingtonian would stoop to such depths to sell a magazine as to use such a slanderous, opinionated title for their article. Tj is a shining example to other schools to what they could be if their students worked hard and were dedicated to their own futures. The Washingtonian should think twice before saying such things...
Besides, if what you keep saying about us being the "next Bill Gates" is true, then one of us may end up owning you soon, anyway.
Posted by: TjStudent 11, Sep 24, 2009 08:40:10 PM
come on kids...play nice -- why in the WORLD are you all spamming about this?
Posted by: sigh, Sep 24, 2009 08:34:00 PM
First off, I doubt the article was a joke. Perhaps if TJHSST wasn’t far outperforming Drew Lindsay’s alma mater Whitman, this article would have never been written in such a utterly stupid manner.
Posted by: tj, Sep 24, 2009 08:33:22 PM
As I see many TJ students write these comments, It makes me think that these students have too much school pride. And they obviously cannot take a lame joke.
Posted by: takeajoke, Sep 24, 2009 08:19:38 PM
i must have been faded when i wrote this.
Posted by: Drue Linsie, Sep 24, 2009 08:17:27 PM
damn. dat writer think he know tj like dat? why he b hatin so hard?? i mean shat , do tj gotta like have some brawl to have bad rep so no body gonna write some garbage like this again.? shat i’ll bring it if the fade will keep that shat off the internet. second i ain’t never heard of the washingtonian b fo this shat popped up.
Posted by: Darkpresence, Sep 24, 2009 08:15:10 PM
I haven’t read the article yet, only the excerpt, but I understand that the title is supposed to be some sort of joke. Regardless of what the article actually says, the title is still the attention grabber and sometimes all a person will see/remember. Considering the effect it will have on the many people who don;t actually read the article, I don’t think the Washingtonian should have published the article with a title like that. However, those who are insulting Drew Lindsay should recognize that he didn’t choose the title and it isn’t his fault.
Posted by: TJKid, Sep 24, 2009 08:12:14 PM
Okay firstly, no one, the author or editor or anyone has to apologize for anything. I haven’t read the whole article, so I can’t say anything about it. And neither should anybody else who didn’t read the article. This is someone’s perception of TJ. We can’t get mad at what someone thinks of something. Noone has to apologize for stating his or her opinion. Really, stop with the absurd comments. I’m fine with the article as long as it’s not phony. God, what’s worse than a phony article.
I don’t know what the article said about TJ or students at TJ but just to clear up a few things students here at TJ are just the same as the students find at other schools. We’re really not that different. We’re not all workaholics and we’re not all bent on getting into the top colleges in the nation.
The only difference is that more of us care more about our education. There might be more workaholics. More are into the sciences. I myself am actually interested in the arts. So why would I attend TJ? Let’s just say I got in, said "hey why not?" and I’ve liked the school since then. And for those of you judging TJ, I’m not saying its bad, but in order to really get TJ you should visit it for a day or two.
That’s all i could think of saying
Posted by: tjstudent, Sep 24, 2009 08:11:29 PM
TJ is an excellent school, there is no purpose in trying to demean it. If you want to write an article close to the truth about what it’s like at TJ why don’t you go and interview multiple students and staff? And NOT focus most of your attention on the negative aspects? Then you’d get a better picture of what’s going on. I have a feeling that arrogance is playing a role here, you probably won’t take the suggestions of any high schooler right? We are after all too young to grasp the complexities of the situations you talk about and contemplate.
Posted by: W-L2010, Sep 24, 2009 08:04:25 PM
Because I am writing to be civil, decipher this:
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Posted by: 2011, Sep 24, 2009 07:58:07 PM
I’ll tell you why should hate this school: because you (or your children) did not attend it. Ten years later, I still get gently teased by co-workers -- out of jealousy, perhaps.
I chose TJ to explore my passion for math and science. Once there, I found a greater love for political economy, thanks to great teachers in AP courses (government, European history) and Eight Period activities (Model UN). I learned to think critically and work hard, which made college and grad school a relative breeze. I also connected with great friends in an open and swirlie-free community.
TJ is truly excellent because it allows students to discover that -- with the potent combination of brains and hard work -- they can achieve their dreams. No, really: through my work I occasionally raise the "United States" placard at real multilateral organization meetings. These days, however, I think twice before making jokes about Greece and Djibouti.
Posted by: Jeff Koz, Sep 24, 2009 07:54:34 PM
Anti-intellectualism: a blight upon society
Posted by: Harrison Bergeron, Sep 24, 2009 07:53:09 PM
yeah, way to delete my previous post, washingtonian.
Here it is again:
When I first heard about this, I was rather appalled that this was published. But the more I think about it’s easier to see that there are always going to be those people who dislike TJ for its success and all, so that’s unavoidable, and at this point, I’m just used to it.
But what really struck me about this was the fact that the TJ community is completely misrepresented in this article. It’s one thing to do an article like that of the US News and World Report and talk about our "college readiness," and it’s another all together to try to fathom and completely miss the ideals of our faculty and students.
TJ is perhaps one of the most tightly knit communities I have been a part of, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that it really does make you a stronger individual. What keeps us going stronger than all the other magnet and governor schools in the nation is our support for each other’s goals.
For all of you complaining as to why we, in fact, are complaining, let me tell you. This is just annoying - going somewhere and having people judge you on the spot for "being smarter" or whatever else they think of us. Just because we attend this school does not necessitate that we are pompous or think we are better than anyone else. My point is, there is already an extremely negative strong complex out there about who we are and our principles and having seen it intensify for past two years due to this so-called "top ranking" I want to pose this question: our school has definitely existed for a while, why did this ranking suddenly change who we are?
Posted by: another2010, Sep 24, 2009 07:46:37 PM
2. Two TJ students stand on a balcony 19.6 meters above Washingtonian’s writers’ heads. One student throws a bowling ball vertically downward at 14.7 m/s; at the same instant the other student throws a bowling ball vertically upward at the same speed.
(a) How much time elapses between the first and second ball striking the target? (b) What is the velocity of each ball just before it strikes the deserving writers? (c) How far apart are the balls 0.800 seconds after they are thrown?
a. Entirely too long.
b. Entirely too slow.
c. Entirely too far away from the target.
Posted by: tjphysicist, Sep 24, 2009 07:38:02 PM
When I first heard about this, I was rather appalled that this was published. But the more I think about it’s easier to see that there are always going to be those people who dislike TJ for its success and all, so that’s unavoidable, and at this point, I’m just used to it.
But what really struck me about this was the fact that the TJ community is completely misrepresented in this article. It’s one thing to do an article like that of the US News and World Report and talk about our "college readiness," and it’s another all together to try to fathom and completely miss the ideals of our faculty and students.
TJ is perhaps one of the most tightly knit communities I have been a part of, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that it really does make you a stronger individual. What keeps us going stronger than all the other magnet and governor schools in the nation is our support for each other’s goals.
For all of you complaining as to why we, in fact, are complaining, let me tell you. This is just annoying - going somewhere and having people judge you on the spot for "being smarter" or whatever else they think of us. Just because we attend this school does not necessitate that we are pompous or think we are better than anyone else. My point is, there is already an extremely negative strong complex out there about who we are and our principles and having seen it intensify for past two years due to this so-called "top ranking" I want to pose this question: our school has definitely existed for a while, why this ranking suddenly change who we are?
Posted by: another2010, Sep 24, 2009 07:37:40 PM
this proves we’re normal high school students. we’re acting dumb.
oh also if you wanted to see something that sucks at TJ, just look at our arts departments...
Posted by: tj4eva, Sep 24, 2009 07:32:33 PM
To people who complain that there is not enough minority... why can’t TJ be as it is and accept people based on merit? What is wrong with having a plurality Asian?
Posted by: MC, Sep 24, 2009 07:27:03 PM
Haters be hatin’ on Hogwarts
Posted by: guys, come on, Sep 24, 2009 07:26:55 PM
TJ was definitely an incredible environment to go to high school in. Having that many smart and driven people in one area with the loads of great teachers (17+ with PhDs)... so great.
Posted by: S F, Sep 24, 2009 07:15:39 PM
Andrew Lindsay, way to completely degrade the BEST HIGH SCHOOL IN THE NATION. Obviously you journalism is too sophisticated for me so I should just stop reading Washingtonian to fix this problem. Besides, you wouldn’t want someone that you hate to be reading your work.
Posted by: Nerdy TJ Kid, Sep 24, 2009 07:13:38 PM
Since when do people start headlines with sarcasm?
Posted by: TJ03, Sep 24, 2009 07:13:03 PM
This underlying message of the article points to what is wrong with the United States and why we are quickly becoming a second rate power. Striving, working hard and foregoing the meaningless things that Madison Avenue values is berated as freakish behavior. Hard work is seen as not only uncool, but bad and something to ridicule. I guess the implication is that High School students should spend more time in the Mall and having fun binge drinking. This would help support the mediocre test scores that have become the norm among an over privileged, underworked, FAT American populace. Oh....my company advertises in Washingtonian...that will end IMMEDIATELY.
Posted by: U Had Me At Herro, Sep 24, 2009 07:10:05 PM
A note to everyone: Lindsay didn’t choose the title; the editors did.
Anyway, the article seems great, but I’m getting tired of sensationalist decisions clouding out good writing. I don’t care if the title means that TJ should be "hated" because it does things so well. I’ve been to several other schools before TJ, and they were much poorer in comparison. You shouldn’t need to cloud one of America’s educational success stories with an offensive title to get more readers, and I’m sure the decision will result in a lot more canceled subscriptions than new subscribers.
Anyway, TJ pride and stuff. w00t.
Posted by: Roberto, Sep 24, 2009 07:07:49 PM
Someone keeps deleting comments, Washingtonian editors, COWARDS!
Posted by: a reader, Sep 24, 2009 07:06:56 PM
"Excuse me Washingtonian, I have a question:
Assuming that y is a function of x , Find y’ = dy/dx for cos^2 x + cos^2 y = cos( 2x + 2y )
Posted by: lkfjglkjsfgsadg, Sep 24, 2009 06:48:20 PM"
I have a better question for them:
Solve:
2X=4
Posted by: TJ2012, Sep 24, 2009 06:55:59 PM
I tryed to get intu TJ twyce, but still got intu a gud college.... Virginya Tek.
Posted by: Hokie2014, Sep 24, 2009 06:50:30 PM
Excuse me Washingtonian, I have a question:
Assuming that y is a function of x , Find y’ = dy/dx for cos^2 x + cos^2 y = cos( 2x + 2y )
Posted by: lkfjglkjsfgsadg, Sep 24, 2009 06:48:20 PM
I tryed to get intu TJ twyce and culdnt. Butt I still got intu Virginya Tek!!!
Posted by: hokie2014, Sep 24, 2009 06:48:01 PM
Was this really necessary?
Pointless and flame-inducing article.
Posted by: someone, Sep 24, 2009 06:43:17 PM
washingtonian, kiss my big fat ti-89
Posted by: TJ!!!!!, Sep 24, 2009 06:39:30 PM
To the person talking about 504 compliance, "Shirley Bridges":
I have found no issues with TJs support of IEPs. I am a senior currently, and have had an IEP since third grade. If anything, TJ is more responsive to student needs in this area than any other school I have attended.
Unless you are one of the few people who can speak from first hand experience, I would ask that you do not start casting aspersions, just cause you are sure no one can contradict you. That is cheap, cowardly, and I can stand up for TJ, and will.
Even if you have first-hand experience, your bad experience could be a fluke. Sometimes, mandatory training is had not because of a problem, but to make sure that none occurs.
Ideally, a car has preventative maintenance done regularly, so that the engine does not fall out. Education is the same way. Mandatory training does not mean that there was a problem, it means they are making sure that there is not one.
Thanks,
Learning disabled TJ student
Posted by: Learning Disabled TJ student, Sep 24, 2009 06:33:41 PM
I am a TJ student...
I came for the sports.
Posted by: smeddy2011, Sep 24, 2009 06:32:06 PM
Yo Washingtonian, I’m really happy for you and Imma let you finish, but uh, US News & World Report had one of the best magazine reviews of TJ of all time. Of all time! *shrugs*
Posted by: proud2beanerd, Sep 24, 2009 06:29:29 PM
V stated it quite well. There are countless opinions about Thomas Jefferson, and it is not necessary to throw a temper tantrum every time a magazine comes out with a somewhat racy title. You either agree or disagree with the statements made in the article - let’s cease complaining about the magazine, the author, or the overall existence of TJ at every possible opportunity.
Posted by: TJ2010, Sep 24, 2009 06:26:36 PM
I used to like to go through the Washingtonian.
Not any more.
The chief editor needs to publicly apologize.
The kids who go to this school work hard, and are not adults yet, so I think they should be spared this sort of sensationalism.
Live this stuff to the Post, FOX and Daily News.
Posted by: pggirvin, Sep 24, 2009 06:14:56 PM
This article gave me reasons to love TJ even more rather than hate it. I understand that the title was meant to be a joke of some sort, but it gives people who don’t bother to read the article a negative image of TJ.
Posted by: TJStudent2012, Sep 24, 2009 06:08:02 PM
I’ll repost my comment here.
People, chill - you can’t hate a magazine because of one mistake. Half of you didn’t read the article. No one should even a darn about a title, it’s just a joke in poor taste, and it happens. The article itself is fine. If people in America just learn stuff by reading the titles in magazines and newspapers, it explains a lot of the ignorance in this country.
And TJ is a great school, the kids are smart - but the thing is, EVERYONE KNOWS - NO ONE CARES - there is NO point to arguing (I can barely tell what people are trying to argue about). Yes, there are people who "hate" TJ. And most people don’t. The people that do aren’t going to change, and the people that don’t hate it are not going to start hating it because of some magazine editor’s misjudgment.
Posted by: V, Sep 24, 2009 05:40:57 PM
I go to tj and this title offends me. thanks for making the world a worse place, just to sell more copies.
Posted by: Jefferson, Sep 24, 2009 05:36:38 PM
Seems like a very successful school however it also seems odd that in the best high school in the US, that only wealthy, prepared white and asian students are accepted.
Posted by: reality check, Sep 24, 2009 05:35:39 PM
This is a very well-written article. You are right, dear writer:
TJ kids are not cool,
because they don’t do drugs,
because they don’t get pregnant,
because they don’t mess with police,
because they don’t have to use calculators to count their money,
because they don’t know reading books is passe,
because they don’t hate homework,
because they do want to go to colleges,
because they do want to become Bill Gates or Issac Newton
because they don’t spend too much time on games, TV, facebook
especially
when we are talking about shamefully high high school drop-out rate across the nation,
when we have to import math teachers and science teachers from other countries,
when college teachers are astonished by how "well-prepared" our high schools kids are for college.
Posted by: TJ Supporter 1,2,3,4,5,6,.....N, Sep 24, 2009 05:29:16 PM
The Office of Civil Rights is requiring mandatory training on Section 504 policies and procedures (protection of students with disabilities) to staff and administrators at TJHSST and addressing other compliance concerns.
It isn’t a reason to hate a school, but it is a reason to explore how we wish such a school to be run and how disabled students should be treated by TJHSST administrators. Perhaps TJHSST is "above" our schools, but they are not above our laws.
Posted by: Shirley Bridges, Sep 24, 2009 04:52:19 PM
I can’t imagine why anyone would allow this story to be published under such an offensive title. The only reason I can think of is to sell more magazines, which is just plain despicable. If you want American students to continue to fall behind, then continue to "hate" America’s best public school. After reading this excerpt, I don’t have any answers to "Why you should hate this school." I would expect a comment like that from kids who are jealous, not the executive editor of the Washingtonian Magazine.
Posted by: From TJ, Sep 24, 2009 04:41:34 PM
Show Garrett Graff, executive editor of the Washingtonian, how you feel about his approach to selling magazines.
Let’s list the advertisers and their contact information. Let them know you will boycott their business until they pull their ads.
Posted by: boycott now, Sep 24, 2009 04:07:34 PM
Why would you use such a title for an otherwise flattering article? It is hurtful to the students who work hard and to the TJ community in general. Would you use the same title for an article about a different high school, say, a successful charter school or a school that excels in athletics? Why promote such negativity?
As a parent and an editor, all I can say is "Poor decision!" In a time when publications are struggling for survival, I plan to vote with my feet - I’m not buying.
Posted by: goalymom, Sep 24, 2009 04:05:40 PM
I do not go to TJ, but as many of my friends do, I listen to their stories at school. TJ students are perfectly normal students, who just happen to attend the best school in the United States. It is the best school, not because of the excellent students, but rather for its state of the art teachers and faculty who inspire and encourage these students. The article focus on unneccessary aspect of TJ such as the college acceptance rates. I admit it, my high school could never reach these standard because of the lack of professional teachers and positive encouragement from both faculty and parents. I would like to see more about why and how TJ makes itself such a good school.
Posted by: moretosee, Sep 24, 2009 03:54:20 PM
TJ. Is. Awesome.
Don’t deny it :)
Posted by: 7-0927, Sep 24, 2009 03:42:17 PM
I am proud to be at TJ. This article sucks and disappoints me.
Posted by: 2012ll, Sep 24, 2009 03:29:56 PM
Epic fail is all I can say, Washingtonian. Please think hard about what you’re publishing before you put it out on stands.
Posted by: TJ Student, Sep 24, 2009 03:17:15 PM
I HATE CAPITALS, BUT I AM USING THEM TO CATCH YOUR ATTENTION:
This article GLORIFIES TJ. It does not bash it. The title is an intentionally sarcastic one. Why should you hate this school? Because it is a pretty unbelievable place. It has unbelievably smart people, great course options, one block lunch, 8th Period, senior tech lab, and much more. THAT is what this title is saying.
From now on, wait until you actually read the article before criticizing it. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Posted by: Jeremy Chaikind, Sep 24, 2009 03:03:19 PM
roses are 0xFF0000
violets are 0x0000FF
please dont make fun of us
Posted by: 2012zli, Sep 24, 2009 02:56:06 PM
THIS IS A DECLARATION OF WAR
Posted by: TJHSST, Sep 24, 2009 02:21:12 PM
"Why you should hate this school"?
Gee, it is SO constructive to promote hatred of smart people trying to make the most of their abilities. Please continue to help this country spiral down into the depths of mediocrity and incompetence. After all, it will be so much more cool.
Posted by: Lisa, Sep 24, 2009 02:18:22 PM
TJ should be a model for other schools in America. Why is it being demonized? I can’t believe you would print something like this..
Posted by: TJ2011, Sep 24, 2009 02:16:46 PM
Here is some perspective: when my husband and I spend any time at TJ, we are struck by how nice, funny, witty, and social these students are. Nerds? Please! These kids rock. I guess it brings comfort to some to label these ultra-sharp kids as "nerds" or "workaholics," but it is simply a smokescreen. For any one "nerd" or "workaholic" at TJ, there are 50 balanced, athletic, nice, charming students. The truth is that these are just some really great kids who love their school.
Posted by: A TJ Mom, Sep 24, 2009 01:52:10 PM
How did you come up with such a lovely title?
I have not read the whole article but how does "Success Factory" equate to a place we should hate? Why would we hate a public school that succeeds? The exerpt above is nothing but a glowing review of an excellent school.
Please fire the person who thought up the title and then their boss and finally the editor. They can get a job with the NY Post or some other rag that sells based on sensationalism.
Perhaps the Nov issue should be titled "Why you should cancel your subscription?" and then talk about how good your magazine is...would you ever do that?
Posted by: Arthur G, Sep 24, 2009 01:51:04 PM
Interesting article (poor title) but I think the author failed to spend enough time at the school. I have a child at the school and have other kids at some of the better private schools in the region.
My observations have been that the students are not the emotionless, robotic workaholics that is generally stereotyped. Quite the contrary the kids are incredibly social, bright and exceptionally talented (well beyond academics). They have a wide range of interests, knowledge and abilities.
The magic of TJ is not the teachers, administrators (both very good but comparable to other private schools), it is certainly not the facilities (some of the poorest in the region) the magic that makes the school the best in the country is mix of students.
You get this many bright, talented kids and the conversations and flow ideas are amazing. To listen to them talk is incredibly entertaining. They have an enthusiasm and excitement for their studies that is unmatched in any education setting I have seen (through grad schools I have attended).
It is almost uniform across the student body. At my other schools there are 20,30 even 40% of student of this caliber but TJ has almost 100% and that is the real magic. There is a chain reaction of enthusiasm, excitement for discussion, and learning.
If anyone doubts this get permission to roam the halls at lunch with any of the administration and watch and listen. It is easily observable.
Your headline and article while it sells magazines did not capture the essence of the school.
We should be proud that we have this institution in our community. We should support it and help it grow.
Posted by: Parent, Sep 24, 2009 01:47:18 PM
Guys, so I’ve talked to several friends and other students at TJ today. And some of brought up this idea, that the name is just to sell the Magazine. As Mr. Zack (AP Gov teacher) said in class: "you haven’t read it." Also if you look at the captions on the pictures, they seem to portray TJ in a decent way, if not outright good.
Personally, I think the article is going to be fine. And even if it ends up bashing the school, I’ll still take pride in attending best high school ever.
-hhz
Posted by: HHZ, Sep 24, 2009 01:43:59 PM
won’t buy washingtonian ever again. Nerds prefer real journalism.
Posted by: notbuyingwashingtonian, Sep 24, 2009 01:42:00 PM
Catherine (moderator) - quit deleting the comments. Also, I plan to ban Washingtonian from my press conferences also. Wuss
Posted by: nofanofcatherinethemoderatoreither, Sep 24, 2009 01:38:19 PM
In an attempt to sell magazines you chose a NY Post or National Enquirer headline?? Very disappointing to besmirch one the greatest national success stories we have in the Washington Metro area. Washingtonian used to be much better than this.
Posted by: JBF, Sep 24, 2009 01:28:49 PM
Honestly, this has got to be the most ridiculous light TJ has ever been put in. I can’t believe that a reputable magazine like "The Washingtonian" would allow this to be written.
TJ, like many students both current and former have stated, is more than just a bunch of smart kids and test scores. We build a community while at the school, we maintain school pride, we talk to teachers about our interests outside of class, we have unique and varied activities not found anywhere else in Fairfax County.
Who are you, an outsider who probably spent less than one full day at TJ, to label US as nerds, or workaholics? If being a workaholic means that I enjoy a challenge, do well in school taking higher level classes, am involved in a variety of activities like Latin Honor Society, Theater, and Marching Band, research with the Smithsonian Institution, and still manage to have a life on the weekend, then fine, label me as a workaholic.
But until you’ve spent time with every single student and teacher and administrator on campus, until you get this preconceived notion of "nerds" out of your head, until you have spent 4 years living and breathing TJ and its values, don’t you dare think to call US workaholics and college-obsessive students.
Because you know NOTHING about TJ and judging by this article, you probably never will.
--RNP ’08
Posted by: TJ2008, Sep 24, 2009 12:38:57 PM
Wow, fantastic job Washingtonian. Rather than looking at what makes TJ work and what makes its kids so successful, you demonize it. TJ could be used as a model to help advance America’s failing public education system - it’s one of the few bright spots. By perpetuating a negative impression of anyone who places any value in education, you all are the reason why America is known to breed education-fearing fools. Congratulations.
Posted by: Bamboozled, Sep 24, 2009 12:15:57 PM
Honestly, what I got out of TJ was a unique experience that I probably could not have had at any other Fairfax County public school an maybe even any other public school in the US. As I chose my college, I told myself that I didn’t want the competition and pressure that I felt at TJ, but when I got to school, I found that I missed the community and pride that we had. I now would not trade what I had at TJ for anything. I am appalled that outsiders are trying to put our school into a stereotype and continue to promote the idea that TJ is anything less than the best.
Posted by: TJ08, Sep 24, 2009 12:09:11 PM
It looks like a fantastic place to spend 4 years pursuing intellectual growth and your personal passions. I only wish all public high schools could operate in an atmosphere of more freedom to satisfy one’s curiosity.
Posted by: Elizabeth, Sep 24, 2009 09:46:50 AM
Hi everybody - thanks for your comments. I want to encourage you to keep discussing whatever you like in this space, but I need to remind you that comments with foul language will be removed. We love comments, but please keep them civil.
Posted by: Catherine (washingtonian.com), Sep 24, 2009 06:38:33 AM
As the next bill gates, i promise to ban drew lindsay from my press conferences because you’re a HATER
Posted by: theNEXTBILLGATESOMGLOLOLOL, Sep 24, 2009 06:24:57 AM
YOU LIE!! Also, stop deleting my comments, wuss.
Posted by: Nicole, Sep 24, 2009 06:17:33 AM
YOU LIE!!
Posted by: Nicole, Sep 24, 2009 06:15:58 AM
umm... you are the worst and most idiotic author I’ve ever seen. You are enhancing stereotypes, which aren’t completely true of every student no matter WHERE you go. Are you really trying to enhance the hate that people already show towards TJ students? Even here at UVA I don’t tell ppl I’m from TJ right away because I know how they’ll react. The typical "ohhh, you must be REALLY smart then", which I find annoying, because TJ is just a tool to enhance your perspective in life.
Also, I’d like to add that you also have horrible values and you are an absolute repulsive element of society that you would PROMOTE JEALOUSY AND ANGER amongst our youth. Don’t you think our society is violent enough already? You are immature and I hope your boss fires you for such a disgusting and poorly written article.
Posted by: TJ2007, Sep 24, 2009 05:22:59 AM
The last thing going to TJ does is increase kids’ chances of getting into a good college. The classes are a *lot* harder than almost all other schools, yet the GPA spread at TJ is not reflective of this. A B- student at TJ could easily earn an A anywhere else. An A+ student at TJ would almost certainly get into an elite college wherever he went to high school. TJ doesn’t help kids get into college, it helps kids who are already destined for college be prepared, by treating the students as adults, and teaching mostly college standard classes. I know that half my college freshman classes are simply repeats of stuff I covered at TJ, yet can’t receive college credit for due to artificial limitations.
Posted by: TJ2009, Sep 23, 2009 10:51:05 PM
That title isn’t worded like that on accident. You’ve got a good number of controversial articles on varying topics. I’ve got this odd feeling that this is just your job, but is it really worth gaining the ire of the "next Bill Gates?" - Of course it is. Not like this article will be remembered in another month. - Come to think of it, I think we’re mature enough to look past a blatantly biased article like this one. That might have sounded a bit elitist, but don’t you get all hypocritical now.
Posted by: Insane, Sep 23, 2009 09:49:30 PM
Do you really _think_ that other schools can measure up to TJ?
Posted by: Obnoxious Student, Sep 23, 2009 09:34:07 PM
From the cover and this excerpt alone, this article is ridiculous. Ask most students at TJ and they’ll tell you they chose to go to the school. It’s not that their parents made them, or they only did it for the career, it’s usually because they weren’t getting enough out of their base schools or have a genuine interest in science and technology. To assume that all we do is work and only care about college is just furthering the stereotype. And we all know what they say about stereotypes.
Posted by: JHobz, Sep 23, 2009 09:32:33 PM
The kids at TJ are just that: kids. What makes TJ truly special is not the who attends the school, but what they are encouraged and inspired to do. When put into a positive, accepting, stimulating, and creative environment, many students could achieve just as much as the graduates of Jefferson. Students at TJ are treated like adults- respected, supported, and listened to- and are thus able to reach their full potential. Instead of insulting the school and denouncing its students, maybe The Washingtonian should focus on what TJ is doing right and use these lessons to help improve other public schools around the country.
Posted by: Tara, Sep 23, 2009 09:29:18 PM
It really doesn’t matter what people say about TJ. It is a school for kids that want to learn more and challenge themselves. It speaks to the merit of Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia that such a school exists to allow the growing population of the DC Area the best of educational opportunities. Yes, the kids are smart, but the teachers are what make TJ the type of environment it is. They understand why the kids are there and what they want to do, which is to learn.
Posted by: 07 Alum, Sep 23, 2009 09:06:53 PM
This article is appalling. By insinuating that Jefferson students are all workaholics who do nothing but strive for SAT and AP scores and to get into Ivy League colleges, you demean what TJ really is: a school with a body of naturally highly intelligent teenagers who have an intellectual curiosity which cannot be satisfied at a base school. I would venture to say that a very slim population at TJ accepted the invitation to attend with the sole purpose being to further his or her chances at a similarly elite college.
Posted by: Benjin, Sep 23, 2009 08:58:12 PM
Please remember that we are high school students. We may be unusual in some respects, but there is considerably more to this community of people than our test scores and college acceptance rates.
Posted by: TJ2010, Sep 23, 2009 08:57:00 PM
Now if only we could get enough money to fix things like water fountains... Still, we probably don’t need negative press. As if people don’t play up the "nerd" thing enough already.
Posted by: Senior Lounger, Sep 23, 2009 08:41:03 PM
You shouldn’t hate on TJ just because they are smart and gifted. At least they’ll do something better with their lives than writing a horrible article like this.
Posted by: ThatWasian, Sep 23, 2009 08:09:31 PM
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