Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Timeline
For how long have administrators at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology been withholding National Merit Commendation Awards? Is the silence of the school board complicity?
A Coverup?
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
2020 Delivery Date
“NMSC sends the Commended Student mailing to the attention of the high school principal…,” send a spokeswoman with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
436 students in the Class of 2021
130 are National Merit Semifinalists
230 are National Merit Commended students
Source for number of students are at this link.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022
City Journal: The War on Merit Takes a Bizarre Turn
Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, about 1 PM
Fairfax County Public Schools: “one-time human error”
FCPS spokesman Julie Moult told reporters: “As part of our ongoing review into this matter, Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) current understanding is that the delay in notifying National Merit Scholarship commended students was a one-time human error in the fall of 2022 only. Once the issue regarding the fall 2022 notifications came to light, counselors sent emails and made follow-up calls to each college where these students had applied and informed them of the National Merit Scholarship Commendations.
To suggest a deliberate intent to withhold this information would be inaccurate and contrary to the values of FCPS. FCPS understands the hard work and dedication of each and every student who competes for college acceptance and scholarship opportunities. We are continuing to look into this matter and will take any necessary steps to ensure consistency in appropriate and timely notification of National Merit recognitions going forward.”
Friday, Dec. 30, 2022
Fairfax County Public Schools: “…unique situation due to human error”
Statement on Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Delay in Sharing National Merit Scholarship Corporation Recognitions
News
DECEMBER 30, 2022
You may be aware that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) has been the subject of media coverage over the past few days regarding a delay in sharing National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognition with students designated Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
This organization recognizes top students across the country for their academic achievement and demonstrated success in multiple areas. Each year, Thomas Jefferson High School shares this honor with students as a reflection of their high academic achievement. This year, we were made aware that this notification had not gone out in any of the usual ways at Thomas Jefferson High School – either through in-person notification or email – in a timely manner.
As soon as this issue regarding the fall 2022 notifications came to light, students and their families were notified, and staff sent emails and made follow-up calls to each college where these students had applied to inform them of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation commendations.
FCPS also initiated an investigation into the circumstances around how this situation could occur. Our current understanding is that the delay at Thomas Jefferson High School this fall was a unique situation due to human error, but we will continue to examine our records in further detail. We are committed to sharing any key findings and any updates to our processes to ensure future consistency in appropriate and timely notification of National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognitions going forward.
FCPS understands the hard work and dedication of each and every student who competes for college acceptance and scholarship opportunities. We remain committed to supporting every student in reaching their full potential.
Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 7:15:56 PM
Ann Bonitatibus: “…initiated an investigation”
From: “Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus – TJHSST Principal” <[email protected]>
Date: December 30, 2022 at 7:15:56 PM EST
To: [email protected]
Subject: Dr. Reid meeting 6 p.m., Tuesday January 3
Reply-To: “Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus – TJHSST Principal” <[email protected]>
12/30/2022
Dear TJHSST Families,
First, I would like to draw your attention to the statement on the FCPS website regarding a delay in sharing National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognition with students designated Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Superintendent Dr. Reid and I are aware that there will be many questions on this topic and would like to give you an opportunity to raise your concerns directly. Dr. Reid will be present at TJ on Tuesday, January 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. While Dr. Reid may not have answers for you on Tuesday evening, FCPS has already initiated an investigation and is committed to share any key findings with you as soon as we have them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus
TJHSST Principal
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 6-7 PM
CYA or Coverup?
“Dr. [Michelle] Reid will be present at TJ on Tuesday, January 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.”
Jan. 4, 2023
FCPS Superintendent Statement
Message from the Superintendent Regarding State Investigation
News
JANUARY 04, 2023
Hello FCPS Students, Families, and Community,
You may be aware that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) and Fairfax County Public Schools are now the subject of a Commonwealth of Virginia Attorney General investigation.
Last month, we were made aware that there had been a delay in sharing National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognition with TJHSST students designated as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. After learning of this delay, impacted students and their families were notified, and staff sent emails and made follow-up calls to colleges where these students had applied to inform them of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation commendations.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has initiated an investigative review by an independent third party into the circumstances surrounding this situation. Our current understanding is that the delay at TJHSST this fall was a unique situation due to human error, but we will leave it to our investigative review to draw any final conclusions. We are committed to sharing any key findings and any updates to our processes to ensure future consistency in appropriate and timely notification of National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognitions going forward. In addition, the Virginia Attorney General investigation will include a review of the TJHSST admissions policies.
FCPS stands ready to work with our partners at the state level on both areas of investigation, and I have already communicated this to the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
We understand and value the hard work and dedication of each and every student, and the families and staff who support them. Please be assured that we remain resolutely committed to supporting every student in reaching their unique and fullest potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools