Thomas Jefferson High School (Federal Way, Washington)

Thomas Jefferson High School
Location
4248 S 288th ST, Auburn, WA 98001
Information
Type	High school
Established	1968
School district	Federal Way School District
Principal	Dr. Marshall Denton
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	2,000+
Color(s)	Red and Gold
Mascot	Raider
Information	253-945-5600(Main) 253-945-5656 (FAX)
Website	http://www.fwps.org/tj/

Thomas Jefferson High School is located in Auburn, Washington. It is the largest enrolled High School in the district and one of the largest in the State of Washington. The school is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, which means that the staff has adopted ten principles that are believed to be crucial to all students achieving at their highest level.^{[citation needed]} The schools that feed into Jefferson are Kilo Middle School and Totem Middle School. Thomas Jefferson also has one of the best emergency preparedness drills in the state; each October the Emergency Response Club sponsors a Mass Casualty Incident Drill that simulates a shallow 7.2 magnitude earthquake and simulates trapping over 35 students and staff members in 12 separate buildings.^{[citation needed]}

Programs

Many academic programs are available at Thomas Jefferson.

Raiderlinks

TJ’s Raiderlinks laptop program continues to build on its reputation as a 1997 Computer World Smithsonian Award for Excellence winner. Raiderlinks is a rigorous,^{[citation needed]} interdisciplinary program that prepares students for their preferred career path. Raiderlinks is aligned with the Washington Assessment for Student Learning (WASL) and Federal Way Public Schools’ literacy goals.^{[citation needed]} Recent graduates have gained entrance to prestigious universities, art schools, community colleges, and technical schools and have been hired by corporations. Raiderlinks is committed to the concept of personalizing one's education and developing a rich learning community that represents the diversity of our nation and community.^{[citation needed]}

International Baccalaureate(IB)

The International Baccalaureate Program, a two-year program that requires students to challenge themselves at a high academic level, is an option for all students. The program can be a full-diploma choice or an option for earning certificates in specific subjects in which a student wishes to excel. The assessments are sent to external assessors, assuring that student work conforms to “world-class” standards. Thomas Jefferson High School also offers an honor program called Pre-IB which is a demanding program that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate program.

CAPP

The Construction Apprenticeship Preparation Program (CAPP) is an integrated 4-year program for students interested in careers and apprenticeships in the construction industry. Construction, Language Arts and Math instructors team to take students through the four-year curriculum. Free college credit is available to enrolled students.

Running Start

Students wishing to participate in the Running Start program have dual enrollment at either Highline Community College or Green River Community College. Students may attend classes at either college or both, and can attend classes either full time or part time. Students must provide their own transportation, unless they are disabled and their Individual Education Plan requires the school district to provide it.

Puget Sound Skills Center

Students can get vocational training at the Puget Sound Skills Center, formerly known as Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center.

Math Team

Since 1993, the Thomas Jefferson "Mathletes" have won many state Mu Alpha Theta titles as well placing in the Top 10 in national Mu Alpha Theta conventions for the last 14 years.^{[citation needed]} Many students have won individual championships at Mu Alpha Theta.^{[citation needed]}Thomas Jefferson has hosted the Washington state Mu Alpha Theta contest since 2005.

Scheduling

Thomas Jefferson High School has an innovative modified six-period daily schedule that allows for more personalization, greater access to electives, and extended instructional time. In each five day week, two days allow equal time for all six classes. On the remaining three days, two classes are not in session to allow the other four greater time. On these days, the schedule is rotated so each class provides the same amount of time each week.^{[citation needed]}

Athletics

TJ, a member of the South Puget Sound League (SPSL), won the WIAA Washington State Boys High School Soccer Championship 7 times (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1994 and 2005). More than any school in the history of the state.

Thomas Jefferson enjoys good athletic results in all sports, finishing 4th in 2008-2009 and 3rd in 2009-2010, for the SPSL all sports trophy, given to the school with the most success through each sport put together.

TJ also has some of the top mathletes in the state.

Notable alumni

• Bryan Pittman- plays for the Houston Texans of the NFL.
• James Sun - president of Zoodango, Donald Trump's show The Apprentice participant.^{[citation needed]}
• {Shermake Ibrahim- Former NBA player for Toronto Raptors 2009-2011 ( William and Penn University}
• Josie Bissett - Actress, most notably in Melrose Place. Dropped out as a Junior.^{[citation needed]}
• Kenny Mayne - Sports personality, most notably on Sportscenter.^{[citation needed]}
• Lamar Neagle - Professional soccer player with Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer.
• Wade Webber - Former professional soccer player with the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders and the Dallas Burn and Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer (MLS). He was an IB history teacher at TJ.

External links

• Official homepage
• School Profile