August 23, 2021 Administrator's Corner Welcome Back Spartans! I am extremely excited to see all of you this week in-person!! Finally!! I hope that you have all had a wonderful, safe, and healthy summer! We have had a great week together as a staff preparing to welcome all of you back for the 2021-2022 school year. As you know, we will all be required to wear masks this year regardless of vaccination status. We are all hopeful that infection rates will decrease and vaccination rates will increase and until then we will continue to do everything we can to make learning and teaching as safe as possible. We will update you with changes to COVID protocols as we learn of them and like last year, I would expect things to change as more information is learned throughout the course of the school year. This year ALL TJ students will be receiving brand new Chromebooks! Free! TJ is now a part of the My Tech 1-1 Grant! We will distribute the Chromebooks through our Math classes during the first week of school. All students should have their Chromebook by the end of the day Friday (8/27). Your student's math teacher already knows when it will be their turn to take their class to get their Chromebook. PLEASE COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY WITH A FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOK! While we all love TJ, it's a building that is over 60 years old and does not have the capability to have 1400 Chromebooks plugged in and charging at the same time. Once you receive your Chromebook, it is expected that you bring it every day for class. Teachers will be using Schoology and/or Google Classroom to store all of the content and assignments for their classes. Some will have textbooks as well, but for the majority of your work you will need your Chromebook to access it. Students will be expected to only use their DPS issued Chromebooks in class unless they are in a class where a different DPS issued computer is required. The past 18 months have impacted all of us in someway or another. In an effort to rebuild relationships with our TJ family, we will be continuing with our Advisement class this year. All students have been assigned an Advisement teacher this year. We will use this opportunity to focus not only on the social emotional well being of your students, but also topics like study skills and applying to college. Our TJ teachers and Mental Health team worked extremely hard this summer preparing lessons that we believe will be beneficial for all of our students! Finally, School Pictures will be next week from August 31st - September 2nd! Students will get their pictures taken during their English classes. School IDs will then be distributed the following week! I can't wait to see all of you again, even if it is with a mask on! Take care and Go Spartans! ¡Bienvenido de nuevo a Spartans! ¡Estoy muy emocionado de verle a todos en persona esta semana! ¡Finalmente! ¡Espero que todos ustedes hayan tenido un verano maravilloso, seguro y saludable! Hemos tenido una gran semana juntos como personal preparándose para darles la bienvenida a todos ustedes para el año escolar 2021-2022-05. Como ustedes saben, todos tendremos que usar máscaras este año sin importar el estado de vacunación. Todos esperamos que las tasas de infección disminuyan y que las tasas de vacunación aumenten y hasta entonces seguiremos haciendo todo lo posible para que el aprendizaje y la enseñanza sean lo más seguros posible. Le actualizaremos con cambios en los protocolos COVID a medida que aprendamos de ellos y, como el año pasado, espero que las cosas cambien a medida que se aprenda más información a lo largo del año escolar. El maestro de matemáticas de su estudiante ya sabe cuándo le va a dar su turno a tomar su clase para obtener su Chromebook. POR FAVOR, VENGA A LA ESCUELA TODOS LOS DÍAS CON UN CHROMEBOOK COMPLETAMENTE CARGADO! Aunque a todos nos encanta TJ, es un edificio que tiene más de 60 años y no tiene la capacidad de tener 1400 Chromebook conectados y cargando al mismo tiempo.

QUICK LINKS TJ Journal Newsletter Archives TJ Calendar Spartan Edition CCT Magnet Athletics Schedule Choice of Studies DPS Monthly School Lunch Menu Click here to access DPS Online Pay Una vez que reciba su Chromebook, se espera que lo traiga todos los días para la clase. Los maestros estarán usando Schoology y/o Google Classroom para almacenar todo el contenido y las asignaciones para sus clases. Algunos tendrán libros de texto también, pero para la mayoría de su trabajo necesitará su Chromebook para acceder a él. Se espera que los estudiantes solo usen sus Chromebooks emitidos por DPS en clase a menos que estén en una clase donde se requiera una computadora emitida por DPS diferente. Los últimos 18 meses nos han impactado a todos nosotros en algún sentido u otro. En un esfuerzo por reconstruir las relaciones con nuestra familia TJ, este año vamos a continuar con nuestra clase de Asesoría. Todos los estudiantes han sido asignados un maestro de Asesoría este año. Aprovecharemos esta oportunidad para enfocarnos no sólo en el bienestar emocional social de sus estudiantes, sino también en temas como las habilidades de estudio y la aplicación a la universidad. ¡Nuestros maestros de TJ y el equipo de Salud Mental trabajaron muy duro este verano preparando lecciones que creemos que serán beneficiosas para todos nuestros estudiantes! Finalmente, las fotos de la escuela serán la próxima semana del 31st de agosto al 2nd de septiembre! Los estudiantes tomarán sus fotografías durante sus clases de inglés. ¡Las identificaciones escolares se distribuirán la semana siguiente! No puedo esperar a ver a todos ustedes de nuevo, incluso si es con una máscara puesta! Cuádate y ¡Ve espartanos!

Mike Christoff Principal

Week at a Glance

Monday- 9th grade returns/Senior Welcome for 9th Graders Tuesday- First day of school for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders Wednesday-  Thursday- Friday-  Saturday- Parent Fundraiser Season Opener Stadium Party: 6-10 p.m. (details below)

Kudos Korner

SkillsUSA National Competition  It was a busy summer for SkillsUSA @ TJ. Not only did we receive the elite award of National Model of Excellence for our TJ Chapter, but we had 8 students compete at National competition. Competition was done remotely this year. Kudos to the Web team: Mitch Siegel and Apsan Bishwokarma, 3D team: Lila Rubin and Deacon Thompson, Digital Video team: Cason Rohn and Luke Tracy, Job Demonstration: Cece Prime-Morales, and Photography: Kate Little. Special congratulations to the Web team who won the Bronze medal and for the 3D team who scored 7th in this National event. Way to go, Spartans!

Bell Schedule

PTO News

Please join us for the annual TJ Opener Stadium Party! Who: All TJ Parents are Invited What: Stadium theme food, drinks & fun When: Saturday, August 28th 6:00 - 10:00 pm Where: Brooke & Rob Bolinske's Backyard Why: We had to postpone this annual TJ Fall tradition last year. If you bought tickets for this party at the 2020 TJ Auction, you are all set. Funds from any additional tickets we sell will be split among the Classes of 2022 & 2023 and matched by a corporate sponsor. Tickets: $30 per person (Payments will be collected by Rick Beach for a corporate match. Venmo: @RBeach70 or PayPal: @RickBeach or cash/check the night of the party.) Email Lori Lee leelor303@gmail.com or text 720-940-3052 for more details and to reserve your ticket. (This party will be held outdoors and will follow all current Denver guidelines for gatherings.)

TJHS Spirit Store

Welcome back, Spartans! It was great to see many of you at the back to school BBQ. We’re working on getting all of the spirit wear into the new home inside the school in the front lobby. Hopefully, we’ll be able to open that in September. Until then, if you would like a TJ hoodie, t-shirt, PJ pants or joggers email us at TJHS.Store@gmail.com and we’ll help you get the items you want.

Chromebook Distribution for Upperclassmen

Upperclassmen can come in any time TODAY between 7:30 am-2:45pm (closed during lunch hours) to pick up their Chromebooks. They need to have any old devices that were issued to them returned and know their student number. If they do not come during these times then they will coming down during class later this week. Don't forget - students must bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school every day!

Paraprofessional Job Openings at TJ

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.

College and Career Readiness

Our goal is that all students graduate college and career ready. One of the ways we achieve this goal is to support students' career and college exploration through programs that provide opportunities for students to discover how their interests and passions might someday fit into the world of work. There are many resources to help you learn more about career and college programs in DPS, visit collegeandcareer.dpsk12.org to learn more! Handouts:  English  / Spanish ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Matthew Mason (He/Him/His)  Navigator at Thomas Jefferson High School DPS Career and College Success Phone: 720-466-1617 | Email: matt_mason@dpsk12.org | Website Make an appointment with me here!

Mini Cheer Clinic

Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips

Did You Know...? TJHS has a variety of mental health and social emotional supports available to ALL students! For starters, let’s introduce ourselves!

Ms. Koncz, School Psychologist, is at TJHS Monday-Friday, and supports students in general education and students in special education (she is here for the whole building!). (Natalie_Koncz@dpsk12.org and (720)423-7077 Mrs. Davis, Social Worker, is at TJHS Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and supports students in general education and students in special education (she is here for the whole building!). Samanda_Davis@dpsk12.org and (720)423-7072 Mrs. Berg, Social Worker, is at TJHS Tuesday-Friday, and supports students who are on Section 504 Plans (she is a class sponsor for Class of 2023!). Annie_Berg@dpsk12.org and (720)423-7043 Ms. Miccio, Social Worker - School Health Professional, is at TJHS Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and supports prevention efforts regarding substance use and suicide prevention programming (and she runs our GSA!). Megan_Miccio@dpsk12.org and (720)423-7008 Some helpful websites: Mental Health Resources: https://sites.google.com/dpsk12.net/tj-counseling-department-remot/socialemotional-support Student Referral Form (if a student would like to meet with one of us and doesn’t know where to start): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegCzdsFZ-zEG-MwVbdi0-IzlmxZYCKLvQHhkmWJuOVoci9lA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1  Mental Health Google Classroom (code 36frz7m): https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NTc5NTEwODYyOTda  Counseling Website: https://sites.google.com/dpsk12.net/tj-counseling-department-remot/home  Stay tuned for weekly “Tips” from us in the TJ Newsletter!  Have a great first week, Spartans!

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.

Emergency Rental Assistance

If you have lost income or experienced financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the pandemic and need assistance paying rent, you may qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This program provides up to 15 months of rent assistance to qualified applicants. To be eligible for this program, the household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, which is $55,950 for a 1-person household and $79,900 for a 4-person household. Immigration status and landlord participation are NOT required for a tenant to receive assistance. To apply directly online, go to www.Denvergov.org/RentAssistance. If you need assistance applying or have any questions, please contact Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6632. Si ha perdido ingresos o ha enfrentado dificultades financieras a causa de la pandemia, ya sea de manera directa o indirecta, y necesita ayuda para pagar el alquiler, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para el Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia para el Pago de Alquiler (ERAP, por sus siglas en inglés). Este programa proporciona hasta 15 meses de asistencia para el pago de alquiler para los postulantes que cumplan con los requisitos. Para postular a este programa, los ingresos del hogar deben ser equivalentes o menores al 80% del Ingreso Medio del Área, es decir, de $55,950 para un hogar de una sola persona y de $79,900 para un hogar de 4 personas. NO existen requisitos relacionados con el estado migratorio o participación del arrendador para que los inquilinos reciban asistencia. Para postular directamente en línea, visite www.Denvergov.org/RentAssistance. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia para postular, por favor contante a Colorado Housing Connects al número 1-844-926-6632.

News from the Future Center

Spartan Seniors and Families!  We’re looking forward to supporting you throughout your college access journey! Do stop by the Future Center, room 135, as soon as you can! Click here to learn more about the Denver Scholarship Foundation and the DSF Scholarship. In your TJ Future Center 2022 schoology course, you will find many resources to help you with your college, scholarship and financial aid processes this year. Please visit this page regularly, use the resources provided, and complete the assignments as they are designed to keep you on track to maximize your opportunities. A list of Scholarship Highlights will be posted weekly in addition to information about College Rep Visits, major deadlines, reminders about your next steps for college and more!   Parents: Linked here is a video about accessing and using your Parent Portal. You'll see the TJ Future Center : 2022 in your student's course list. If you do not, please let me know.  Seniors, here are three important college planning tasks to complete as soon as possible!  Complete your Junior Survey shared last spring! Many thanks to those of you who have already done so. Please only complete once! :-)  Complete the "Your College Search and MAIA Learning" assignment. Using MAIA is required. Check out the tools in the "What colleges are a good fit for me?" folder to improve your search! Consider adding AT LEAST one college from the list of colleges that meet ALL DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED!  Start your Scholarship Search assignment and let us know what questions you have. Check out the resources linked here for your search!  Katie Damas  Future Center Advisor CC Fellow katie_damas@dpsk12.net  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 www.denverscholarship.org TJ Mental Health Supports

Class News You Can Use

Class of 2022 - Seniors

Please join us for the Tailgate party to benefit the classes of 2022 and 2023! Info below!

Class of 2023 - Juniors

CLASS of 2023 EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS Welcome Back Junior Class!

Please join us for the annual TJ Opener Stadium Party! Who: All TJ Parents are Invited What: Stadium theme food, drinks & fun When: Saturday, August 28th 6:00 - 10:00 pm Where: Brooke & Rob Bolinske's Backyard Why: We had to postpone this annual TJ Fall tradition last year. If you bought tickets for this party at the 2020 TJ Auction, you are all set. Funds from any additional tickets we sell will be split among the Classes of 2022 & 2023 and matched by a corporate sponsor. Tickets: $30 per person (Payments will be collected by Rick Beach for a corporate match. Venmo: @RBeach70 or PayPal: @RickBeach or cash/check the night of the party.) Email Lori Lee leelor303@gmail.com or text 720-940-3052 for more details and to reserve your ticket. (This party will be held outdoors and will follow all current Denver guidelines for gatherings.)

Thanks for making Sophomore S’Mores Such a Success! Thank you to all of our WONDERFUL parent volunteers and Class Sponsors Rebecca Taylor and Annie Berg for hosting such a great end-of-school event last May and having a chance for our students’ to get together and have fun! The kids all had a blast playing volleyball, badminton, corn hole, making s’mores, signing yearbooks and just finally hanging out! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE there!

Mark Your Calendars!! 2023 Parent Kick-Off Meeting – Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Location TBA Pencil us in – Let’s get together and brainstorm some fun fundraisers and events for our students this Fall! More details next week! DONATE $23 for ’23! –  Let’s all plan to make a $23 donation for Class of 2023 this Fall! Ongoing $23 for ’23 Campaign please just click on the PTO Square link below and support the Class of 2023! WHATEVER amount you can give - $23  $230 $50 $100 – any amount is so helpful! (Please scroll down to CLASS OF 2023 and hit the custom button or amount of your choice and follow the online payment instructions from there!) https://checkout.square.site/buy/VTNYMQ3ZBZ2T7XLUHGIKYVBT

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 cpoirier@bodybark.com or Christy Jordan christy.jordan@comcast.net - Our 2023 Class Staff Sponsors are Rebecca Taylor, MA rebecca_taylor@dpsk12.org and Annie Berg, MSW, annie_berg@dpsk12.org.

Class of 2024 - Sophomores

Class of 2024- Stay tuned!

Class of 2025 - Freshmen

Class of 2025- Welcome to TJ! We are excited to get to know you and will have more information coming out soon. Stay tuned!

Stay Connected, Spartans!