March 18, 2024
We're almost there! This is the last week before Spring Break. There will be NO Saturday School on 3/23 or 3/30, and there will be NO SCHOOL on April 1 (Cesar Chavez Day observed).
All students and staff will return on Tuesday, April 2. On Friday, April 5, there will only be school for juniors, as they will be taking the CMAS test. Saturday School will resume on April 6.
Remember to keep your attendance up and get your work done so you can all participate in upcoming fun events we have planned after Spring Break!
¡Ya casi llegamos! Esta es la última semana antes de las vacaciones de primavera. NO habrá clases los sábados el 23/3 o el 30/3, y NO HABRÁ CLASES el 1 de abril (se celebra el Día de César Chávez).
Todos los estudiantes y el personal regresarán el martes 2 de abril. El viernes 5 de abril, solo habrá clases para juniors, ya que tomarán el examen CMAS. La escuela de los sábados se reanudará el 6 de abril.
¡Recuerde mantener su asistencia y hacer su trabajo para que todos puedan participar en los próximos eventos divertidos que hemos planeado después de las vacaciones de primavera!
Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
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Monday-
- Make-up performance of Mamma Mia: 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday-
- Make-up performance of Mamma Mia: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday-
- Food Bank Distribution: 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Thursday-
Friday-
Saturday-
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- Congrats to our Unified Basketball team! TJ Spartan Gold won the State CHSAA Unified game!
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On Saturday March 9th Thomas Jefferson High School hosted the 2nd Annual Denver Seaperch Regional, we had 10 teams from all over the state come to compete in High School Stock and Middle School Stock divisions. TJ Robotics swept the Stock Class Division taking home the top three trophies.
Team Sparta Aquatica: Ori Nguyen, Micah Gruenwald, and Ethan Smolinsky took 3rd
Team RGB: George Borman, Ryder O'Keefe, and Brendan Seitz took Second,
and Team Red Lobster: Rama Eselius, Sid Smith, Estevan Valenzuela-Puc, and Dani Prime-Morales took first.
The first place finishers are invited to compete at Nationals in Maryland this May.
Tj Robotics has recently received a grant to fund next year's Seaperch Regional from the Indigo Oak Fund and we are looking forward to continuing to expand this event for the future.
In other robotics news, Team Sparta Robotica competed in the Phoenix FRC Regional March 14-16th and will compete in thethe DU Regional March 21st-23rd. Stay tuned for more robotics news in the coming weeks.
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After Prom - TJ Community Help Needed! | |
NEW: TJHS Supporter Business Directory
The PTO often uses local businesses for our projects and events. We'd love to use parent or
supporter-owned businesses whenever possible. Do you own, work for or know about a
company we could be using? This includes businesses affiliated with current or former
students, parents or staff members. Examples of companies we have used recently or need
contacts for include: food trucks, caterers, restaurants that would host fund raising nights,
cookie/cupcake/candy makers or other craft artisans for staff appreciation gifts, printed goods
(signs, vinyl banners, spirit wear clothing items), accountant/bookkeeper, landscape/exterior
maintenance (snow shoveling and trash removal), special event facility.
To tell us about a business, fill out this form. Note: this information will only be used
internally, not published or promoted to the TJHS community.
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Next PTO Meeting
Our April meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9 from 6-7pm in Room 111. It will feature
approvals for the Spartan Grant program and officer elections.
PTO Highlight - Executive Leadership Descriptions
If you read the TJ newsletter regularly, you’ve probably gotten the hint that we are in need of a
President (or Co-Presidents) and Vice President for next year. Being involved in a high school
PTO is a lot less work than in K-8 schools. We still accomplish a lot, but the duties are not as
intense. And we realize that most parents work, so the duties are shared among many.
What does the President Do?
Weekly TJ Newsletter Submissions (30-60 minutes a week)
Run Monthly Meetings (3-5 hours a month, including follow up)
Annual Administrative Duties (around 3 hours a year)
Liaison with School Administration as needed (and they really don’t need much!)
Responding to Parent Questions (maybe 3-5 a year, by email)
What does the Vice President Do?
Hospitality for Incoming Parents (May & August)
Volunteer Outreach
Other Projects as your interest dictates (Currently, PTO Bus Stop Project)
Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Even if
you’re not cut out to be President or VP, we have other roles that could be filled. Interested in
working with Hospitality? Spirit Store? Volunteer Coordinator? We can use your skills! Email
TJHSpto@gmail.com
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Neighborhood Cleanup: March 23 | |
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 4/6, 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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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! | |
Want to learn more about Perfectionism or Healthy Relationships
as they relate to your GT child?
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our Spring Gifted and Talented Family Presentation Night on Thursday, April 11th. If your child is identified as GT, 2e or HGT, please join us!
When: Thursday April 11th, 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: TJHS Room 134
The Presentations will be facilitated by two members of the DPS Gifted and Talented Department, with your TJ GT Site Team members there to support!
Please click HERE to register.
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If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal, Paula Hammel (phammel@dpsk12.net) or Rachel Stutzman, GT Itinerant Teacher (rstutzm@dpsk12.net).
We look forward to seeing you!
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¿Quieres aprender más sobre el perfeccionismo o las relaciones saludables en lo que respecta a su hijo GT?
Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que seremos los anfitriones de nuestra Primavera Dotados y Talentosos Noche de Presentación Familiar el jueves, 11 de abril. ¡Si su hijo está identificado como GT, 2e o HGT, por favor únase a nosotros!
Cuándo: Jueves 11 de abril, 2024
Hora: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Donde: TJHS Sala 134
¡Las presentaciones serán facilitadas por dos miembros del Departamento de Dotados y Talentosos de DPS, con los miembros de su equipo de TJ GT allí para apoyar!
Por favor, haga clic AQUÍ para registrarse.
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Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor, póngase en contacto con el Subdirector, Paula Hammel (phammel@dpsk12.net) o Rachel Stutzman, GT Itinerante Maestro (rstutzm@dpsk12.net).
¡Esperamos contar con su presencia!
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Concurrent Enrollment and Tax Season | |
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 | |
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 | |
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.
See the flyer (all languages) for more details and RSVP here
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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 | |
Did You Know...?
(en español)
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?
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 music, a podcast, whatever, and get cleaning!
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Spartan Seniors and Families,
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The DSF Scholarship is NOW OPEN for application! Apply today!
- 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 now being sent to colleges!!!
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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! We use the info you report to build the program.
Upcoming Events (visit the TJ Future Center schoology course for more details):
Wednesday, March 20th: Western Colorado University Rep Visit in the TJFC
Tuesday, April 2nd: Sally Shuler Scholarship application DUE by NOON!
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 5 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?
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
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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Thanks to everyone who came out to Torchy's on the 11th! It was great to see lots of TJ families in lots of TJ swag! | |
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 | |
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! | | | | |