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Administrator's Corner
February 6, 2023
Good Morning TJ,
As you all know, regular attendance in school is highly correlated to student success. TJ currently has the 2nd highest average daily attendance amongst all of the high schools in DPS! This also goes for our staff as it is also one of the highest in DPS as well! Thank you for all of your help in making sure that the kids are here everyday on time and ready to go!
On Friday of this week we have our semi-annual "Smarty Party" where we celebrate the academic success of our Spartans that displayed excellence in the classroom during the 1st semester of the 2022-2023 school year. We have some great prizes to raffle off for the kids and we will have a slightly modified bell schedule for Friday as well. We can't wait to celebrate with the kids!
Finally, choice of studies is coming in early March for the 2023-2024 school year. More information to come; however, now is a great time to begin the conversations with your student(s) regarding what classes they should take next year!
Have a great week, TJ!
Buenos días TJ,
Como todos saben, la asistencia regular a la escuela está altamente correlacionada con el éxito de los estudiantes. TJ actualmente tiene el promedio de asistencia diaria más alto de 2nd entre todas las escuelas secundarias en DPS! Esto también va para nuestro personal, ya que también es uno de los más altos en DPS también! ¡Gracias por toda su ayuda para asegurarse de que los niños estén aquí todos los días a tiempo y listos para ir!
El viernes de esta semana tenemos nuestra “Smarty Party” semestral donde celebramos el éxito académico de nuestros espartanos que mostraron excelencia en el aula durante el 1st semestre del año escolar 2022-2023. Tenemos algunos grandes premios para sortear para los niños y tendremos un horario de campana ligeramente modificado para el viernes también. ¡No podemos esperar para celebrar con los niños!
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Finalmente, la elección de los estudios está llegando a principios de marzo para el año escolar 2023-2024-17. Más información por venir; sin embargo, ahora es un buen momento para comenzar las conversaciones con su(s) estudiante(s) con respecto a qué clases deben tomar el próximo año!
que tengan una gran semana, TJ!
Mike Christoff
Principal
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Monday-
Tuesday-
- PTO meeting: 6-7 p.m. - room 111
Wednesday-
- Class of 2023 fundraiser - Wish Gifts (details below)
Thursday-
Friday-
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Smarty Party: 2-3 p.m. - (click here for shortened schedule)
Saturday-
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Thanks to Danyelle Charles and everyone else who helped make February's First Friday a success!
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Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our Unified Spartans on Friday! They played basketball against Kennedy during lunch and the crowd and energy were amazing!
Congrats, Unified Spartans! You make us so proud!
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This week is Counselor Appreciation Week! Shout out to our counselors Rossanda Jackson, Maggie Kennedy, Jillian Gleason, Jeremy Anderson, Erin Thompson, Graham Baughn (Concurrent Enrollment and College Readiness Coordinator), Emily Webster (Future Center), Alejandra Gutierrez (Future Center) & Emily Bobrick (Career Connect).
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Saturday's home game marked Coach Grant Laman's 300th career win for TJ! The Spartans defeated Regis Groff 94-34. Way to go boys, and way to go Laman! This is a huge milestone! | |
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TJHS is excited to announce that Thomas Jefferson High School will be providing CHALLENGE DAY to our Junior and Senior class. It will be February 13th, 14th, 15th, or 16th.
February 13th: Juniors A-L
February 14th: Juniors M-Z
February 15th: Seniors A-L
February 16th: Seniors M-Z
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Every Junior and Senior is asked to participate.
Please click on the link and let us know if you're opting out your student:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh3U-v__hNeIaYiTNTxZi6ZTz_if87Lk091zvVmF_jGocVWA/viewform?usp=sf_link
If your student OPTs Out, the expectation is that they will be in school participating in their regular schedule.
There is also a $20 participation fee to help offset the cost of the workshop which includes professional facilitators. Lunch will be provided. Please log into my school bucks for payment of fee. If you need assistance, please email Sdavis@dpsk12.net
What is Challenge Day?
Imagine a school where everyone feels safe, loved and celebrated. Imagine enemies finding common ground and making peace; friends healing past hurts and making amends; people igniting their passion for service and leadership; adults and youth working together to create a school where everyone is included and thrives. The program addresses issues such as self-esteem, bullying, oppression, violence, etc. It is a cultural building opportunity that creates change makers. This is Challenge Day.
If you are curious of what challenge day looks like you can YouTube it. It premiered on MTV, Chicken Soup for The Souls and OPRAH. Here is a great glimpse at what challenge day does for the community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdwcJrDDhQ4
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TJ Food Bank Distribution Program | |
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The February Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, February 15 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 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.
La distribución de alimentos de noviembre se llevará a cabo el miércoles 15 de febrero de 3:00 a 5:00 de la tarde en TJ! Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y alentada a inscribirse AQUÍ. Tenga en cuenta que DEBE registrarse para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución.
If you are interested in making a monetary donation to support the TJ Food Bank you can do so HERE. We appreciate your support!
Please reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.
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THE FEB PTO MEETING IS TOMORROW at 6pm in Room 111. In addition to PTO updates, our guest speaker this month is Graham Baughn, TJ’s Concurrent Enrollment and College Readiness Coordinator. With “choice of studies” coming up soon, parents can come learn more about these unique class options that provide students with college credit. Please join us!
AMAZON SMILE COMING TO AN END: Thank you to everyone who supports TJHS with Amazon’s
“Smile” program. Amazon is switching up their corporate philanthropy programs and ending Smile by
February 20. Still want to support TJ? Sign up for King Soopers’ Community Rewards program. Last year
the PTO received over $7,000, which is used to support class committees and our Spartan Grants
program. It requires only a few minutes of your time to enroll. Click here for more instructions. The
PTO’s organization name is Thomas Jefferson High School Partners, or use code UT036. Thank you to all
who currently participate!
TJ AUCTION COMING SOON – Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual TJ Auction, which will be held
ONLINE from April 16-20. The auction is the PTO’s main source of fundraising and the money raised go
towards our Spartan Grants program. The grants directly benefit our staff and students by helping to pay
for valuable programs and much-needed upgrades to enrich the working and learning environment at
TJ. Last year we awarded over $25,000 to teachers, departments, sports and activities. Stay tuned for
information on what you can do to help make the auction a success. Whether you help with securing
donations or log on in April to bid on items, we can't do this without you!
Questions? Email tjhspto@gmail.com
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Denver Health School Based Health Center Awareness Month | |
Denver Health School Based Health Centers are offering $30 visa gift cards to any DPS Student or Sibling who gets their Covid-19 vaccine! | |
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These are the requirements:
· DPS Students or DPS Sibling
· Must receive Covid-19 vaccine at the SBHC site during a provider visit
· Visa is gifted for EVERY Covid vaccine dose (1st, 2nd, booster) However TJ only has booster doses at this time – the bivalent Pfizer booster – this can only be given after the primary series.
· Multiple visa gift cards can be gifted to the same family – example: 2 siblings are scheduled – family is gifted one $60 visa card or 2 -$30 visa gift cards.
Funds for additional family members receiving doses will be loaded to the initial visa gift card provided two weeks after visit completion.
Call 303-602-8958 to schedule an appointment!
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The Spirit Store will be open every month during First Friday, as well as some of the upcoming home basketball games. In the meantime, if you are looking for a TJ hoodie, t-shirt, PJ pants, joggers, hat, seat cushion, sticker, bracelet, etc., please email us at TJHS.Store@gmail.com and we’ll help you get the items you want. | |
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips | |
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Did You Know…?
(en español)
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
What is Teen Dating Violence (TDV)?
- Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
- Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and or sexual touching when the partner does not consent or is unable to consent or refuse. It also includes non-physical sexual behaviors like posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent.
- Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and exert control over a partner.
- Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear or safety concern for an individual victim or someone close to the victim.
Teen dating violence profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.
Some teens are at greater risk than others. Female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual.
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The good news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free.
How you can help prevent TDV:
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News from the Denver Scholarship Foundation Future Center | |
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Spartan Seniors and Families,
Congratulations on having earned over $2.7 million in scholarship dollars thus far. Keep up the AMAZING work! Be sure to share your wins here!
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Complete your Common App Transcript Request or other Transcript Request Form (all non-CA) for all apps submitted. Use these forms to request your Semester 7 Transcripts and Mid-Year Reports, if applicable. Remember, you are responsible for sending your SAT scores to your colleges.
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Submit your FAFSA or CASFA as soon as possible. University deadlines are passing.
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Check to see if any of your colleges require the CSS Profile to be completed.
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Review your Weekly Scholarship Highlights.
- Most Institutional (college specific) Scholarships are open for application. Apply to the scholarships for MORE THAN ONE of your top colleges so you have options.
Important Dates and Opportunities:
The Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Application is OPEN for applications!
The Sally Shuler Scholarship is OPEN for applications!
Wednesday, February 8th: What’s THAT?! Wednesday: Resume Workshop. Sign up!
Thursday, February 9th: Arapahoe Community College Rep Visit. Sign up!
Class of 2024: Be sure to check your schoology course list for YOUR TJFC 2024 course. Use the resources provided to continue your college planning!
Emily Webster
DSF College Advisor
emily_webster@dpsk12.net
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2023 AFTER PROM for seniors and their guests will be on Saturday, April 29, 2023 11 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. at TJ - A FREE event - tons of awesome games, food, prizes, casino, music & MORE!
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We need 60+ parents to step forward and be part of this really fun event!
For more information contact Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com
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WISH FUNDRAISER! Please help support the Seniors with their Prom at this Wish Fundraiser! | | |
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2023 PARENTS:
AFTER PROM IS IN 3 MONTHS!
Please DONATE $23 for ‘23
$10 $23 $50 $100 $230 whatever you are able to do! This money supports 2023 fun class activities, community-building, senior year events and of course AFTER-PROM!
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MARK YOUR 2023 CALENDAR!
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING & EVENTS for SENIOR Class of 2023!
* PARENTS & STUDENTS - WISH FUNDRAISER: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 6-8 p.m.
Please Shop & Support TJ Seniors! Code: TJHS2023 @ WISH GIFTS Happy Canyon 5014 E. Hampden Ave.
* PARENTS & STUDENTS: Final Opportunity - CHALLENGE DAY FEE is in your MYSCHOOLBUCKS Account MYSCHOOLBUCKS and register here CHALLENGE DAY SIGN UP
(Challenge Day Event for Seniors will be Thursday or Friday, February 16 or 17, 2023.)
*STUDENTS: CAP & GOWN PICTURES: Friday, March 3, 2023 in Room 111 Time TBA
*STUDENTS: SENIOR GROUP PANORAMA PHOTO: Thursday, April 20, outside in front of TJ Time TBA
*PARENTS & STUDENTS: SENIOR PROM & AFTER PROM: Saturday, April 29, 2023!
Senior Prom Dance 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Denver Athletic Club (Tickets on Sale in April)
After Prom Events 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson (Free event)
*PARENTS & STUDENTS: SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: May 2nd in Auditorium by Invitation only - Time TBA
* SENIORS & PARENTS GRADUATION INFO Click Here:
TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES
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2023 SENIOR PARENTS!
THIS IS THE SEMESTER WE NEED YOU MOST!
If you know you would like to help with After Prom, Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com is our After Prom Event Volunteer Coordinator!
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Class Donations
If you haven’t donated to the Class of 2024, now is your chance! Corporate matching is a great, easy way to raise funds. 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! (https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2024-class-donations/96)
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings will be held every few months to discuss fundraising and events to
support the Junior Class. If you have fundraising ideas, please mark your calendar
when the information is posted or reach out!
Extraordinary parents – come get involved!
Reach out with questions, comments, and ideas. We look forward to a great year!
Rebecca Moore
rebecca_moore@dpsk12.org
Tambyr Reed
tambyr_reed@dpsk12.org
Robin Morrissey
robin_morrissey@dpsk12.org
Dyanna Spicher (parent)
dmspicher@hotmail.com
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Class of 2025 - Sophomores | |
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Thank you to all of the parents that came to our first parent meeting last Tuesday. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. at TJ. We will brainstorm ideas for a fun end of semester activity for the freshmen class. All are welcome to join us for the meeting.
If you would like to learn more about our class efforts or have ideas to share, please reach out to either Carrie or Sheila at Carriealleman@yahoo.com or Sheilmtyler@yahoo.com.
If you would like to donate to the Class of 2026 please click on the PTO link below:
https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2026-class-donations/108
If you have corporate matching, please have your donations matched. Remember, every little bit helps! You may also share the PTO link with family, friends, and neighbors.
Let’s go TJ Class of 2026!
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Stay Connected, Spartans! | | | | |
