Administrator's Corner


March 20, 2023


Parents,


As you know, we’ve been working this year to continue implementing effective procedures which allow students and teachers to get the most out of instructional time. For the remainder of the semester we are continuing our expectations of having students stay in class the first 10 min and not leaving class the last 10 of instructions. We also will continue having students get late passes and turn their phones in for bathroom passes. Thank you for all of your support and consistency in getting your students to school. This becomes imperative as in April we begin our testing season. 


Have a wonderful spring break! The next newsletter will go out on April 3, and students will return to school on April 4.


Padres,


Como saben, hemos estado trabajando este año para continuar implementando procedimientos efectivos que permitan a los estudiantes y maestros aprovechar al máximo el tiempo de instrucción. Durante el resto del semestre continuamos nuestras expectativas de que los estudiantes permanezcan en clase los primeros 10 minutos y no salgan de clase los últimos 10 de instrucciones. También continuaremos haciendo que los estudiantes obtengan pases tardíos y entreguen sus teléfonos para obtener pases para el baño.Gracias por todo su apoyo y consistencia en llevar a sus estudiantes a la escuela. Esto se vuelve imperativo ya que en abril comenzamos nuestra temporada de pruebas.


¡Disfruta de unas maravillosas vacaciones de primavera! El próximo boletín se publicará el 3 de abril, y los estudiantes regresarán a la escuela el 4 de abril.

DPS Monthly School Lunch Menu
Click here to access DPS Online Pay

Paula Hammel

Assistant Principal

Week at a Glance

Monday-



Tuesday-


  • Birdcall Fundraiser for class of 2025 (details below)


Wednesday


  • Food Bank Distribution - 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.


Thursday-




Friday-


Saturday-

Kudos Korner

Big thanks to all who participated in last week's Multicultural Night! Special shout out to Leadership students, Erin Thompson, Jon Poole, Mateo Rocha, and everyone else who helped put it together.

The annual Project Management (PMI) Project of the Year dinner was held March 8th. Project Managers Bob Kois and Chuck Knezevich have worked with TJ students for the last 22 years preparing them to present their project to the Mile Hi Chapter members. Over 100 members judge their projects based on their knowledge and integration of Project Management as they work on their project. They also make scholarships of $2000 available to students who apply and show potential. Close to 100 TJ students in CCT have been recipients of this scholarship over the years.

 

This year's winners for Project of Year are:


Pelle Krabbenhoeft

Samuel McPherson

William Franco

Project: First Robotic Competition Java Framework


Maleah McFee

Project: 3D Model Architecture Home

Class of 2025 Fundraiser

Can't make it to Birdcall on Tuesday the 21st? Please donate to the class of 2025 using the QR code.

PTO News

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 approximately $20,000 to distribute as Spartan Staff Grants! This 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 template: PTO Grant Request (google.com)

 

All requests are due by the end of the day on Friday, March 31st.

 

Questions? Please contact Melissa Lindstrom ([email protected])

TJ Food Distribution Program

The March Food Distribution will take this Wednesday, March 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm at TJ!  

 

Reach out to Megan Perkins ([email protected]), Becca Mahoney ([email protected]) or Jillian Krause ([email protected]) with questions.

 

¡La distribución de alimentos de marzo es miércoles el 22 de marzo de 3:00-5:00 pm en TJ!

 

Comuníquese con Megan Perkins ([email protected]) si tiene preguntas.

 

If you are interested in making a monetary donation to the TJ Food Bank you can do so HERE. We appreciate your support! 


Announcing the 7th Annual Thomas Jefferson High School Auction!

Did you know that the TJ auction proceeds DIRECTLY help TJ students? TJ staff members have their fingers on the pulse of the school and know where help is needed! They request grants from the PTO and those requests are supported through the auction funds. This means that the more YOU can help us with auction donations, the MORE support our teachers (and therefore your kids) get!! 


WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please ask your favorite businesses or restaurants for their help—and item, a gift card, a service…anything that people can bid on in the online auction! Donations are due April 9th. 


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://tjauction23.bebids.me/


Thank you for your help - we need the whole TJ community to make this a successful fundraising event! 


TJHS 2023 Auction Letter


Thank you for your support,

Megan Perkins & Becca Mahoney

Auction Co-Chairs

Safe2Tell Ambassador Program

Click here to apply!


Application Deadline: April 2nd!

Rockies Game - Monticello National Anthem -Tickets Available!

Class of 2024 Fundraiser

Please make your donation directly to the Spartan class of 2024 here using the myschoolbucks link.

Donations for the Class of 2024


Speech & Debate Fundraiser - Donations Requested

Hello TJ community! The TJ Speech and Debate Club is raising money for the upcoming school year by selling Grad Grams. These will be small bags of candy and stickers that students can buy for seniors with a sweet message. We are hoping that you all can provide donations of peanut free candy for our fundraiser. This would greatly help our small but mighty club! Please drop off candy donations by April 10th at the front office. Thank you so much!

Upcoming GSA Events

Talent Show Auditions

Resources Available for Prom and Graduation



If you have a student in need of PROM attire assistance, click on the link below for resources.


https://ryliesark.org/be-happy-boutique

https://www.bellaboutiquedenver.org/

graduation_cap.jpg

If you have a senior in need of Cap and Gown assistance please Click on the following link:


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK9oxWbYFUuMJqwtIiCS1GbVwjm2NxatrzT6F-aGsLZqkcIw/viewform


College 101 - Save the Date

Denver Health School Based Health Centers are offering $30 visa gift cards to any DPS Student or Sibling who gets their Covid-19 vaccine!

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!

TJ Spirit Store

The Spirit Store will be open every month during First Friday. 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 [email protected] and we’ll help you get the items you want.

Yearbook News

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1008670/Thomas-Jefferson-High-School/ 

Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips

Did You Know...?

(en español)


Next week DPS is on Spring Break! 


Need some activities while school is out? Check out what Denver has to offer, here!


Have a safe, relaxing and rejuvenating spring break. 

See you on April 4th! 


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

News from the Denver Scholarship Foundation Future Center

Spartan Seniors and Families, 

Congratulations on earning over $3.8 million in scholarship dollars thus far. Keep up the AMAZING work! Be sure to share your wins here

  • Complete your Comparing the Cost of Your Colleges assignment/spreadsheet to help identify your best fit! Remember to consider academic and social factors too. 
  • Check your college portals REGULARLY and provide requested information PROMPTLY. Not doing so can cause you to miss financial aid.
  • There are changes coming to the next FAFSA application. Please consult a tax professional regarding filing status and listing of dependents to make the best decision for your family situation. 


Important Dates and Opportunities: 

The Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Application is OPEN for applications! Earn up to $3600 per year for college! 

The Sally Shuler Scholarship is OPEN for applications! Due Tuesday, March 21st. 

Your Weekly Scholarship Highlights folder is FULL of scholarship opportunities. 

Friday, April 21st: MSU Denver/TJ Orientation Day, CU Denver Admitted Students Day

Monday, April 24th: DSF Scholarship Almost There info session REQUIRED


Class of 2024 and families: Save the Date: College 101 on April 15th 8am-10am. More details to follow from the TJ Counseling Team!

Be sure to check your schoology course list for YOUR TJ Future Center 2024 course. Use the resources provided to continue your college planning! 

Please note, there are changes coming to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application. Please consult a tax professional regarding filing status and dependents to make the best decision for your family situation. Your 2022 taxes will be used for your FAFSA application for your freshman year of college. 


Emily Webster

DSF College Advisor

[email protected]

Class News You Can Use
Class of 2023- Seniors

AFTER PROM IS 6 WEEKS AWAY!


WHAT IS AFTER PROM? 

  • After Prom is a super fun, FREE event for Seniors that is Parent-organized and designed to keep our Students safe late into the night after their Prom Dance!
  • It’s a huge, fabulously themed event at TJ! Yes, FREE! 
  • Featuring incredible food, games, mini golf, tattoo artist, many giant inflatable games and fun, giant trike races, photo opportunities, prizes, drawings, casino blackjack, poker, roulette, relaxation, DJ, Karaoke and SO MUCH MORE! 


THEME: “Oh the Places You’ll Go” - 

  • Transforming TJ into a magical land featuring various, decorated famous Cities & attractions all around TJ! 
  • New York, Hollywood, Daytona 500, Maui, Las Vegas, Pebble Beach, Disney World and more!! 

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED:   

  • Come Join the After Prom Event Fun! 
  • Many Volunteer Slots Available - the day before, day of, during the event and day after! 
  • Decore-Making/Painting Pre-Prom-April 15, 2023 11-3 at TJ
  • SEE BELOW SIGN-UP GENIUS for specific slots and fun people to volunteer with! 


AFTER PROM SIGN UP-GENIUS

We need 60+ parents to step forward and be part of this really fun event!  Your name is already in here if you signed up on the Google spreadsheet, contact Karla for any necessary changes.

For more information contact Karla Henke [email protected]


PRIZE PATROL:   

  • We are still needing gift cards or cash prizes for After Prom!
  • $15, $20, $50 or more! 
  • Prizes for Casino, Daytona 500 Races, Door Prizes and more! 
  • Click here for more information:  


Prize Patrol After Prom


Contact Sam (303-884-7435) or Jennifer (720-949-4091) Williams with any questions or prize pickup coordination if unable to leave at the TJ office with Mrs. Melanie! We couldn’t do this without you, thank you!

2023 PARENTS:  

LAST CALL!

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! 


Click here to DONATE!

2023 Class 2023 Class Donations | TJHS PTO 

MARK YOUR 2023 CALENDAR!

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING & EVENTS for SENIOR Class of 2023!


* PRIZE PATROL - Please turn in your gift certificates or prizes for After Prom!


*PARENTS: DECORATION MAKING/PAINTING AFTER PROM PREP: Saturday, April 15, 2023 - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. TJ Front Lobby - Come by even for an hour to help! 


*STUDENTS: SENIOR GROUP PANORAMA PHOTO: Thursday, April 20, outside in front of TJ during 4th Period around 10:45 - BE THERE! 


*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: Tuesday, May 2nd in Auditorium by Invitation only - Time 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  


* SENIORS & PARENTS GRADUATION INFO Click Here

TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES


2023 SENIOR PARENTS! 


THIS IS THE SEMESTER WE NEED YOU MOST! 


If you know you would like to help with After Prom, Karla Henke [email protected] is our After Prom Event Volunteer Coordinator!

2023 Class Sponsors are:

Catherine Poirier [email protected] or

Christy Jordan [email protected] - we will get you involved!



2023 Class Faculty Sponsors are:

Mrs. Annie Berg, MSW, [email protected] - Room 114B

Mr. Nic Long, [email protected] - Room 237



THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023! 

Class of 2024- Juniors


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

[email protected]

Tambyr Reed

[email protected]

Robin Morrissey

[email protected]

Dyanna Spicher (parent)

[email protected]

Class of 2025 - Sophomores

Class of 2025


Please join us for our spring meeting April 6 at 6pm at TJ in room 111. We will be discussing plans for Teacher Appreciation in May, a parent party in August, and Homecoming Bonfire in September. Hope to see you there!


Any ?’s or suggestions: Heather Reeder [email protected]

Please consider making a donation to the class of 2025!


$25 for 2025! https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99

Class of 2026 - Freshmen

Save the Date for the first Class of 2026 social event: a "Bottom of the 9th" Tailgate Party!


The event will take place on Thursday, May 4th immediately after school near the baseball field. All freshman and their parents are invited to join us at the event then stay to cheer on the TJ JV team at their last home game against South. We need your help in making this event a success. 


Please look at our sign up genius for event supplies and volunteer needs:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CADA72FA31-bottom


Our next class meeting will be over Zoom on April 10th at 7:30 p.m. to finalize details for the "Bottom of the 9th" event. The Zoom link will be in next week's Journal.  


If you have any questions about the event or upcoming meeting, please contact Carrie Alleman at [email protected] or Sheila Tyler at [email protected]  

Stay Connected, Spartans!