Administrator's Corner


May 1, 2023


Parents,


As we come to the end of another year, please be sure that you are checking in with your students about finals and about their grades. Because we are going under construction as a building this year, it will be difficult for us to collect all the Chromebooks. Please read the below and look for the link in the Tu Voz survey on May 1st in your email to fill out so that your student can keep their Chromebook for the summer. It will also be beneficial for students to keep their Chromebooks if they need to attend summer school.


Summer Chromebook Checkout Opportunity (translations)


This summer families will need to complete a form to be able to use their chromebook. Families will receive a link to the opt-in form through the Your Voice/ Tu Voz survey and through School Messenger. If a family does not complete the survey they will be charged for the device and it will be locked down.


Seniors you must turn-in your chromebook, charger, and hotspot (if it applies) during check-out. Please be sure that it is free of any stickers and note any issues that it may have.


For students transferring out of the district the same applies, but instead of during check-out. You will be turning it in after your last final.


For the 2023-2024 school year, we will have a new bell schedule. Please notice that school will begin at 8:25 a.m. next year. 


Thank you all for your support this year and for continuing to make TJ the best school possible.


Padres,


A medida que llegamos al final de otro año, por favor asegúrese de que está revisando con sus estudiantes sobre las finales y sobre sus calificaciones. Debido a que estamos en construcción como un edificio este año, será difícil para nosotros recoger todos los Chromebooks. Por favor, lea lo siguiente y busque el enlace en la encuesta de Tu Voz en 1 de mayo en su correo electrónico para llenar para que su estudiante pueda mantener su Chromebook para el verano. También será beneficioso para los estudiantes mantener sus Chromebooks si necesitan asistir a la escuela de verano.


Oportunidad de pago de Chromebook de verano (traducciones)


Este verano las familias tendrán que completar un formulario para poder usar su chromebook. Las familias recibirán un enlace al formulario opt-in a través de la encuesta Your Voice/ Tu Voz y a través de School Messenger. Si una familia no completa la encuesta, se le cobrará por el dispositivo y se bloqueará.

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

Seniors Debes entregar tu chromebook, cargador y hotspot (si aplica) durante el check-out. Por favor, asegúrese de que está libre de cualquier pegatina y tenga en cuenta cualquier problema que pueda tener.


Para los estudiantes que se transfieren fuera del distrito se aplica lo mismo, pero en lugar de durante el check-out. Lo entregarás después de tu última final.


Para el año escolar 2023-2024-17, tendremos un nuevo horario de campana. Tenga en cuenta que la escuela comenzará a las 8:25 a.m. el próximo año.


Gracias a todos por su apoyo este año y por continuar haciendo de TJ la mejor escuela posible.


Paula Hammel

Assistant Principal

Week at a Glance

Monday-



Tuesday-


  • Washington Park Band Festival: 4:00 p.m.
  • Senior Awards Night - by invitation only


Wednesday


  • Auction Item Pickup: 3-6 p.m. in the front lobby
  • Incoming 9th graders Choice of Studies Night: 6-7:00 p.m.


Thursday-


  • Class of 2026 Tailgate Party: 2:45-4:00 p.m. (details below)
  • Choir concert - 7:00 p.m.


Friday-



Saturday-

Kudos Korner

This year's retirees were honored by students at Friday's pep rally. A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Fornstrom, Mr. Esparza, Coach Burns, Ms. Starbuck, and Mr. Yantas! Thanks for all that you've done for the TJ community over the years. You will be missed! Enjoy the next chapter of your lives!

Congratulations to our talented TJ artists!


52 artworks by drawing & painting students will represent TJ at the 2023 Congressional Art Competition!


The exhibit is located at The Denver Art Society, 734 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204. Their phone number is (303) 534-1132.


The Denver Art Society is open everyday from 7 AM – 10 PM.


The Artist’s Reception & Awards Ceremony is Wednesday, May 3 from 5 - 6 PM. Please join us to honor our artists! 


Click here to see some of the amazing artwork!

Auction Item Pickup

Thank you so much for your support of the TJ auction! If you have items to pick up, please come on Wednesday, May 3rd from 3-6 PM in the TJ Lobby! If you can’t make it then, please reach out directly to Megan Perkins ([email protected]) to arrange an alternative time to pick up.

TJ Food Distribution Program

The FINAL Food Distribution of the school year will take place on Wednesday, May 17 from 3:00-5:00pm at TJ!  

Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HEREPlease note that you MUST sign up for us to have food available for you at the distribution.  


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


La última distribución de alimentos del año escolar se llevará a cabo el miércoles el 17 may de 3:00 p.m. a 5:00 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.

 

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

 

Thank you for your continued support! If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE

Class of 2026 Tailgate Party

Current Juniors - Reserve your Senior Parking Spot

car-sales-lot2.jpg


Juniors!


You can start reserving your parking spots for next year! These are the spots you can paint and the cost is $50.


They are first come first served.


Please see Carla Allen in the Treasurer's Office before and after school and at lunchtime - but please be sure to wait until FRIDAY!

Chromebooks

 This summer families will need to fill out a form to be able to use their chromebook. Families will receive a link to the opt-in form through the Your Voice/ Tu Voz survey and through School Messenger. If a family does not complete the survey they will be charged for the device and it will be locked down. 

Seniors, you must turn-in your chromebook, charger, and hotspot (if it applies) during check-out. Please be sure that it is free of any stickers and note any issues that it may have. If you have any questions, please see Jessie Delgado.

School Fees

money-icon.gif

- As Seniors check out, please go to Parent Portal and pay their fees so that they can check out on May 12th



- AP Testing is rapidly approaching in May. If you haven't paid for your student's AP test in MySchoolBucks, please go to your Parent Portal and pay for it before exam day.

PTO News

Let's Celebrate our Amazing TJ Teachers!

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and the PTO is leading the efforts to show our gratitude. There will be special events and treats for staff each day next week. 


The PTO has a fund that supports our year-round efforts to "show our staff the love,” which includes providing holiday gifts to staff, Valentine’s treats, various meals throughout the year and more. Donations to this fund are welcomed year-round and can be made online in the PTO Store

Finals Week Schedule - Week of May 22

Finals week will be here before you know it! Please plan accordingly.

Senior Art Show

The TJHS Senior Art Show will be held at Blue Tile Art Space (BTAS) in Englewood this year! Join us at the reception to celebrate our amazing Senior artists! Seniors will experience curating, hanging, exhibiting publicly, marketing and other skills as they produce their own exhibit. The artists’ reception is Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm. All are welcome. Bring your friends and family to see our ceramics, drawings, paintings, mixed media artworks and more! The exhibit is open to the public May 8 - May 20. BTAS is located at 3944 South Broadway, Englewood 80113.



BTAS hours of operation:

Closed Sunday & Monday

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4

Also by appointment (contact Ms. Biermann at [email protected]). 

Senior Checkout - Health Center

This next announcement is for any graduating senior. Make sure to book your Senior Check-Out Appointment with the Clinic. This is a senior specific appointment where you will receive a pamphlet filled with helpful health information, different resources, and be able to speak with your provider about accessing care after graduation. You will also be able to discuss any health questions or concerns you may have. The clinic is open from 7:30 am- 4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Book your appointment today!

Amazing Student Job Opportunity - Podcast Host! -Application Deadline May 15

Colorado Young Leaders (CYL) has two openings for youth podcast hosts for Generation Collaboration, a collaborative podcast with Colorado Young Leaders (CYL) and Youth on Record (YOR). This is a youth initiative podcast focusing on a range of social and cultural themes through an intergenerational lens to enhance the power of youth leadership. This podcast was created to amplify the tremendous leadership of youth and youth development organizations across the state of Colorado.


Position Description

Working with the CYL Program Director and YOR Youth Success Manager, the Podcast Host(s) will be responsible for the success and launch of monthly podcast episodes, produced during the school year. As a podcast host, you will be responsible for researching, creating interview questions, communicating with the podcast guests, and helping share out each episode utilizing social media. You will get hands-on experience building your skills as a podcast host.


Position Requirements

1. Monthly recording sessions with CYL, YOR and episode guests

2. Build out interview questions and prepare for recording session

3. Optional: connect with local artists to be featured on the podcast, outreach to youth leaders in the

community to invite to podcast


Hours

Approximately 20 hours/month

● Weekly team meetings and on-site recording at Youth on Record

● Research on issues to prep for interviews and listening to each interview

● Professional and leadership development

● $18/hour received monthly


Who should apply?

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a high school student who is passionate about storytelling, community change, and highlighting youth leadership. Great for those looking for a part-time job to gain leadership experience, use your creative talents, and leave a positive impact on your community. This position is open to incoming freshmen through seniors for the 2023-2024 school year. Preference will be given to a young person who is local to the Denver Metro area. Reliable transportation or willingness to travel via public transportation (RTD pass provided) to Youth on Record requested.


Please apply via this Google Form. You will be asked to provide written answers as well as a voice memo.


Give it a listen!

You can listen to the first season of Generation Collaboration by going to Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to give it a follow so you can stay up to date on new episodes!


Submit your application by Monday, May 15th. If you have any questions about the application process, please email Lauren Steavpack at [email protected].

Summer Opportunities in Career Exploration and More! 

Check out this slide deck to see summer internship opportunities, summer camps and academies, current available apprenticeship opportunities for next school year and more! Email [email protected] with questions or for more info.  

All for One Golf Tournament - Sponsors and Players Needed!

Please visit https://www.allforonegolf.org/ for more information!

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

Looking for a TJ hoodie, t-shirt, PJ pants, 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


May 1st-5th is Teacher Appreciation Week!



No need to stress, BUT, is there a TJ teacher that you would like to thank?

If so, just take a few minutes to send them a shout out email or note of appreciation!

Need help contacting them? Find them HERE


Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.

News from the Denver Scholarship Foundation Future Center

Spartan Seniors and Families, 


Congratulations on all of your hard work this year and exciting doors you’ve opened for your futures! 

  • Check your college portals REGULARLY and provide requested information PROMPTLY. Not doing so can cause you to miss out on financial aid.
  • Once you’ve made a college decision, be sure to complete your college’s Next Steps promptly to allow you preferred access to housing, orientation timeslots, etc. 


Important Dates and Opportunities: 

Monday, May 1st: DSF Scholarship Application DUE! 


Class of 2024 and families: Be sure to check your schoology course list for YOUR TJ Future Center 2024 course. Use the resources provided to continue your college planning. Build your college and scholarship list over the next few months to be ready for your college app process! 


Emily Webster

DSF College Advisor

[email protected]

Class News You Can Use
Class of 2023- Seniors

TEACHER APPRECIATION FRIDAY MAY 5th SIGN UP


Class of 2023 is thanking our wonderful TJ teachers and staff on Friday, May 5th with a Cinco de Mayo theme of a salsa, guac, chip bar!  Let’s get 23 different kinds of fun dips and set out a fun treat for them!  Sign up above!

2023 PARENTS:  

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SAY THANKS! 

TEACHER APPRECIATION Friday, May 5th

 

Please DONATE $23 for ‘23

 $10 $23 $50 $100 $230 whatever you are able to do! This money has supported all the 2023 fun class activities the past four years, After Prom, community-building, senior year events, and now we want to thank our fabulous teachers!


Click here to DONATE ONE LAST TIME!

2023 Class 2023 Class Donations | TJHS PTO 

MARK YOUR 2023 CALENDAR!

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING & EVENTS for SENIOR Class of 2023!


*PARENTS & STUDENTS: SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: Tuesday, May 2nd in Auditorium by Invitation only - Time 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  


*PARENTS & SENIORS: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - 2023’s Day is Friday, May 5th - Cinco de Mayo - be sure to thank your teachers!  


* SENIORS: PERSONALIZED GRADUATION YARD SIGNS - Will be available for distribution soon - stay tuned to Spartan Edition to find out when and where to pick yours up!


* SENIORS & PARENTS GRADUATION INFO


TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES: 


Senior Check-out Day 1:

Friday, May 12, 2023 - 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson High School


Senior Breakfast, Rehearsal, Cap & Gown Pick-up - Check-out Day 2:

Monday, May 15, 2023 - 7:00 a.m. Senior Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rehearsal, Cap & Gown Pick-up and Final Check-out Opportunity

Thomas Jefferson High School


Graduation Rehearsal:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. to Noon

University of Denver - Magness Arena


TJ 2023 Graduation Ceremony:

Thursday, May 18, 2023 - Senior Arrival at 1:00 p.m. - Ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

University of Denver - Magness Arena



There is not a limit on Graduation Guests

For Questions Contact Danyelle Charles: [email protected] 720-423-7050


For a printable version Click Here:

TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES


THANK YOU 2023 SENIOR PARENTS! 


2023 Class Sponsors are:

Catherine Poirier [email protected] or

Christy Jordan [email protected] 



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

The end is near! Can you believe in a few short months the Juniors will be SENIORS?! The parents and community have been so generous with supporting the Class of 2024 and we can’t

thank you enough!


  • Teacher Appreciation Week – Junior Class, May 4th: Sign up here!
  • Juniors & Junk Food – May 19th after school: A fun last class only event before the end of the year! Signup coming soon to donate junk food and time to help run games
  • Senior Sleepout (August 20): Additional information and signup coming soon

Please consider donating to the Class of 2024 Prom!

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZQ2XQU04MZG_ZZ5Y8RLWT7OPN6F 


Class Donations

Have you donated to the Class of 2024 yet?  If you have, thank you!  If you haven’t, now is your chance! As a final push for the current school year, we are asking that each family donate $50-$100 to the class for after prom. If this happens, we can guarantee funds for after-prom and can focus on fun Senior year events and planning!  


Of course, donations at any time and in any amount are always welcome and corporate matching is always accepted!  


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)



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

Thanks to everyone who signed up to bring candy, soda and popcorn to thank our Teachers and

Staff for all they do for our kids everyday! We will be passing out the goodies on May 3rd.

Class of 2026 - Freshmen
Stay Connected, Spartans!