Administrator's Corner
March 14, 2022
Hello TJ,
I wanted to give you a quick update in regards to how things are going at TJ. It's been great to see the kids' faces and to be able to welcome visitors back to the building! Attendance is improving week to week for both the students and the staff which helped tremendously in building consistency. The hope is that this trend continues and that we can have a great end to this school year.
Spring is a very busy time of the year here at TJ! Here is a list of some of the things we have upcoming that I shared with our PTO last Tuesday evening!
March:
Glow In The Dark Volleyball Tournament - March 18th 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Class of 2026 Choice of Studies - March 23rd and 24th @ 6 p.m.
April:
Talent Show Auditions - April 6th and 7th
TJ PTO Auction - April 10th - 14th
Navy Demonstration - April 12th in parking lot
SAT - April 13th (Class of 2023 only)
PSAT 10 - April 14th (Class of 2024 only)
PSAT 9 - April 15th (Class of 2025 only)
Spirit Week: April 18th - April 21st
Pep Assembly: April 21st
CMAS - April 22nd (Class of 2023 only)
SpartanPalooza (Seniors Only) - April 24th
May:
AP Testing - 5/02/22 - 5/12/22
Senior Awards Night - 5/04/22 (Invitation Only)
Senior Last Day of School - 5/13/22
Senior Check Out - May 16th
Graduation Rehearsal @ TJ - May 16th
Commencement - 5/18/22 @ DU @ 2 P.m. (no classes for students that day)
Finals - 5/25/22-5/27/22
Make Up Testing: 5/31-6/2
June:
Last Day for teachers to report - 6/03/22
TJ Summer School - June 6th - July 1st (based on counselor recommendation)
Regional Summer School @ TJ - June 21st - July 21st (based on counselor recommendation)
Have a great week!
Hola, TJ:
Quiero ofrecerle una actualización rápida de cómo van las cosas en TJ. Ha sido genial ver las caras de los niños y poder dar la bienvenida a los visitantes de vuelta al edificio. La asistencia está mejorando semana a semana tanto para los estudiantes como para el personal, lo que ayudó enormemente en la consistencia de la construcción. La esperanza es que esta tendencia continúe y que podamos tener un gran final para este año escolar.
La primavera es una época muy ajetreada del año aquí en TJ. Aquí está una lista de algunas de las cosas que tenemos u
Marzo:
Torneo de Voleibol Glow In The Dark - 18 de marzo 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Clase de 2026 Elección de Estudios - 23 y 24 de marzo - 6 p.m.
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Abril:
Audiciones de Talent Show - 6th y 7th de abril
Subasta de TJ PTO - 10th y 14th de abril
Demostración de Marina - 12th de abril en estacionamiento
SAT - 13th de abril (sólo clase de 2023)
PSAT 10 - 14th de abril (sólo clase de 2024)
PSAT 9 - Abril de 15th (Clase de 2025 solamente)
Semana del Espíritu: Abril de 18th - Abril de 21st
Asamblea del Pep: Abril de 21st
CMAS - Abril de 22nd (Clase de 2023 solamente)
SpartanPalooza (Sólo para mayores) - Abril de 24th
Mayo:
Pruebas AP - 5/02/22 - 5/12/22
Noche de premios para personas mayores - 5/04/22 (sólo invitación)
Último día de clases para personas mayores - 5/13/22
Salida para personas mayores - 16th de mayo
Prueba de graduación - TJ - 16th de mayo
Comienzo - 5/18/22 - DU - 2 p.m. (No hay clases para los estudiantes ese día)
Finales - 5/25/22-5/27/22
Pruebas de preparación: 5/31-6/2
Junio:
Último día para que los maestros informen - 6/03/22
Escuela de verano TJ - 6th de junio - 1st de julio (basado en la recomendación del consejero)
Escuela regional de verano - TJ - 21st de junio - 21st de julio (basado en la recomendación del consejero)
¡Pádase una gran semana!
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Monday-
- 2023 Parent Zoom Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (details below)
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday-
- St. Patrick's Day
- Musical Theatre Showcase Performance
Friday-
- Glow In The Dark Volleyball Tournament: 6:00 pm.
- Musical Theatre Showcase Performance
Saturday-
- Musical Theatre Showcase Performance
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TJ recently participated in the Spread the Word Campaign, which is put on annually by Special Olympics to "spread inclusion" and to remind everyone to include people with disabilities.
Special thanks to Stephanie Sturm for spearheading the campaign and to all who purchased shirts (staff pictured as well as many others) to contribute this very worthy cause!
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All School Vision and Hearing Screening: March 14th - 17th |
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On these dates all students in all grades will be screened for vision and hearing deficits during one of their elective classes. Normally, only 9th grade students are screened. However, since universal screenings were missed during 19-20 and 20-21 school years, the plan is to screen all students so we have current assessments on file.
Please contact the school nurse at (720) 423-7061 or email kristine_serrano@dpsk12.net if you wish to have your student(s) opt out of the screening process.
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TJ Food Bank and Distribution Program |
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The March Food Distribution will take place Tuesday, March 22 from 3:30 - 5:30pm 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 marzo estará el martes 22 de marzo de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p.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.
Thank you to our TJ Community for your continued support! If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the PTO meeting last week. TJ Principal, Mike Christoff, shared details on New Class Offerings for the 2022-23 school year as well as Key Dates for a fun and fabulous Spring 2022. For the details, please visit the PTO webpage for the meeting minutes, financial report and the meeting recording.
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Spartan Staff Grants Request Window is Now Open!
TJ PTO's primary mission is to enhance and support the educational experience at TJHS. With that goal in mind, PTO has budgeted $20,000 to distribute as Spartan Staff Grants! This is DOUBLE the amount we have been able to provide in the past, and is made possible by the fundraising done through the PTO's online auction. Your support of the auction directly benefits all TJ students.
Do you know a teacher or staff member who may have a need for grant money? It's time for any staff member to submit a request for a TJ Auction funded Spartan Staff Grant to help support students in whatever class or activity they lead. Last year, grants funded by the TJ Auction were used for equipment and supplies to support the departments of Special Ed, PE, JROTC, World Languages, Counseling, Art, and Math.
TJ Staff: Please submit Spartan Staff Grant requests using this Grant Request Form. All requests are due by the end of the day on Friday, April 1st.
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Camp Ember - FREE Opportunity for Young Women (deadline to apply is 3/28!) |
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FREE CAMP FOR YOUNG WOMEN
Camp Dates: June 2-5, 2022
Applications Open 2/14/22-3/28/22
Camp Ember is a 4 day, 3-night camp offered to young women ages 16-18.
The camp is FREE for the young women selected and includes training, mentorship from community female firefighters, lodging, transportation between training events and food/drink. Campers will be introduced to the world of firefighting and EMS by mentors that will inspire them to embrace their full potential!
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Music Department Fundraisers |
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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.
2) Save the date . . . April 6, 2022, from 4 pm - 8 pm Dinner at Chipotle
Similar to dinner out at Panera, a portion of the earnings from meals served to TJHS Music supporters will go to the music department. These funds will be used to help students traveling on our History of Jazz and Civil Rights. Again, in order to qualify towards our fundraiser, patrons will need to mention the TJHS music program, or better yet bring this attached flyer.
Please, share the fundraising flyers with family, friends and neighbors.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely and gratefully,
Robin Morrissey
Instrumental music teacher
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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!
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The 6th Annual TJ Online Auction is coming up the week of April 10-14.
The Auction is TJ's only school-wide fundraiser and proceeds from this year’s Auction will be dedicated to helping those in our TJ community and awarding classrooms grants:
- Supporting our community members in need is a huge priority. Auction proceeds will be available to support our TJ community including, but not limited to, helping those experiencing food insecurity.
- Our Classroom Grant program supports our teachers in their work to deliver an exceptional educational experience for all TJ students.
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In order to reach our goal to raise $20,000 this year, we need your help to acquire auction items! It’s easy—when you are in a business (restaurant, salon, your favorite shops), ask for their support for our auction this year in the form of a gift card or an item to auction! Or reach out to family and friends who own businesses and ask for their support. Anything works, and is appreciated! Print a few copies of the attached letter to have in your car to hand to businesses when you ask for a donation. The letter provides additional details about the event, delivery instructions as well as TJ's tax-id # as all donations are tax deductible. You can also direct donors directly to our Auction management site to enter their business and donation information: https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=thomasj
Thank you for your support,
Megan Perkins & Becca Mahoney
Auction Co-Chairs
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Denver Parks & Recreation Survey for Families |
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Please click here to share your opinions about outdoor adventures and alternative sports ideas!
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9th Grade Student Supports |
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Hey 9th Graders! Do you have a grade of 62% or below in any of your classes?
Are you ready to strengthen your academic competency, self-advocacy or organization?
Come meet with Ms. Taylor the 9th grade counselor on Wednesdays.
TJ wants to celebrate YOU and YOUR hard work when you exhibit these Spartan Values!
Aspire to Achieve:
On March 23rd during lunch Ms. Taylor will be supporting students in Rm 111. Lunch will be provided for those who sign up.
Academic Accountability:
Students have an additional opportunity to earn some free swag by checking off some items in their 9th Grade Success Passport!
Ms. Taylor is located in the counseling office and is open to setting up smaller sessions.
*Please do not let language be a barrier to reaching out. Please leave a message in your language and we will call you back.
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Looking for a Summer Job? The Wellshire Wants You! |
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Paraprofessional Job Openings at TJ |
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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. |
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips |
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Did You Know…?
Spring is almost here- let’s start the cleaning!
It is that time of the year that some people look forward to- opening the windows, deep-cleaning the house, getting rid of old items they no longer need; others may wince at the thought of going through closets, drawers, cabinets and feeling pressured to make the “to get rid of this, or to keep it?” decision. Though it can be difficult, time consuming and possibly argument-invoking, it can be important for your physical and mental health. Let’s find out how!
What can “Spring Cleaning” do for me?
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By making the effort to declutter areas, you can actually increase your productivity! Cleaning off your kitchen table, work-space, entry table, etc. can help support a more organized approach to work and facilitate ease with completing tasks. Plus, it may look nicer and more welcoming to guests and visitors in the home.
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The cleaning process itself can increase your energy levels!
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Spring cleaning can benefit your physical health! Do you ever think about the amount of dust and dirt that build up within the house? Cleaning your living space can help with asthma and allergies.
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People who have a clean and tidy home are happier. Hello strong mental health! Cleaning your space can provide a sense of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction. And perhaps decrease conflict with family members, roommates, etc.
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Regularly cleaning and decluttering can help increase focus and decision making! By removing obstacles (which are often the physical presence of stuff) from your space, you now can focus on problem solving and decision making.
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You can give back to your community. All those unused items can be donated to charities for people and families in need. Or you can plan a garage sale with your neighbors and use the collected money to do something nice for the neighborhood or community (basketball hoop on the street, plants for some homes, donate to a local foodbank, etc.)
Great, so where do I start?
- Each weekend during the month of March/April, pick 1-2 rooms/spaces in your home you will tackle.
- Enlist family members to help- it is everyone’s stuff!
- Get a box and label “donations,” and place all items you no longer need in the box
- Immediately after completing the area/room, take that box to a donation center! (get it out of your home before you find a “reason” to keep any of the items you know you don’t really need! :)
Now, put on some tunes, a podcast, whatever, and get cleaning!
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News from the Future Center |
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Class of 2022
Congratulations on earning over $7 MILLION in scholarships thus far. This is truly EPIC and a reflection of your hard work. Well done!
Your college(s) may be asking you for more information 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.
Please continue to share your Admissions and Scholarship Wins so we can celebrate your successes as you continue to inspire rising Spartans!
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, March 15: Sachs Foundation Scholarship DUE, MSU Denver Institutional Scholarship UPDATED Deadline!
Wednesday, March 16: UNCo Rep Visit
Thursday, March 17: Temple U: Japan Virtual Rep Visit
Wednesday, March 23: CSU Rep Visit
Thursday, March 24: CO Mesa Rep Visit, Virtual Insight Panel: Careers in Mental Health/Psychology
Friday, April 15: Robert Sullivan Scholarship Application DUE
Thursday, April 21: DSF Scholarship Almost There Required Session
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
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Save the Date for Senior SpartanPalooza!
There are lots of fun plans in the works for the upcoming Senior SpartanPalooza scheduled for Sunday, April 24th from 12pm-3pm. Parents have gotten involved in the planning, but we will need lots of help on the day of the event so save the date! A Signup Genius will be coming out once we have all the details ironed out. We will have our next planning session and event update on Thursday, March 10th at 7pm on Zoom. Feel free to join in to hear what is going on and find out ways you can help. For questions or information, you can contact the event Chair Lisa Chaiken at lisa.chaiken@icloud.com.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 890 2610 4143
Passcode: 762753
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,89026104143# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,89026104143# US (San Jose)
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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.
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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!
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Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 880 4757 2970
Passcode: 799685
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,88047572970# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,88047572970# US (Houston)
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023!
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Class of 2024 - Sophomores |
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Fundraising News!
We’ll be planning a wine tasting party in mid to late April to help raise funds for the class. Please watch for more details to come!
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
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84728737251#,,,,*222894# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84728737251#,,,,*222894# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
833 548 0282 US Toll-free
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
833 548 0276 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 847 2873 7251
Passcode: 222894
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)
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Please join us to discuss fundraising and events to raise money for the class of 2025. Our next meeting will be March 15th at 7PM on Zoom:
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.
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Stay Connected, Spartans! |
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