Administrator's Corner
Hello TJ!
Last week on Tuesday and Wednesday we held our SAT and PSAT for all of the 11th, 10th, and 9th graders. I'm so proud of the kids and how hard they worked! We had 99% overall attendance and look forward to seeing the results of these tests later this spring. Last week we also welcomed in our newest group of students during our 8th Grade Choice of Studies Night. I'm excited to tell everyone that we anticipating one of our largest 9th grade classes in recent years next year. It was a pleasure to meet with so many new families and to meet the younger siblings of many of our current Spartans.
Stay tuned to the TJ Newsletter because in the next few weeks we have our Spring Spirit Week, Talent Show, Backyard Bash, Prom, musical performances and as they say...much, much, more!
Have a great week, TJ!
Hola TJ!
La semana pasada, el martes y el miércoles celebramos nuestro SAT y PSAT para todos los estudiantes de 11 °, 10 ° y 9 ° grado. ¡Estoy tan orgulloso de los niños y de lo duro que trabajaron! Tuvimos un 99% de asistencia general y esperamos ver los resultados de estas pruebas más adelante esta primavera. La semana pasada también dimos la bienvenida a nuestro grupo más nuevo de estudiantes durante nuestra Noche de Elección de Estudios del 8vo Grado. Estoy emocionado de decirles a todos que anticipamos una de nuestras clases más grandes de noveno grado en los últimos años el próximo año. Fue un placer reunirme con tantas familias nuevas y conocer a los hermanos menores de muchos de nuestros Spartans actuales.
Estén atentos al boletín informativo de TJ porque en las próximas semanas tenemos nuestra Semana de espíritu de primavera, Show de talentos, Backyard Bash, Prom, actuaciones musicales y, como se suele decir, ¡mucho, mucho, más!
Que tengas una gran semana, TJ!
|
|
|
|
|
Week at a Glance - Week of 4/16-4/20
|
- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
- Senior Panoramic Photo: 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday-
- Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
|
|
Hospitality Thank Yous
Extra-special recognition goes out to TJ's PTO Hospitality crew for contributing in such a palette-pleasing way to making TJ a great place to work for our teachers and staff. They regularly coordinate breakfasts, coffees, luncheons and more. Thank you to
Eileen Robinson, Leigh Plue, Leanne Golledge, and
Tami Patzer--not to mention scores of other generous parents and talented cooks--TJ staff is well fed with eats and treats throughout the year. THANK YOU!
|
Through
Jerry Esparza
's excellent work guiding the SkillsUSA
Thomas Jefferson
High
School Chapter, the chapter has been chosen
as one of eight national finalists
as a SkillsUSA Model of Excellence Chapter under the
Technical
Skills area of the SkillsUSA Framework!
The chapter will receive their official notification from the SkillsUSA national office on Friday, April 13, but in the meantime, here is what the SkillsUSA website says about Model of Excellence chapters:
· Level 3 Models of Excellence will be announced by April 15 so schools can prepare to attend the national conference.
· Eight schools will be awarded in each component of the framework (Personal, Workplace and Technical) for a total of 24 Level 3 Models of Excellence
· Chapters will have members participate in business and industry partner interviews in Louisville, KY
· At the conclusion of the Level 3 Models of Excellence presentations and interviews during the national conference, a single chapter in each component will be announced as the national Model of Excellence
Models of Excellence Award (Based on secured sponsorship)
· Each chapter will receive the Quality Chapter Award certificate, Gold Chapter of Distinction recognition items plus:
o Large award banner
o Award plaque
o Invited to the Models of Excellence awards banquet during NLSC
o Recognized during the NLSC Awards Ceremony
o Recognition in promotional materials and best practices guide highlighting Models of Excellence award winners
o $2,000 chapter grant
Congratulations to Jerry Esparza and the SkillsUSA Thomas Jefferson High School Chapter!
|
Recently we held TJ's first Big Questions debate and it could not have happened without the amazing teachers, parents and administrators who volunteered their time!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to:
- Ms. Starbuck
- Mr. Godoy
- Ms. Stephenson
- Ms. Sonheim
- Ms. Estlund
- Ms. Hammel
- the Math and English departments for allowing us to use their rooms
- the custodial staff for helping us get set up and making sure we had access to the rooms
A big thank you to the students involved and to teacher and coach Lauren Palek for making it all happen!
|
|
A huge shout out to Amber Wilson, Brian Weaver and our TJ Latin Club members Juan Schonewise, Kate Overn, Kaelynda Estala, Claire Luhman, Hannah Ahlstrand, Lois Aldridge, Faith Toner, Khadija Djebli, and Braedon Guenther for their impressive debut at the CoJCL State Convention! Special thanks to TJ Partners for their support! See below for a summary of their awards:
A dedicated group of eight TJ students made the school proud at their first appearance at the CoJCL State Convention. The state convention is a chance for students of Classical Studies to come together in friendly competition in subjects such as the Latin language, mythology, culture, history, as well as fun track and field events, art competitions, and the Certamen (Latin Quiz Bowl).
TJ competed against 245 students from 12 other high schools across the state. Most of the schools were either charter schools with a Classical focus or private parochial schools. TJ was one of four traditional public high schools, the others being Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, and Fairview. All of these schools offer full Latin language programs. By way of comparison, our students have been working through a club environment once per week for about an hour.
Seven out of our eight students placed within their division and simply wowed the convention for being a small club based program.
Results:
- 3rd Place Certamen Team Lower Level - (top point getter going into the finals) against Caprock and Cherry Creek.
- Team Members - Juan Schonewise, Kaelynda Estala, Braedon Guenther, & Khadija Djebli
- 1st Place Mythology Test Level 2 - Braedon Guenther
- 1st Place Pottery - Claire Luhman
- 2nd Place Pyrrha's Throw - Lois Aldridge
- 3rd Place Small Model - Claire Luhman
- 3rd Place Ancient Geography Test Level 2 - Braedon Guenther
- 3rd Place Latin Grammar Test Level 2 - Braedon Guenther
- 4th Place Ancient Geography Test Level 1 - Kaelynda Estala
- 5th Place Ancient Geography Test Level 1 - Faith Toner
- 5th Place Decathlon (10 subject test) Level 1 - Juan Schonewise
Way to Go, Spartans!
|
 |
|
Spring Drama Day and Summer Camps
|
We are thrilled to share with you and your students two upcoming events - our Spring Drama Day for grades 2-6 and our Summer Camps for grades 3-12! Both are open to all DPS students and we would be so appreciative if you were able to share this with whatever departments/parent groups/school communications you feel it would be suitable for! We have already sent the information to all DPS performing arts teachers but we bet that there are other teachers/departments/organizations that might be interested (especially your PTO/PTSO/PTA/PTSA!).
Our Spring Drama Day is our debut of our popular event we also hold each December. Full of fun and creative workshops for those in grades 2-6! Interested parties can access the link with more information below.
Our Summer Camps are wonderful and affordable ways for students to develop their skills in the arts and this year we have added even more so now we include: Theatre, Musical Theatre, Creative Writing, Sewing, Makeup, Dance, Auditioning, Percussion, Jazz, Horn, and more! Information can be found at dsa.dpsk12.org/dsa-summer-programs to learn about all that we have to offer!
|
|
Vaping now an epidemic among US high schoolers
|
(CNN) -
A sharp spike in vaping and the use of e-cigarettes by students has grabbed the attention of the US Food and Drug Administration.
The rapid spread of the fad was flagged in a
2016 report
from the US surgeon general. It cited a 900% increase in e-cigarette use by high school students from 2011 to 2015, and the
2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey
noted that 1.7 million high school students said they had used e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. Click here to read more.
|
|
Free Workshop for Parents
|
|
Immigration Forum - May 2
|
The Hispanic Latino Club has scheduled our Spring Immigration Forum at TJ on May 2nd at 5:30 pm in 111. Arturo Jimenez will be presenting the latest information on Immigration Law. We need help getting the word out, and would like to include all TJ community members that are impacted by current immigration issues.
|
Star Playgrounds
We're looking for people to help with our summer playground installations, specifically highschoolers who would need a summer job. Basic requirements: are no felony background, be able to lift a bag of concrete, and be able to get to our office on SantaFe & Titan Parkway. Last year we had kids biking here! We start at 7am, pay $13-15/hr, and have an awesome office manager! They get to work outside assembling playgrounds. Right now we're looking for bodies from end of April or May until the fall. Click here for more information!
|
Young Americans Bank
There are some potential job opportunities that we have for your students at Young Americans Bank. If you do not know anything about us we are a bank that is designed to teach the youth about financial literacy. Please feel free to visit us our website at
www.yacenter.org
for additional information.
I am looking to hire 6 New Account Representatives for our Cherry Creek location and one for our Lakewood location. This position is a year round position, during the school year the students will primarily work every Saturday and can work 3-4 days a week during the summer/winter/spring break. The students will need to be at least 16 years old and be excited to work and learn about the financial industry. I have enclosed a job application and a job description for your review. I would be happy to come out and interview students who are interested. Please call me at the number listed below with any questions.
Lila Rodriguez
Operations Officer
Young Americans Bank
3550 E. 1st Ave
Denver, CO 80206
Main: (303) 321-2265
Direct: (303) 320-3206
|
Select "
Work in DPS
" and go to School support Operations and select "
Apply Now.
" Select "
External Candidates.
" Enter "
Custodian
" in Keyword box. Click the "
Apply for the Job
" button and enter your information.
|
The yearbook is now $65 and can be purchased online. The book will be available until sold out, so act fast!
Anything that you need to know about the yearbook can be found on the yearbook website
here
!
|
|
Gardening Season is Coming in Hot
|
TJ Green Team is taking preorders!
- For every preorder we will throw in an extra plant (of our choosing)
- All Proceeds go to the Special Education Green Team
We will be selling:
Tomatoes (several varieties)
Tomatillos
Marigolds
Jalapeno peppers
Basil
|
Gymnastics season starts in the fall! Any ladies interested in learning gymnastics, making new friends, or getting involved in the school community should consider joining the gymnastics team.
We are a competitive team, who won City Championships in 2015 and qualified to state our last 2 seasons, and are looking for athletes who are willing to learn new things and want to have fun with a good group of girls!
Experience preferred but not necessary, coaches can teach you what you need to know! We are welcoming athletes and managers. There will be an informational meeting coming soon, details to follow.
If you have any questions, email Coach Molly
at
[email protected]
or talk to Tori Conroy, Chloe Richter, Hanna Channell, or any of the gymnastics girls!
|
The
TJ Spartan Spirit Store
is now in two places for your convenience-online and in the main hallway at TJ between the gym and auditorium. The store is also set up at select school events including athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.
Click here
for more information!
- On-campus Spirit Store hours are on Fridays during lunch only. A couple of our wonderful parents alternate shifts to make the store convenient and accessible to students. It's also open during various special events. Julie Thibodeau will continue to be available at other times for the occasional urgent or spontaneous purchase.
- We take cash and credit cards!
- Order Spartan wear online. Great gifts for every class, parents and grads, too.
- Purchases from the Spirit Store directly benefit PTO's activities to build community, improve school spirit, and have a positive impact on every student at TJ!
Questions? Contact Erin Markham for more information:
[email protected] or
303-809-5449.
|
|
- Want to help make your students high school experience the best it can be?
- Want to support the staff at TJ?
- Want to get to know some parents at TJ?
Come to a PTO meeting!
We meet monthly and have 1-2 events each month that we support. You can help out as your schedule permits.
Email
[email protected]
with any questions.
|
|
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
|
Did You Know?
April 22nd is EARTH DAY!
What is "Earth Day?"
Close to 48 years ago, on 22 April 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. In the US and around the world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants. The global ecological awareness was growing, and the US Congress and President Nixon responded quickly. In July of the same year, they created the Environmental Protection Agency, and robust environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, among many.
Great! How can I help?
1)
Recycle Electronics:
They may contain chemicals that seep in to the ground. Find recycling spots here.
2)
Unsubscribe to Catalogs You No Longer Want:
We all get them- whether you subscribed yourself or they just started showing up, there is an excess of unwanted magazines and catalogs. Experts estimate that 100 million trees are cut down each year to create paper for junk mail. Take yourself off the mailing lists here.
3)
Skip the Plastic:
450 years
is the time is takes for a plastic bottle to break down. Reach for a reusable one, and skip the plastic straws and cutlery.
|
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP.
|
|
This course includes Lifeguard Training, CPR and First Aid in one package.
(For those who have never taken the class before) Must be 15 years old by the end of the course.
All classes are held at Littleton High School
Dates: (Must attend All dates) Wed April 18th at 6:30 pm,
Tues April 24th at 7:30 pm
Wed May 2nd at 6:30 pm
Wed May 9th at 6:30 pm
Wed May 16th at 6:30 pm
Lifeguard Training Review
(for those that have taken the Lifeguarding Class before and have a current Card or one that has expired no more than 30 days before class)
Dates: May 22nd and May 23rd 6 pm ( must attend both dates and includes first aid and CPR)
These classes will fill up soon! To register or for more information please call Linda at 303-771-2286
|
|
-
Great news! All Class T-Shirts are now available (as well as other TJ gear) in the Spartan Store!
- Supporting our TJ students, classrooms and teacher is as simple as a click of a button. Visit the online store to donate to TJ PTO today: Online Spartan Spirit Store for TJ Gear
|
|
Class of 2018 parents:
We need your help. Please
sign up here to assist with After Prom.
We are also in need of many items: We are looking for items to use in the transformation of the lobby and the gym for after prom. The theme is "Enchanted Castle." Please contact Amy Leonard if you have any of these items. [email protected]
- Dungeon Lounge: bean bags, large chairs or couches, benches, rugs, dark blankets
- Garden Food Court: astro turf, garden tables and chairs, large glass jars & mason jars
- Drawbridge Entry: two beams (like the kind you use for edging in a garden) to
be used to mark the bridge as you enter the "castle doors" at the entrance to the school
|
The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.
How you can support:
|
|
Class of 2020 - Sophomores
|
All parents are invited to attend the
Class of 2020 Doce de Mayo Fiesta at 7:00 pm on
Saturday, May 12th at the home of Lisa and Brad Freedberg. $30/per person at the door, with all proceeds going directly toward the Class of 2020's Senior year activities (including Prom, After Prom, Mr. TJ, etc). The total raised at this party will be matched by the company of a 2020 family, so please join and help us with this fundraising effort! Please RVSP
HERE
|
- New Graduation Requirements! DPS has adopted new, evidence-based graduation requirements that will go into effect this year for the graduating class of 2021. Click here
to read more!
-
|
News from the Future Center
|
Seniors are encouraged to stop by the Future Center to set up a time to discuss their plans for next year.
Rena Maez
College Advisor, Thomas Jefferson High School
Denver Scholarship Foundation | a 501(c)(3) Public Charity
3950 S. Holly Street | Denver, CO 80237
O 720.423.7134 F 720.423.7098
[email protected]
|
www.denverscholarship.org
|
|
|
|
|
