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March 11, 2024
Happy Monday!
Be sure to support the cast and crew of Mamma Mia this coming weekend! Keep an eye on the Spartan Edition for info about getting tickets for the musical. Spring Break is just around the corner, so work on keeping your attendance and grades up so you can have an actual break rather than spending the week getting caught up on missing work!
As always, time really flies after Spring Break, so be sure to manage your time well and keep your grades up so you can enjoy all of the fun spring events and activities we have planned.
March tends to be one of our snowier months, so be sure to allow for extra time when the weather is bad.
Have a great week, TJ!
¡Feliz lunes!
¡Asegúrate de apoyar al elenco y al equipo de Mamma Mia este próximo fin de semana! Mantén un ojo en la Edición Spartan para obtener información sobre cómo conseguir entradas para el musical. Spring Break está a la vuelta de la esquina, así que ¡trabaje en mantener su asistencia y calificaciones altas para que pueda tener un descanso real en lugar de pasar la semana atrapándose en el trabajo perdido!
Como siempre, el tiempo realmente vuela después de las vacaciones de primavera, así que asegúrate de administrar bien tu tiempo y mantener tus calificaciones altas para que puedas disfrutar de todos los divertidos eventos y actividades de primavera que hemos planeado. Marzo
tiende a ser uno de nuestros meses más nevados, así que asegúrese de permitir tiempo extra cuando el clima es malo.
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tienen una gran semana, TJ!
Mike Christoff
Principal
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Monday-
- Cap & Gown Pictures: 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Class of 2025 Fundraiser at Torchy's (details below)
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday-
- After Prom Parent Committee Meeting: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
- Spring Musical Performance: 7:00 p.m.
Friday-
- Spring Musical Performance: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday-
- Saturday School: 8-11 a.m.
- Spring Musical Performance: 7:00 p.m.
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One of our amazing school social workers, Annie Berg, has been recognized by the Colorado School Social Work Association for her hard work! Way to go, Annie!!! Thank you to all of our school social workers for all they do!
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Shout out to our own School Resource Officer Tim Cueva who was recognized at a Denver Police Department ceremony this week. Officer Cueva was awarded the Medal of Valor (the 2nd highest honor in DPD) for exhibiting exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. He was also awarded the Tactical Star for showing exceptional de-escalation and proper technique during a difficult situation earlier in the school year. We here at TJ are very proud to have Officer Cueva as part of the Spartan Family and want to show our appreciation for everything he does to keep our school and community safe!
Click here to watch the news coverage!
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After Prom - TJ Community Help Needed! | |
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Thank you to the 30+ parents who attended the March PTO Meeting, featuring TJ’s
Principal, Mike Christoff. The minutes and financials are posted here. We had a great school
update and Q&A session with Mr. Christoff. Make sure to check the minutes out if you weren’t
able to join us. Our April meeting will be held on April 9 and will feature approvals for the
Spartan Grant program and officer elections. Don’t you want to run for Co-President? The ballot
is wide open! Pick a running mate to be your VP and email TJHSPTO@gmail.com.
THANK YOU to Jill Van Abbema and Tracy Smith, who volunteered to lead the PTO’s Fund
Raising efforts next school year!
Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Current PTO
leadership opportunities include:
President or Co-Presidents (for 2024-25)
Vice President (for 2024-25)
PTO Highlight - Parent Class Committees
The PTO supports a Parent Class Committee for each grade. These parents raise the funds for
class activities and plan community building events for both the students and parent community.
The primary function of each committee is to plan and execute the “Senior Sleepout” and After
Prom Party - traditional events held senior year. In recent years, events like “Bottom of the 9th”
tailgate for freshmen, “Sophomore S’mores,” and “Juniors and Junk Food” have been held to
bring students together at the end of each school year. Some Class Committees have provided
additional class bonding activities like pool parties at the beginning or end of the school year or
provided Senior Gifts at Homecoming or Graduation. The Class Committees each also
coordinate one day of the PTO’s Staff Appreciation Week efforts in May.
Each Class Committee has a fund raising account within the PTO. After Prom and other events
are fully funded by the committee and in recent years, each committee has raised between $15-
20,000 to support the events that make our students’ TJ experience the best it can be.
Please consider what you can do to volunteer with or donate to your student’s Class Committee
in the coming years before graduation. Information for each committee is found at the bottom of
this newsletter. THANK YOU to the following parents who are leading the committees:
2024: Cheri Jones
2025: Kerry Muhovich, Heather Reeder
2026: Carrie Alleman, Sheila Tyler
2027: Kendal Mullins, Tiffany Berry
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PTO Highlight - Spartan Grant Program
Since 2017, the PTO’s Spartan Grant Program has funded over $105,000 in requests for
support from TJ staff. The grants support all aspects of the school community - from academic
programs, classroom needs, support to clubs and activities and athletics. Last year the program
made 22 grants, totaling $22,000. In recent years, the program funded new portable “labs” for
the Physics classrooms, helped create two soundproof music recording rooms for our Audio
Recording and Music programs, purchased new curricular items for the English and World
Languages program and funded student travel to national/international competitions.
The Spartan Grant Program has been fueled by the funds raised in our annual School Auction.
With no fundraising chairs or auction this year, we’ll be using PTO reserves to fund the 2024
grants, with reduced capacity to give. Luckily, we have saved for this “rainy day,” but the future
of the grant program — and the PTO’s ability to support our school community — is in jeopardy.
Please consider what you can do to volunteer or donate to the PTO to keep these and other
initiatives a vital part of of our school community.
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The March 2024 Food Bank distribution will take place Wednesday, March 20 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, March 17 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.
La distribución de alimentos de febrero es miércoles el 20 de marzo 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 17 de marzo 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.
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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 3/16, 4/6, 4/13, 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!!
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Click here to see more about the Monticello Jamaican Choral Symposium! | |
Join us for an adventure to Eastern Europe where we will see the ancient Croatian cities of Dubrovnik and Split and the majestic, storybook castles and mountains of Slovenia. This 9 day tour takes off this summer in mid-July with the EF tours. While we have recruited 12 students for this trip, we have room for more! Contact Amber Wilson (amber_wilson@dpsk12.net) for all of the details! | |
Concurrent Enrollment and Tax Season | |
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Tax season is coming up, and if you have a student who took a CE class, you may get a 1098-T tax form from the college that the class is offered through. If you have any questions, please refer to this link: FAQ 1098-T Tax Year 2020.pdf (cncc.edu)
This form is informational only and should not be considered as tax opinion or advice. It serves to alert students that they may be eligible for federal income tax education credit such as the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Hope Credit as part of their Federal Income Tax Return.
If you have tax-specific questions, please consult a tax consultant/professional.
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Summer STEM Shadow Program | |
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Denver Summer STEM Shadow Program
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
June 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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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!
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Family and Community Engagement Meetings | |
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Community Meetings
Calling all parents, guardians, teachers, and community members! Join the FACE Community Engagement team, in partnership with Periscope Theory, for an interactive session on how DPS can improve our engagement strategies and bring both student and community voice to the decision-making process.
Enjoy light refreshments while getting to know people in your community. Childcare, transportation, and language support will be provided! Participants will also receive a $25 cash stipend to honor the value of your time and contributions.
There are two, in-person and one virtual session to choose from. See the flyer (all languages) for more details and RSVP here
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March 13th, 5:15-6:30pm, Eloise May Library, 1471 S Parker Rd., Denver, CO 80231
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March 16th, 9-10:30am, Lincoln High School (Rooms 116 and 117) 2285 S Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80219
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April 10th, 12-1pm, Zoom (online), Link will be provided
DAC Membership
It's that time of the year! The District Accountability Committee (DAC) is currently accepting applications for 2024-25 membership. Click on this link for information/applications in all languages. If you have any questions, you can reach the DAC at denverdac@gmail.com
Bare Necessities Drive
The FACE team is working with local community partners and businesses to collect and donate essentials to schools across the district. Know of a business that would be interested in participating? We'll arrange box drop-off and pick up times and ensure your donation goes to a local school! See this toolkit for more information!
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Denver Health Mobile Health Centers | |
Hi TJ fans! In need of TJ gear? Send us an email. Also, anyone interested in joining the fun and getting to know the TJ community by selling gear, please get in touch at tjhs.store@gmail.com. Thank you TJ community for your school spirit! | |
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips | |
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Did You Know…?
(en español)
The “winter blues” are a real thing for many people!
Some people tend to feel depressed in the wintertime. Less daylight, dreary weather, and the high expectations for the holidays can all combine to trigger a range of emotions. While most enjoy the winter season, others experience the “winter blues.”
Signs include:
- depressed mood
- fatigue and excess sleeping
- binging on comfort foods
- weight gain
So, what can I do?
- Remember PAS- Positive Asset Search. This is a positive technique used by mental health professionals which helps clients think up their positive strengths and attributes to get them into a strong mindset about themselves.
- For example, make a mental asset list, or better yet, write it down somewhere!
- What am I thankful for?
- What's my unique gift that no one can take away?
- Who loves me, and who do I love?
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Spartan Seniors and Families,
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The DSF Scholarship is NOW OPEN for application! Apply today!!
- Institutional (college specific) Scholarships are one of the BEST ways to help pay for college. Many institutional scholarships have March deadlines.
- Check your email regularly for a “Processed Successfully” email from FAFSA! Come by the Future Center to review your results!
- If you have not yet submitted your FAFSA or CASFA, please plan to submit as soon as possible. FAFSA applications are expected to be processed over the next few weeks.
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Every year, Seniors’ Scholarship Wins are shared in the Graduation Program. Be sure to share your wins by completing this form as often as necessary!
Upcoming Events (visit the TJ Future Center schoology course for more details):
Monday, March 11th: DSF/Capital One FAFSA/CASFA Workshop SIGN UP! If you have not yet completed your FAFSA, please prioritize this opportunity for support!
Wednesday, March 13th: CSU Rep Visit in the TJFC
Thursday, March 14th: University of Oklahoma- Norman Rep Visit
Friday, March 15th: CU Boulder Scholarship Apps DUE, UNCO Scholarship Apps DUE
Click here to learn more about the Denver Scholarship Foundation and the DSF Scholarship.
Emily Webster, M.S. Alyssa Baker, M.Ed.
DSF Lead College Advisor DSF College Advisor
emily_webster@dpsk12.net alyssa_baker@dpsk12.net
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After Prom Committee Meeting This Thursday!
After Prom is 6 weeks away! Mark your calendars for a fun night for our seniors, Friday, April 19 from 11:30-2:30am at “The Island.” Plans are coming together, but we are still in need of parent volunteers. A Sign Up Genius will be coming soon with volunteer opportunities and donations needed. Interested in learning more? Come to our meeting this Thursday, 3/14 at 7pm in Room 111 to learn more!
THANK YOU to the Sub-Committee Chairs for your leadership:
Welcoming Committee: Carrie Alleman and Kim Tapia
Chill Space: Sheila Tyler and Katie Swats
Volleyball Tournament: Janet Randles
Casino Room: Jll McLain and Jean Steiner
Entertainment and Food: Maria Sadkhi and Andrea F
Senior gifts and prizes: Megan Perkins and Becca Mahoney
Decorations: Jenni Scobey and Jill VanAbbema
Volunteers: Janet Randles and Colley Moe
KEY DATES FOR SENIORS
TODAY: Cap & Gown Photos for Seniors - 8 am-1:30 pm in Room 111
Tuesday, 4/9/24: Senior Class “Panoramic” Photo is taken today
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. There’s no
school for students on 4/19!
5/20/24: Senior Check Out (last day for Seniors)
5/21/24: Graduation Rehearsal @ TJ; Cap & Gown Distribution
5/28/24: Graduation at 1pm at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena (On-site rehearsal is
held that morning, time TBD)
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Come support Class of 2025 at Torchy's Tacos on March 11th. Show the flyer below to participate. This won't work for online orders but you can do drive thru, call in your order or come on in! | |
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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
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Class of 2026 - Sophomores | |
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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)
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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
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Stay Connected, Spartans! | | | | |
