Administrator's Corner

April 11, 2022

Welcome to the week of testing! We will have normal classes on Monday and Tuesday. The schedule for the remainder of the week is as follows:

  • Wednesday, April 13th - SAT for 11th graders only
  • Thursday, April 14th - 10th graders only 
  • Friday, April 15th - 9th graders only

Parents, please be aware of the following details for testing days:

- Please have your student at TJ by 7:30 for your day of testing. Students will not be allowed to enter a classroom once testing begins.

- Your student will not have access to their phone/smart watch etc…during testing. If there is an emergency and you need to reach your student while they are testing you can call the school at 720-423-7050 and leave a message. We will relay that message to your student.

Please note: Friday 4/22 CMAS testing for juniors only - they should arrive no later than 7:30. All other students are not expected to attend that day.

Thanks!

¡Bienvenido a la semana de pruebas! Tendremos clases normales los lunes y martes. El horario para el resto de la semana es el siguiente:

  • Miércoles, 13th de abril - SAT sólo para estudiantes de 11th grados
  • Jueves, 14th de abril - 10th grados solamente
  • Viernes, 15th de abril - 9th grados solamente

Padres, por favor, tenga en cuenta los siguientes detalles para los días de prueba:

- Por favor, tenga a su estudiante en TJ antes de las 7:30 para su día de prueba. No se permitirá a los estudiantes entrar a un salón de clase una vez que comience la prueba.

- Su estudiante no tendrá acceso a su teléfono/reloj inteligente, etc. durante las pruebas. Si hay una emergencia y usted necesita comunicarse con su estudiante mientras están probando usted puede llamar a la escuela al 720-423-7050 y dejar un mensaje. Transmitiremos ese mensaje a su estudiante.
Tenga en cuenta: Viernes 4/22 Pruebas de CMAS solo para jóvenes, deben llegar a más tardar a las 7:30. No se espera que todos los demás estudiantes asistan ese día.

¡gracias!

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
star-balloon.gif
  • Class of 2022!!! You have surpassed 10 million dollars in scholarship money earned! We are so proud of you!

  • We appreciate Megan Perkins and Becca Mahoney for all of their efforts with the 6th Annual Online Auction! Thanks, too, to the many people who donated items as well!

  • Thanks to all of the volunteers for the Twilight Track meet last week! It was a beautiful day to support our Track & Field athletes!
The AUCTION went live yesterday and bidding ends with staggered closing times starting at 7:00 pm Thursday, April 14th!  
 
Make a difference for TJ!
When everyone bids, TJ wins. The auction is a great way to have the money you spend on everyday items go to TJ. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the school and will benefit our classroom grant program. 
 
We need YOU to help to make TJ's Auction a success...here's how you can help:
  • Bid on items you already buy every day and have 100% of that money go to TJ!
  • Bid on fun items including gift cards, travel packages, athletic tickets, cool experiences & great gifts!
  • Be sure to check out the "Show your TJ Spirit!" section for fun TJ items!
  • Send the AUCTION LINK to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and encourage them to bid!
  • Post the link on your social media platforms!
  • Remind other TJ families to get in on the auction action!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.comor Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com).
 The U.S. Navy is setting up an immersive display in the North Parking lot of the TJ Campus. Two tractor-trailers will be parked in the North Parking area, closest to the Jewish Center, from Sunday evening to Tuesday evening. (10, 11, 12 April). This display will prevent parking in this area.

  Interested students will be able to experience this virtual reality event and learn more about STEM careers offered by the U.S. Navy. Please note a waiver is required to participate. Waivers have been forwarded to all teachers. To better expedite groups through the experience, please have waivers completed prior to 12 April. Question should be directed to SFC (R) Johns, JROTC.
The April Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, April 27 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm at TJ!  
Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HERE. Please note that you MUST sign up for us to have food available for you at the distribution.  
Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) or Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) with questions!

La distribución de alimentos de abril se llevará a cabo el miércoles el 27 de abril de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30p.m. en TJ!
Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y animada a inscribirse AQUÍ. DEBE registrarse para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución.

Comuníquese con Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) o Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) si tienes preguntas! si tiene preguntas.

Thank you for your continued support! If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE
PTO Meeting is TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 12th at 7:00 pm. 
After two long years of Zoom meetings, the April PTO meeting will be held in person at TJ! Please join us tomorrow at 7pm in the Community Room (Rm 111). At this meeting, we will approve Classroom Grants and prepare for Teacher Appreciation Week which is the first week of May.

A Zoom link is available for those who can't attend. We will try our best to accommodate a hybrid virtual and in-person meeting. 

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 851 1517 0229
Passcode: 949316

Support the TJ Auction This Week! 
Every year, more and more families participate in the TJ Auction by bidding on items. The majority of the TJ PTO budget comes from our auction, so plan to Bid Early & Bid Often! All auction proceeds and donations support TJ students and teachers.
Did you know that your student(s) may be able to participate in a summer internship - even one that pays!? 

DPS partners with businesses and organizations such as United Airlines, Xcel Energy, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Arts Street to host DPS interns during the summer. 

To find out more information about summer internships and eligibility, click here and talk to your school Navigator or Counselor!
We are so excited to be hosting PROM 2022 in a few short weeks. See above for details. Tickets will go on sale starting April 25th at lunch time. TJ seniors are allowed to bring guests from other high schools but that will require a permission slip. These can be picked up and turned into Mr. Skari. This must be done before you purchase your tickets. Guests must be approved by Admin. 

Parents/guardians interested in volunteering for set up or looking to be involved in other ways, please email Jillian_Gleason@dpsk12.net or Margaret_Kennedy@dpsk12.net. Set up will start at 5pm. 
April 24th - Spartan Palooza 12pm-3pm
April 25th - 29th Spirit Week
May 4th - Senior Awards Night: by invitation
May 7th - Prom 8pm - 11pm at The Space Gallery 
May 13th - Senior Check Out, Back Yard Bash, and Yearbook distribution
May 16th - Pancake Breakfast, Graduation Rehearsal at TJ, Cap and Gown Pick up
May 18th Graduation 2:00pm at University of Denver

**A graduation rehearsal will be schedule at DU but we are still waiting to confirm that date and time so stay tuned
We are trying to put together a few complete sets of TJ yearbooks for posterity. If anyone has yearbooks they would like to donate to us - specifically, the years 1984, 1986, 1989, and 1993 - that would be awesome!
May 14th- Saturday- 8-12
We are having a prep day for the garden
Your student is highly encouraged to join as they will have been working on the garden all year for this prep day! 

We will be getting a huge shipment of soil to fill our 45 new beds that students put together.

Families are welcome and also encouraged to join and help-

Lunch will be provided for those who attend full day 8-12.
RSVP or Questions: Elizabeth_lynch2@dpsk12.net
The music department needs your support. We are taking students on a field trip next spring to study the history of jazz and connections to the Civil Rights Movement. We want to make this trip possible for our TJ students.

We've scheduled a few fundraisers, and could use our TJ community's help in making these a success.

1) Reach out to local businesses and friends, and/or consider making a donation yourself.
We are asking for direct donations to our music program. Click here to view the letter you can share with friends and businesses. Donors will have their names or businesses listed in the concert programs this year and next.

If your child is interested in joining us on this trip there is still room. Registration for the trip is online at History of Jazz/Civil Rights Field Trip_ Spring, 2023. The tour code is TQLXFBF

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely and gratefully,
Robin Morrissey
Instrumental music teacher
TJ Gymnastics is starting offseason practices for their upcoming fall season. Any athletes interested in participating in gymnastics or getting in shape during the offseason should reach out to Coach Molly at tjspartansgymnastics@gmail.com. There is no experience necessary, you just need to come to practice and be willing to work hard. Practices are on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm at Golden Gymnastics. For more info, including price and paperwork requirements, please email Molly!

Thank you!
Please click here to share your opinions about outdoor adventures and alternative sports ideas!
Go Spartans! 

Email us at tjhs.store@gmail.com if you have any questions.
There are 3-4 paraprofessional jobs available here at TJ! The job would pay $15 and would be from 7:20 am-2:50 pm. Please contact the main office if you are interested.
Did You Know…?
April 16th-24th is FREE ENTRANCE to all NATIONAL PARKS in celebration of National Park Week. 

In Colorado we have four national parks:
Rocky Mountain
Great Sand Dunes
Mesa Verde 
Black Canyon of the Gunnison


Our tip for you this week- try to plan an adventure at one of these parks! You can get a quick snap-shot of the parks HERE.
Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW. Resources: https://www.colorado.com/articles/quick-guide-colorado-national-parks; https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
Class of 2022
  
The DSF Scholarship is OPEN for application. The application takes about 20 minutes and is due May 1st! 
 
If you have not yet received financial aid package information from your college(s), they may be asking you for more information, like signed tax transcripts or the CSS Profile, in order to award you financial aid. Don’t miss out! Check your college emails and portals regularly and provide the requested information as soon as possible. 
Time is running out to secure financial aid from your schools! 
 
 
Class of 2023: Be sure to check out your TJ Future Center schoology course to get started on planning for life after high school! I’ll share information about college rep visits, scholarship opportunities, career info sessions, and more
 
Important Dates:
Tuesday, April 11: Learn more about serving in the Navy in Room 111! 
Friday, April 15: Robert Sullivan Scholarship Application DUE, Generation Teach Applications DUE
Monday, April 18-Thursday, April 21- CO Youth Career Fair
Tuesday, April 19- What is Engineering? Virtual Info Session, Sally Shuler Scholarship DUE 
Thursday, April 21: DSF Scholarship Almost There Required Session
Friday, April 22: National Western Stock Show Scholarship DUE
Friday, April 29: CCD Red Carpet Orientation Day


Katie Damas 
Future Center Advisor CC Fellow
Future Center Phone #: 720-423-7134 
Rm 135
               
Emily Webster
College Advisor | Thomas Jefferson High School
Denver Scholarship Foundation | a 501(c)(3) Public Charity
789 Sherman Street, Suite 610 | Denver, CO 80203
emily_webster@dpsk12.net
ewebster@denverscholarship.org
Class of 2022 - Seniors
SpartanPalooza is On for April 24th!
Even though the Prom has moved to Saturday, May 7th, SpartanPalooza is still taking place on Sunday, April 24th. SpartanPalooza is a free festival for all TJ seniors with silly games and serious prizes. Not to mention an awesome DJ, plentiful festival food & sweet treats. We need lots of parents to make this all happen. We recognize you all have busy lives and busy schedules so there are many ways to be part of this Class of 2022 signature event. There is less than a month until the big day so take a look at the lists below, sign up and check it off your list!
Here is how to get involved…
 
Donate Prizes
for an apartment, dorm or whatever comes next by clicking here
 
Donate or Lend
lawn games, food, tents and other items for the day of the event by clicking here
 
Volunteer
take part in this fun day by clicking here
 
Questions? What to get involved?
Email event chair, Lisa Chaiken at lisa.chaiken@icloud.com
Polynesian Club is selling Graduation Candy Leis for the low price of $5.00! 
This is a great way to celebrate your student and make the day special. The proceeds from this fundraiser will not only help to keep Polynesian Club going at TJ, adding to diversity but will also allow the members of Polynesian Club to do outreach work in the community. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help the people of Tonga get back on their feet from the tsunami that hit the island. Leis will be on sale till April 30. They will be by pre-order only. All leis will need to be picked up by May 12 (day before Senior checkout) payment is also due at this time of pickup (cash only).
To order please follow the link or QR code below:
The Be Happy Boutique is an opportunity for young people to come in and find the perfect attire for prom, or another formal occasion, this season. We follow a pay what you can model with the hopes of removing the obstacle of cost. So whether someone can offer $0, $20, or more, all are welcome.
How does it work?
We will be “open for business” from March 1 - March 13. We are located at the Streets of Southglenn - Suite 236 (in the old Victoria’s Secret). We’re across the street from H & M.

Location
Streets of Southglenn (Old Victoria's Secret) - Suite 236
6851 S Vine St, Centennial, CO 80122

Hours:
Saturdays - 11 am - 7 pm
Sundays - 12 pm - 6 pm
Monday - Friday - 3 pm - 7 pm (by appointment)
On weekends we will be open during the posted hours and everyone is invited to just drop in and shop. During the week, we will serve customers by appointment. Appointments are available on the weekends, but not required.

For more information, email waves@ryliesark.org

Big news! Bella Boutique is back for Prom 2022. If you are planning on going to prom, please schedule an appointment now to get your free prom gown, shoes and accessories. Click here to schedule an appointment!
Class of 2023 - Juniors
READY TO ROLL?? Come join us Saturday, April 30, 2022, 7-10 p.m. at the McLain's home in Southmoor for our long-awaited LEFT RIGHT CENTER Parent FUNdraiser Party! $30 per person recommended donation.  Dice fly at 7:45 p.m. so come join the fun in time to win great prizes! 

A TJ Parent Tradition, this fun LRC game night invites you to:
  • Roll the dice (EASY game - see below!)
  • Enjoy our fabulous Mexican Buffet (GF & Vegan Options avail!)
  • Toast with great wine, tasty margaritas and cold beer!
  • Socialize and meet other 2023 TJ Parents!
  • Brief wine descriptions by Wine Specialist Catherine Quinney!
  • Please dress for the weather, game tables inside & out - Casual, fun attire!  

GRACIOUSLY HOSTED BY:
Jll & David McLain
Karla & Scott Henke
Christy Jordan & Chris Little
Catherine & Scott Quinney

PAYMENT & REGISTRATION LINKS:

$30 per person on TJ PTO 2023 Square above. Limited to 1st 50 guests - Secure your Spots Today! Extra Donations are greatly appreciated!

RSVP in the Sign-up Genius Slots above. Note: Please list your full name and your guest's name in the Comments Section of this sign-up genius!

LEFT RIGHT CENTER is an easy, social dice rolling game that involves everyone standing around a long, big table. All parents start with a stack of poker chips upon entry and use them to play the game - the dice tell you where to put your chips, to the person on your left, to the person on your right or to the pot in the center or keep. No betting, no thinking, and players stay "In" until the end of the game as chips shift hands quickly! It's super easy and rules will be explained at the beginning of the game - eating, drinking and socializing are encouraged throughout the game! :)

Note: Once you have RSVPd and paid, we will send you an email with specific directions for parking and exact address the week of the event!    

Grab some friends and sign up today! Please help spread the word! Other parents or friends outside TJ 2023 are included as well! Adults only.  

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING 2023!                                                                 
PARENTS! HOW TO GET CONNECTED: 
We always need more help and input! If you have any ideas or comments and would like to get more involved, please contact Catherine Poirier catherinepoirier@comcast.net or Christy Jordan christy.jordan@comcast.net Our 2023 Class Staff Sponsors are Rebecca Taylor, MA rebecca_taylor@dpsk12.net and Annie Berg, MSW, annie_berg@dpsk12.net.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023!
Class of 2024 - Sophomores
Join us on the 24th for the Class of 2024 Wine Tasting Event

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2022
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Krista & Steve Zizzo’s house

Join fellow Class of 2024 parents for a wine tasting, hosted by One Hope Wines. We’ll taste 4-6 Napa Valley wines and a portion of all wine sales will support the Class of 2024’s After Prom efforts. Can’t join us on the 24th? Click here and place an order online. Wines are shipped to your home about 3 days after the ordering. 



Parent Meeting – Join Us!
Class meetings will be held the third Tuesday of month at 7pm.  

Our next meeting details:
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Meeting ID: 847 2873 7251
Passcode: 222894
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Class Donations – Every dime counts!
Sophomores are quite possibly the best “10s” out there! Gather those dimes (pennies, quarters, and ten-dollar bills too) and make a donation to the Class of 2024; money raised will be used for the Class of 2024 After Prom. 

Please click on the PTO Square link to support the class. Feel free to pass the link onto family and friends! Corporate matching is always appreciated.

Extraordinary parents – come get involved! 
 Reach out with questions, comments, and ideas. We look forward to a great year!
Rebecca Moore
Tambyr Reed
Robin Morrissey
Dyanna Spicher (parent)
Class of 2025 - Freshmen
Class of 2025 Flower Fundraiser

Buy gorgeous bulbs and flowers for your summer garden while supporting the class of 2025! Help us raise the $10,000 we need for various class activities and After Prom. Visit http://tjhs2025.fpfundraising.com/ to view our catalog and don’t forget to share our link with family and friends! All orders will be shipped directly to you. Please contact Heather Reeder at hmbdvm@yahoo.com with any fundraiser questions.
If this fundraiser isn’t for you, we still need your financial support! Please consider donating directly to the class of 2025. A donation of just $25 from each family will get us to our goal! Visit https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99 to donate today. 

Part of the Thomas Jefferson PTO mission is to build a strong community, but we can't do that without parents’ help. Please take a moment to complete a short survey for the Class Sponsors to let the know how you want to be involved in class activities. The information you provide will help us direct our communication to the people who want to receive it.


We look forward to getting to know you and your student(s)! For any questions, you can reach out to Heather Reeder at hmbdvm@yahoo.com or the PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.