April 15, 2024


Spartans,


This week is PSAT/SAT testing and the following week is Spirit Week (see below to plan your outfits!)

Please read the Newsletter closely as there is a lot of very important information about the coming weeks. 


  • Monday - Normal school day
  • Tuesday - PSAT9 test - 9th graders by credit report to school
  • Wednesday - PSAT10 - 10th graders by credit report to school 
  • **8:25 start time NO LATE START**
  • Thursday - SAT - 11th graders by credit report to school
  • Friday - No School: District Professional Development day


Please make sure to bring your school-assigned and CHARGED Chrome Book for testing!

Remember, these tests are important to our students as they qualify students as college ready according to the state, qualify students for scholarships, and get our students into college.


Spartans,


Esta semana es la prueba PSAT/SAT y la siguiente semana es la Semana del Espíritu (ver abajo para planificar sus trajes!)


Por favor, lea el Boletín de noticias de cerca, ya que hay mucha información muy importante sobre las próximas semanas.


  • Lunes - día escolar normal martes - examen PSAT9 - 9mo grado por informe de crédito a la escuela
  • miércoles - PSAT10 - 10mo grado por informe de crédito a la escuela
  • **8:25 hora de inicio SIN INICIO TARDÍO**
  • Jueves - SAT - 11mo grado por informe de crédito a la escuela
  • viernes - No hay escuela: día de Desarrollo Profesional del Distrito


¡Por favor, asegúrese de traer su libro de Chrome asignado y CARGADO POR la escuela para las pruebas!

DPS Monthly School Lunch Menu
Click here to access DPS Online Pay

Recuerde, estos exámenes son importantes para nuestros estudiantes, ya que califican a los estudiantes como listos para la universidad según el estado, califican a los estudiantes para becas y hacen que nuestros estudiantes ingresen a la universidad.


Jon Poole

Assistant Principal

Below are some details about this week and next week's Spirit Week!

Week at a Glance

Monday-


  • Normal school day for all students


Tuesday-


  • PSAT9 test - 9th graders by credit report to school
  • PSAT puppies!


Wednesday


  • PSAT10 - 10th graders by credit report to school 
  • **8:25 start time NO LATE START**
  • PSAT puppies!
  • MLE DAC Meeting: 9-11 a.m. (details below)
  • FAFSA Open House: 11:30-1:30 (details below)
  • DPS Citywide Art Exhibit Artist Reception: 5:30-7:30 p.m. (details below)


Thursday-


  • SAT - 11th graders by credit report to school
  • PSAT puppies!


Friday-


  • No school for students - teacher PD day


Saturday-


  • Saturday School: 8-11 a.m.
Kudos Korner

Kay Le, Yasmin Muse and Jacob Jackson beat East and Boulder in the Finals to become the Japan Cup Level 2 State Champions! Japan Cup is a state competition for MS, HS, and college students studying Japanese. It is a knowledge bowl of the Japanese language. Congratulations, TJ!

Our amazing TJ SkillsUSA students represented us well at the State Competitions! They participated in the conference with absolute professionalism and grace. 

Here are some highlights:


Emanuel Morales-Gomez was re-elected to a State Officer Position and Elana Russom was elected as a State Officer for next year. 


Jesse Mishell and Emanuel Morales-Gomez did a fabulous job of helping to run the conference as our current state officers.


We had 15 students receive medals and 10 students qualified for Nationals. Here is a list of the winners:


Amaris Medina & Rachel VanWagner - 1st place - Television Video Production

Jack Hered & Elijah Reed - 1st place - 3D Animation

Noah Jones - 1st place - Criminal Justice

Tavin MacKinnon - 2nd place - Computer Programming

Cohen Foster - 2nd place - Advertising Design

Evangelia Latsis & Nes Masa - 2nd place - Interactive Application and Video Game Development

Xavier Gonzales & Cyrus Steiner - 3rd place - Interactive Application and Video Game Development

Amelie Miller - 3rd place - Photography

Jesse Mishell, Akaash Raghunath, Ravi Apte, Michael Benissan, Tavin MacKinnon - 1st place - Quiz Bowl

Evangelia Latsis, Nes Masa, Xavier Gonzales, Cyrus Steiner & Emanuel Morales-Gomez - 2nd place - Quiz Bowl


Thanks to Eileen Adair, Mathew Aviles and Lea Rabon for chaperoning the trip. 


Jonathan Howard, SkillsUSA Advisor

On Thursday, April 11 over 300 students interacted with professionals and learned about programs and career pathways at the Skilled Trades Career Fair. 30 businesses and community organizations were on hand to talk to students about everything from construction and trades, the automotive industry to early childcare education and tattoo artistry. Students engaged in hands on activities, like trying their tatto skills on an orange and cookie decoration with culinary program Work Options. Some students also attended a career panel and heard from professionals who have followed non-traditional career paths. Special shoutout to the TJ Facilities Team, Brittany Nicolo, all the staff who helped out registering and guiding students, and to seniors Mariah Williams and Iris Layer-Carlson for moderating the career panel and running sound in the auditorium. And a a huge thanks to our partner The Great Hall Workforce Development Team at the Denver International Airport, who made this event possible.

Art News

CityWide High School Art Exhibit:


The DPS CityWide HS Art Exhibit runs April 5th through April 29th at the BRDG Project. Please see their website for gallery hours. The Artist Reception is Wednesday, April 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Please join us to honor & celebrate our artists.  


Here's our CityWide Art Exhibit: check out this slide deck to see some of the amazing student artwork!

Office Hours for FAFSA on Wednesday

The Future Center will be hosting drop-in office hours for students who need to edit their FAFSA forms for any reason. FAFSAs are being processed and students are now able to edit their incorrect or incomplete forms.  


Ms.Baker will be available in Room 32 from 11:30am-1:30pm on Wednesday, April 17. Please enter through the Robotics door as PSAT testing will also be going on in the building. 


Reach out to the Future Center with any questions.

PTO News

April PTO Meeting

Thanks to all who attended last week’s meeting. The minutes and March financials are posted here.


Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Interested in working

with Hospitality? Spirit Store? Volunteer Coordinator? We can use your skills! Email

TJHSpto@gmail.com

Parent Survey


TJ Parents and Community, We Want to Hear From You!



Our family and community engagement team is wanting to know how connected and engaged you are feeling at TJ. 


We want to meaningfully improve our efforts to make families and students feel welcome, engaged, empowered, and included. Please answer our 4 question survey linked below. 



The form is translated into multiple languages.





4-Question Survey

MLE DAC Meeting

Join us for our April

MLE DAC Meeting

Multilingual Education District Advisory Committee (MLE DAC)


**Ver español a continuación - See Spanish below**


All families of DPS multilingual students and community members are encouraged to attend!


Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024


Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.


Location: New Hope Baptist Event Center

3701 Colorado Blvd., 80205


This month we will have information on Mental Health services in DPS, including several community resources.    


Breakfast, interpretation, and childcare will be provided. Please register HERE.

For more information, please call 720-423-3058.

Hope to see you there!



View the event fliers: 


English   Español    العربية   Tiếng Việt   አማርኛ   Soomaali   Français   नेपाली   汉语

Senior Prom News! (more info in the senior section below)

After Prom - TJ Community Help Needed!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!


The TJ post-prom is approaching, and we could use your help in a variety of ways to help make the event a success. Kindly take a moment to review the sign-up genius and let us know where you can assist. Thank you so much!



Janet & Colley

Post-Prom Volunteer Coordinators


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948A5AD2C7-48697953-thomas

Talent Show Auditions Next Week

TJ Food Bank

The April 2024 Food Bank distribution will take place Tuesday, April 23 from 4:00-5:30 pm. Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HERE. Please note that you MUST sign up no later than Sunday, April 21 for us to have food available for you at the distribution. Please see below for information on the Monthly Mobile Food Pantry being offered by the Food Bank of the Rockies for additional food opportunities.


La distribución de alimentos de abril es martes el 23 de abril de 4:00-5:30 pm en TJ. Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y animada a inscribirse AQUÍ. DEBE registrarse antes del 21 de abril para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución. Consulte a continuación para obtener información sobre la despensa móvil mensual de alimentos que ofrece the Food Bank of the Rockies.


Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank!  If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.


Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com), Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.

Save the Date - Film Fest April 24

Saturday School

We are focusing on students who have F's during Saturday School. If you will be dropping your student off for Saturday School, please be sure that they do have their Chromebook to work on their F, and that you drop them off at door #8 by the softball field. The times are from 8:00 am-11:00 am. The school will provide snacks/drinks. 



The dates for Saturday School are 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18.


We will begin Saturday School starting this Saturday. The form will always be in the Newsletter and will be open for you to fill out. Our Spring Saturday School sessions will only be focused on students through the semester who have an F.


Thank you for supporting your students to stay on track with their credits!!

College 101 - Save the Date: April 27

Please RSVP here!

por favor confirme su asistencia aquí

Speech & Debate Donation Request

The TJ Speech and Debate team will be selling GRAD GRAMS again this year! We are looking for donations of the little individual wrapped candy. If you are able to donate, please drop off to the office before April 30th! Thanks for your support!!  

Healthcare Career Webinar

Future Center News

Spartan Seniors and Families,


  • The DSF Scholarship is NOW OPEN for application! Apply today!
  • Every year, Seniors’ Scholarship Wins are shared in the Graduation Program. Be sure to share your wins by completing this form so we can include your name on the program!
  • If you still have not submitted your FAFSA, do so as soon as possible.


Upcoming Events (visit the TJ Future Center schoology course for more details):

Tuesday, April 16th: Emily Griffith Technical College Registration for Summer and Fall

Wednesday, April 24th: CSU Admitted Student Event at CSU Spur (Denver) SIGN UP!

Wednesday, May 1st: DSF Scholarship Application DUE 

Friday, May 3rd: MSU Denver/TJ Orientation SIGN UP!

 

Emily Webster, M.S. Alyssa Baker, M.Ed.

DSF Lead College Advisor DSF College Advisor

emily_webster@dpsk12.net alyssa_baker@dpsk12.net

DYEP Youth Applications Now Open!

Links to DYEP Youth Application


DYEP 2024 Summer Youth ApplicationENGLISH

 

DYEP 2024 Summer Youth ApplicationSPANISH

 

The Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP) provides youth access to workforce development, career exposure, and opportunities to further their individual passions and

goals through foundational work experience opportunities with local organizations, businesses and other high growth industries. The success of this program over the years has been a direct result of collaboration and partnerships with organizations who have a vested interest in our youth and giving back to their community. Over the last four years, DYEP has partnered with 224 employers and was able to serve 1,028 youth participants putting over $1.4 million dollars back into marginalized youth’s pockets. Youth are supported throughout their 120 hour work experience and learn to leverage financial literacy practices and soft skills during the summer.

Summer STEM Shadow Program

Denver Summer STEM Shadow Program



Tuesdays & Wednesdays

June 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.


Join us for a unique mentorship opportunity through this year's Denver Summer STEM Shadow Program. Over the course of three weeks, incoming high school juniors and seniors will get at least 40 hours of shadowing and hands-on experience linked to STEM. The program will allow students to engage with consulting engineers, marketing and construction professionals, working on commercial and industrial projects.


Each day, students will be introduced to a different discipline within the company including: mechanical, process, electrical, civil, structural and environmental engineers, along with other STEM professionals to gain a well-rounded view of the world of engineering consulting. Employee-owners from different disciplines will be sharing their work, basic principles and valuable resources, as well as facilitating hands-on activities to help demonstrate principles in their field.


Each student will be creating a resume as well as an end-of-program presentation, highlighting key takeaways. The presentation will be shared on the last day of the program with volunteers, Burns & McDonnell employee-owners and family members.


Participating students will be selected based on their application. The deadline to apply is April 12.


Apply Today!

Denver Health Mobile Health Centers

TJ Spirit Store

Hi TJ fans! In need of TJ gear? Send us an email. Look out for DECA to begin selling TJ merchandise in the school store after school! Thank you TJ community for your school spirit! 

Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips

Did You Know…?

(en español)


Thomas Jefferson High School is excited to announce that we will be hosting a special movie event (for FREE). We encourage families to come together!


What: Screenagers, The Next Chapter (presented with Spanish subtitles)

When: Thursday May 2nd, 2024

Hour: 5:30pm to enjoy drinks and food (more info to come!). Movie starts at 6:00pm

Where: TJHS Auditorium (3950 S. Holly Street, Denver 80237)

* The movie is 63 minutes long and is encouraged for kids 6th grade and older.


What is this about and how can this benefit me?

Filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston uses a personal lens and professional eye to help flip the script on stress, anxiety, and depression. Ruston sets out to understand challenges in our current screen-filled society, and how parents and schools empower teens to overcome mental health challenges and build emotional agility.


The film follows personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges. Interwoven into the stories are surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists, and thought-leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth. 


Please RSVP HERE so we can plan for food!

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.  Resources: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-next-chapter 

Yearbook News

Buy A Yearbook Now!

Sparta-Fill is Here!

For more information, please visit https://spartafill.com/

Class News You Can Use

Class of 2024 - Seniors

Prom Parking: Only street parking is available near Space Gallery, so the PTO has rented a parking lot across the street for Prom attendees to park free of charge. The lot is on Santa Fe, just past the Space Gallery and on the left side of the street. Look for a TJ sign. Fifty spots are available until the lot is full.

After Prom is this Friday night! Mark your calendars for a fun night for our seniors, Friday, April 19 from 11:30-2:30am at “The Island.”


Parents - Want to help or contribute a donation? The Volunteer sign up is found here.


Students - The party doesn’t stop when Prom ends at 11pm! Make plans to bring your group to After Prom - an after hours beach party! Not going to Prom? This party is for all Seniors, please join us!

After Prom FAQs


All school rules will be followed by students who attend the TJ After Prom!

Q. What and where is After Prom?

A. After Prom is a FREE event that is held the same night as the Prom, Friday, April 19, 2024. It

begins at 11:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 a.m. The location is “The Island,” an indoor beach volleyball

event center. 2233 S. Geneva Street, Denver 80247. After Prom is a safe, supervised, and FUN night for TJ Seniors and their guests.


Q. Do I have to attend Prom to be able to attend After Prom?

A. No, any TJ Senior can attend After Prom - just bring your TJ ID! You may not bring a student from

another school unless you got tickets for Prom and filled out the TJ/DPS paperwork to bring a student from another school and had it approved by TJ.


Q. What is there to do at After Prom?

A. Tons of fun activities and games and awesome PRIZES! The Island is set up to have an amazing

time!


Beach Volleyball tournament and free play

Corn hole and other chill games

Blackjack, Poker, Roulette in the Casino room!

Board games and food in the main area

Hula dancers, fire pits to hang and chill around, a live hypnotist, movie/concert playing on a huge

inflatable screen

Fun, Tasty Food and Drinks Galore

Prizes drawings throughout the night!


Q. What are some of the Prizes I could win?

A. How would you like to win prizes like an Ipad! Beats Headphones! Portable Bose speakers!

Airpods, CASH, tons of gift cards, and more! We have so many prizes you could win! MUST BE

PRESENT TO WIN!


Q. How do I get to After Prom? Is transportation to/from After Prom available or provided?

A. There is no organized transportation provided for After Prom.


Q. What time do I arrive at the After Prom event?

A. Check-in for the After Prom begins at 11:15 p.m. All students who want to attend After Prom must be checked-in by Midnight (12:00 a.m.). No attendee will be admitted to the event after Midnight.


Q. If I want to leave the After Prom event prior to the 2:30 a.m. end time, will I be allowed to

leave?

A. The committee is planning so many fun activities in hopes that all the students will want to stay for the entire event. We encourage everyone to stay and will be giving out the biggest and best prizes last – you must be present to win! If you do want to leave early, you will be allowed to, but you cannot return after leaving.


Q. Is there a separate permission form and cost to attend After Prom?

A. No! After Prom is free to all TJ seniors! We will check you in at the front door, so bring your TJ I.D. DPS Security will be present and helping with check-in.


Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to After Prom?

A. If you’re coming directly from Prom, you will want to bring a change of comfortable clothes and

shoes with you. There will be a check in area where students can leave their belongings during the

event and can pick up when ready to leave. Students can also stay in their tuxedos/suits and dresses - whatever you want!


Q. Is there a dress code for After Prom?

A. Yes. Clothing must be either Prom attire or school day appropriate or appropriate beach wear such as Hawaiian shirts, shorts, skirts, tank tops. Nothing too revealing.


Q. Will there be food and drink provided at After Prom?

A. Yes! There will be plenty of food and drinks provided to After Prom attendees all throughout the entire event. There is no additional cost to students for the food or the drinks.


Q. Can I bring my own food or beverages into the After Prom event?

A. No. In order to maintain the security and safety of all After Prom attendees, you are not allowed to bring in any food, beverages, or cups/glasses/bottles. All bags, coats, etc. are subject to search upon entering After Prom and DPS Security will be helping with check-in.


Q. If I forgot something in my car or want to take something out to my car, will I be allowed to go out to the parking lot during After Prom?

A. No. None of the attendees are allowed to leave and then re-enter the After Prom event. This is a

safety concern that is taken very seriously and there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.


Q. Who puts on After Prom?

A. The After Prom event is entirely planned, funded, and implemented by TJ 2024 parents and the PTO.


Q. How can I help?

Whether you’re a family member, teacher, or community member, you are encouraged to participate in After Prom! In this homestretch we need VOLUNTEERS and a few item donations to make this event happen! The Volunteer sign up is found here.


Q. Will my parents be at After Prom?

A. It’s possible that some of the attendee’s parents will be there as volunteer workers that night.


Q. If I have more questions about After Prom, who should I ask?

A. Your Class of 2024 Parent Sponsor - Cheri Jones. jonesoils.co@gmail.com or tjhspto@gmail.com


KEY DATES FOR SENIORS


Friday, 5/3/24: Senior Awards Night (by invitation)


Friday, 4/19/24: Prom - at Space Gallery in Denver’s Art District and After Prom at The Island. There’s no school for students on 4/19!


Monday, 5/20/24: Senior Check Out Day 1(last day for Seniors, they attend all classes)


Tuesday, 5/21/24: Senior Check Out Day 2

  • 8am: Senior Breakfast
  • 9-11am: Graduation Rehearsal in the TJ Auditorium
  • 11am: Cap & Gown Distribution


Tuesday, 5/28/24: Graduation at 1pm at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena

A mandatory on-site rehearsal is held that morning. Seniors should be at DU by 10:40am.


More information about Graduation is found on the TJ website.

Seniors! Please fill out the form below to have input on your prom music!


Music Style and DJ Request Form

 

By filling out this questionnaire, you will help us customize the music selection and make sure that our DJ is fully prepared for your event. We will also use the information to tailor our services to meet your expectations and create an experience that exceeds your expectations.

Class of 2025 - Juniors

Please sign up to donate snacks for our wonderful teachers and Staff! Class of 2025 is in charge of Teacher Appreciation for Monday May 6th. Please go the Sign Up Genius to sign up!!


Any questions? Please reach out to Kerry Muhovich: kerry.muhovich@gmail.com



https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4AAFAA28A1FA7-48875003-class#/

Stay tuned for more info in the next month or two about Teacher Appreciation the first week of May, Juniors and Junk food at the end of the school year and the Senior Sleep Out August 18th!


If you have any comments, suggestions or want to help out with a specific event, please email: hmbdvm@yahoo.com

Class of 2026 - Sophomores

Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, April 24th. Visit the Hampden location at Birdcall and use promo code: TJHS424. Every order with this promo code will collect 25% to be donated back to the Class of 2026! 


Also, Save the Date for our Class of 2026 Parent party fundraiser to be held on Thursday, May 16th from 6 - 8 pm. Look for an invite soon!


As always, if you want to help our fundraising efforts, please consider donating directly to Class of 2026!

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2026-class-donations/108


Thank you, 


Carrie (Carriealleman@yahoo.com) and Sheila (Sheilamtyler@yahoo.com)

Class of 2026 Parents, we are looking for someone to lead the Sophomore Smores event for the students right after school the week of May 6th (flexible on the date). Please reach out to Carrie or Sheila for more details.


Also “Save the Date” for a Happy Hour Fundraiser to be held on Thursday, May 16th from 6 - 8 pm. More details to follow.


If you want to help, please consider donating directly to Class of 2026!


https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2026-class-donations/108


Thank you, 


Carrie (Carriealleman@yahoo.com) and Sheila (Sheilamtyler@yahoo.com)

Class of 2027 - Freshmen

Freshmen Parents - want to connect? Contact Committee Co-Chair Kendal Mullins at

kendalbmullins@gmail.com or 303-875-6810.


Please consider making a donation to the Class of 2027’s Class Fund. Donations will

support the After Prom event (held Senior Year) and other class activities that will be planned by

our Parent Committee these next four years. Your donation is tax deductible as the TJ Partners

PTO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please reach out to your employer as your donation

may be eligible for matching funds.


The Class of 2027 Donation Link is found in the PTO’s Online Store:

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2027-class-donations/112

Stay Connected, Spartans!