Administrator's Corner

October 31, 2022

Good Morning TJ Families,

Happy Halloween to everyone who celebrates it! We had a great weekend of events for the kids at school and I hope that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tonight!

As you may have heard, we are really pushing to increase our daily attendance rate. This time of year is typically when we see our attendance slide a little and we do not want to lose our momentum from the start of the school year. We've told the kids that if they can get our attendance rate between 10/17/22 - 11/18/22 to 93% or above that we'd celebrate on our First Friday in December with free food for everyone! Please help us out by making sure that the kids at school on time every day! I know that the weather this time of year can be unpredictable, so please plan accordingly! 

It was great to celebrate the academic achievements of our kids from the second semester of last school year with Friday's Honor Roll assembly. We look forward to celebrating the academic achievements of this semester sometime in the winter. 

Thanks!

Buenos días familias TJ,

¡Feliz Halloween a todos los que lo celebran! ¡Tuvimos un gran fin de semana de eventos para los niños en la escuela y espero que todos tengan un Halloween seguro y divertido esta noche!

Como puede que hayan escuchado, estamos presionando para aumentar nuestra tasa de asistencia diaria. Esta época del año es típicamente cuando vemos nuestra diapositiva de la asistencia un poco y no queremos perder nuestro ímpetu desde el comienzo del año escolar. Hemos dicho a los niños que si pueden conseguir nuestra tasa de asistencia entre el 10/17/22 - 11/18/22 al 93% o más que celebraríamos nuestro primer viernes de diciembre con comida gratis para todos!

¡Por favor, ayúdenos asegurándose de que los niños lleguen a tiempo a la escuela todos los días! Sé que el clima en esta época del año puede ser impredecible, ¡así que planifique en consecuencia!

Fue estupendo celebrar los logros académicos de nuestros niños del segundo semestre del año escolar pasado con la asamblea de la Lista de Honor del viernes. Esperamos celebrar los logros académicos de este semestre en algún momento del invierno.

Mike Christoff

Principal

Monday-



• Trunk or Treat Street: 4-6 p.m. in the parking lot

Tuesday-

• Parent After Prom Walk-Thru Meeting(details below): 5:30-6:30

Wednesday- 

• DPS Prevention Webinar: Tools for Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth (details below)

Thursday-

Friday-

• First Friday! Click here for the schedule.

Saturday-

• Thanks to Danyelle Charles, Carla Allen, Betty VanNorden, Cindy Allen, Mark Roncato, Paula Hammel, Jon Poole, Andrew Skari, Anne Rice, and Mike Christoff for helping to make Friday's Honor Roll Assembly a success!
• Here are the big prize winners in each Honor Roll category:
• Bronze: Efren Alvarado-Martinez (Beats headphones)
• Silver: Charles VanAbbema (Beats Pro headphones)
• Gold: Dallas Smith (Nintendo Switch)
• Platinum: Tek Tewodros (Xbox)
• Academic Letter: Jesse Mishell (PlayStation & earphones & extra controller)

• Thanks to students and staff who helped with the Haunted Hallway and Scary Movie Night last week!

The November Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, November 16 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 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. Families who signed up for a Thanksgiving box will be able to pick up their box at this time as well.  

La distribución de alimentos de noviembre se llevará a cabo el miércoles 16 de noviembre de 3:00 a 5:00 de la tarde en TJ!  

Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y alentada a inscribirse AQUÍ. Tenga en cuenta que DEBE registrarse para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución. Las familias que se inscribieron para una caja de Acción de Gracias también podrán recoger su caja en este momento.

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

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

Thanksgiving Food Boxes 

Greetings!

Thomas Jefferson High School is Partnering with community agencies to help provide Thanksgiving dinner food boxes that will be available for pick up on Wednesday, November 16th.  

Please click on the following form if you need assistance.

https://forms.gle/qcrimbt3VC7VY49w8 

¡Saludos! La escuela secundaria Thomas Jefferson se está asociando con agencias comunitarias para ayudar a proporcionar cajas de comida para la cena de Acción de Gracias que estarán disponibles para recoger miércoles 16 de noviembre. Haga clic en el siguiente formulario si necesita ayuda. https:

https://forms.gle/qcrimbt3VC7VY49w8  

Wondering how you can support the amazing

students and staff at TJ without a huge time

commitment? Join the TJHS PTO! This is an easy way to find out about the many options to be involved that work for your schedule and your family. Find out more by checking out the TJHS PTO Website. 

Our next meeting will be next Tuesday, November 8th at 6:00 pm. We meet at TJHS in the Community Room (Room 111).  

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Questions?Email us at [email protected].

DPS Lunchtime Webinar - Wednesday

First Friday - November 4

Little Shop of Horrors - Tickets now Available!

The show dates are November 10th & 11th at 7PM, and November 12th at 2PM and 7PM. Tickets are $5 for Students and $10 for Adults.

To purchase tickets, scan the QR code or visit: tinyurl.com/tj-little-shop

Conflict Resolution Art Contest

The time has come for our 3rd annual Conflict Resolution Art Contest! Students are to create an art piece that portrays what conflict resolution means to you. There will be 3 winners announced and the prizes will include various goodies and having your artwork displayed at our TJ bus stop on Hampden! Submit your artwork to Ms. Lupo by Friday, November 11th at 3pm! *Important to Note* - The artwork submitted should be no smaller than 8x11 and no larger than 30x40. Reach out to Ms. Lupo with specific questions. 

Online sale of TJ merchandise with Fancloth is running NOW until November 4. Huge selection, including name brand items, delivered to your door in time for the holidays! Shop here: https://fancloth.shop/C5XWY

If you are looking for a TJ hoodie, t-shirt, PJ pants, joggers, hat, sticker, magnet, etc., please email us at [email protected] and we’ll help you get the items you want. 

College Fair November 10

TJ College Fair for Juniors and Seniors

Thursday November 10th during Advisement In the Gym

Colleges from around the state and country will be here on Thursday November 11th during Advisement. Junior and Seniors will have a chance to talk to college reps and learn more about their options as they build their college lists and develop their post secondary plans. Ask your School Counselor or Ms. Webster in the Future Center if you have any questions! See you there.

Baseball Fundraiser!

Our baseball fundraiser apparel store is officially open. Click on the link below for all of our options. The store will be open until 10/31, and the baseball program gets 10% back from what you spend! Most of the items are TJ Baseball branded, but we do have some cotton long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirt options that have general TJ branding. All items will ship to the school and another announcement will be made when items arrive and can be picked up.

NBA Youth Workforce Readiness Program UPDATE

The full program will be launching at TJ soon!

Want a job, but not sure where to start? Need to build your resume? Want to learn how to define and maximize your potential for better employability and long term wealth building? 

The Center for African American Health and the NBA Foundation have teamed up to provide a Workforce Readiness Program to help Black students acquire these skills and more.

In this free program you can receive support landing a summer or part-time job to build your work experience and skills for the future or explore and start a career in healthcare and health related areas to increase care and advocacy that is representative of the community. That is Nothing But Net!

Go to  https://tinyurl.com/TJCCA  if you are interested. 

Questions? Email [email protected] or stop by 137F in the counseling center.

Yearbook News

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

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12v4BiS0N1HDYbhNkpQE4hULbMSMztjPmTTh4TCBBbAw/edit# 

Did You Know...? 

((en español))

Self-care is an essential survival skill. Self-care refers to activities and practices that we can engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and maintain and enhance our short- and longer-term health and well-being.

Self-care is necessary for your effectiveness and success in honoring your professional and personal commitments.  It is SO very important, and we often neglect it or minimize our need for it. 

Are all of our “self-care skills” the same? Not necessarily! Some people need time alone to “decompress” or “refuel,” while others need quality time with friends, family and/or pets! Some people need a good workout or activity outdoors, while others may need a blanket and a good book, magazine or movie. 

We'll go to the doctor when we feel flu-ish or a nagging pain. So why don’t we see a health professional when we feel emotional pain: guilt, stress, loss, loneliness? Too many of us deal with common psychological-health issues on our own, says Guy Winch. But we don’t have to. Why is it important to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies? Because what happens when we ignore it…? Often times stress and pressure can be good things- they keep us motivated, they may challenge us to take healthy risks, learn new skills or work harder. However, when we reach a point where our bodies, mind and soul are exhausted, are we really living the best lives that we can, for ourselves and for those we care about? Maybe not. Often times we hear that “there is not enough time” or the common phrase we love “this too shall pass” (one of my favorites!), but sometimes we need to take action and help ourselves!

So… can I have some ideas and resources, please?

1. Guy Winch’s Ted Talks: https://www.ted.com/playlists/299/the_importance_of_self_care 
2. Want some immediate ideas to try for your mind, body and soul? Check these out! 

Have a great week, TJ. 

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

Tuesday, November 1st 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at TJ - meet in Room 111

Senior Parents please come join us for a hands-on, walk-through meeting at TJ! Help come up with some ideas and plans for our Seniors’ 2023 AFTER PROM to be held at TJ LATE NIGHT on April 29, 2023! 

RSVP to [email protected] and please let her know if you are willing to bring an appetizer or dessert - we will have pizza and drinks! All fun ideas are welcome - come find the Team and After Prom project that will be fun for you!

See you all Tuesday, November 1st!

Click here for updated 2023 TRADITIONS & DATES LIST

* PARENTS & STUDENTS: FAFSA Applications Are Now Open - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) See Future Center for more Details!

* PARENTS & STUDENTS: Now Open - CHALLENGE DAY FEE is in your MYSCHOOLBUCKS Account MYSCHOOLBUCKS and you also need to register here   CHALLENGE DAY SIGN UP     (Challenge Day Event for Seniors will be Thursday or Friday, February 16 or 17, 2023.) 

* PARENTS: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 5:30 p.m. (NOTE CHANGE!) PARENT 2023 Walk-Through & After Prom Planning at TJ - Meet in room 111.

RSVP to [email protected].

*SENIORS & PARENTS: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - YEARBOOK SENIOR PHOTOS, SENIOR QUOTES AND BABY PHOTOS ARE DUE!

- See Yearbook link for specifications. TJ Yearbook Info 2022-2023

*SENIORS: Friday, November 4, 2022 - FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION - Senior Class Prom Fundraiser to sell chips, sodas and popcorn. Seniors please volunteer to help out - see Mrs. Berg [email protected] if you are able to help set up and sell the items 8th period and after school. It is an assembly schedule that day! 

*SENIORS & PARENTS: Monday- Friday, November 7-11th - SLICES PIZZA PROM FUNDRAISER!

Stop by Slices Pizza  7155 E. Hampden Ave. Mention TJ 2023 - 25% of sales of the week will go to Senior Prom! 

* SENIORS & PARENTS Important Graduation Dates:

Senior Check-out:

Friday, May 12, 2023 - time TBA

Thomas Jefferson High School

Rehearsal:

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

University of Denver

TJ 2023 Graduation Ceremony:

Thursday, May 18, 2023 - 2:00 p.m.

University of Denver 

We always need more help and input and the 2023 Seniors have a big year ahead! If you would like to get in on the action, please be on our Senior Parent Committee/Group for Senior Year Events and After Prom Event at TJ, please send your contact info to:

Catherine Poirier [email protected]  or

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

You can also REALLY help by donating directly to 2023 on the link at the bottom of our page!

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! 

2023 PARENTS: HELP US SUPPORT OUR SENIORS! 

LET’S BE GREAT - EVERYONE DONATE

Please DONATE $23 for ‘23

Let’s all make a final push and send in our support now $10 $23 $50 $100 $230 whatever you are able to do! This money supports all 2023 fun class activities, community-building, senior year events and of course AFTER-PROM! We purchased and handed out fun yellow SENIOR SPARTAN SHADES to all the seniors for Homecoming TJ Spirit Day & Pep Rally - they LOVED THEM - thank you! Community-building lately also included us underwriting the Senior Sleepout and the Senior Splash events and so the students made all the money from the events for their Prom. These events could not happen without your Financial Support! Let’s keep up the momentum for a Great Senior Year!  

2023 Class 2023 Class Donations | TJHS PTO | TJHS PTO

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]

Stay tuned for news from the Class of 2026 sponsors. Want to be added to the Class Interest list?

Email [email protected]