Administrator's Corner
October 4, 2021
Parents and Guardians,
October is full of activities! Please remind your students to wear college/university gear on Thursdays as it is always "College Thursday!" Senior parents, FAFSA and CASFA open on October 1st. This is an important step in accessing financial aid for college. Your student has access to FAFSA/CASFA Resources in their TJ Future Center schoology course. Please review that content together to prepare for and complete the application with your student. Also, CO Free App Days are on October 19, 20, and 21. Please encourage your Senior to have their applications to CO colleges and universities complete by October 18th.
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 13th and 14th from 3:30-7:00 p.m. Please check email and the TJ website for sign-up and instructions as it will be out midweek.
As a reminder October 13th and 14th are PSATN testing dates. 10/13 is only for 10th and 11th graders and 10/14 is only for 9th graders. (Unless you are contacted by Ms. Hammel or Mrs. Thibodeau to be there both days.) All students will be expected to arrive at 7:30 am and standard testing will be done around 11:45am or noon. Students with accommodations should expect a longer day. Grab and go lunches will be available each day.
We will have a week of engagement from the Navy the week of October 12th. The Navy Band will be working with our Choir, Band and Orchestra during the beginning of the week, and there will be other exciting events happening. Please come out and see the excitement!
October is also Conflict Resolution month and our Restorative Justice Team will be doing some fun activities.
Thank you,
Padres y tutores,
¡Octubre está lleno de actividades! Por favor recuerde a sus estudiantes que usen equipo universitario los jueves, ya que siempre es el jueves universitario. Padres de familia, FAFSA y CASAF abren el 1st de octubre. Este es un paso importante en el acceso a la ayuda financiera para la universidad. Su estudiante tiene acceso a FAFSA/CASAF Resources en su curso de goleta de TJ Future Center. Por favor revise ese contenido juntos para prepararse y completar la solicitud con su estudiante. Además, los días DE la aplicación gratuita DE CO son el 19, 20 y 21 de octubre. Por favor, anime a su Senior a que sus solicitudes para COUNIVERSIDADES y universidades se completen antes del 18th de octubre.
Las Conferencias Virtuales de Padres y Maestros tendrán lugar el miércoles y jueves, 13th-14th de octubre de 3:30-7:00 p.m. Por favor revise el correo electrónico y el sitio web de TJ para inscribirse e instrucciones ya que estará fuera a mitad de semana.
Como recordatorio, el 13th y 14th de octubre son las fechas de prueba de PSATN. 10/13 es sólo para los grados 10th y 11th y 10/14 es sólo para los grados 9th. (A menos que la Sra. Hammel o la Sra. Thibodeau se pongan en contacto con usted para estar allí ambos días.)
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Se espera que todos los estudiantes lleguen a las 7:30 am y las pruebas estándar se harán alrededor de las 11:45am o mediodía.
Los estudiantes con acomodaciones deben esperar un día más largo. Los almuerzos de comida para llevar y llevar estarán disponibles todos los días.
Tendremos una semana de compromiso de la Marina la semana del 12th de octubre. La Banda Navy estará trabajando con nuestro Coro, Banda y Orquesta durante el comienzo de la semana, y habrá otros eventos emocionantes sucediendo. Por favor, salga y vea la emoción!
Octubre también es el mes de la resolución de conflictos y nuestro equipo de justicia restaurativa hará algunas actividades divertidas.
Gracias,
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Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
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Monday-
- Slices fundraiser for class of 2023 (details below)
Tuesday-
- Slices fundraiser for class of 2023 (details below)
- Fall Choir Concert: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday-
- Slices fundraiser for class of 2023 (details below)
- Webinar - Don't Just Say No, Say Know: Tools for Talking with Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol - 12:00 p.m. (details below)
- Signs of Suicide Parent Presentation by TJ Mental Health Team: 5:30-6:30 p.m. (details below)
- 2023 Parent Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (details below)
Thursday-
- Slices fundraiser for class of 2023 (details below)
- Fall Instrumental Music Concert: 7:00 p.m.
Friday-
- Slices fundraiser for class of 2023 (details below)
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Congrats to the Spartans who won amazing prizes at the Honor Roll Assembly! |
(L to R: Jesse Mishell, Addison Williams, Sofiya Alferow, Mike Christoff, Max Hauer,
Jalene Cordova-Ayon, and Quincy Carter)
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Slices Class of 2023 is doing a Fundraiser for Prom at Slices Oct 4-8th.
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Drive through is encouraged!
Slices Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 4-8
Wed-Friday 11-8
7155 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80224
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Don't Just Say No, Say Know: Tools for Talking with Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol |
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Don't Just Say No, Say Know: Tools for Talking with Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol
Wednesday, October 6 at 12:00 PM MST
Join staff from the DPS Substance Use Prevention Team as we share tools for you to use to help your child avoid substance misuse. We will help you understand just how prevalent substance use is in the DPS community and what our team is doing to combat it. We will also help you to understand what exactly is going on in the developing adolescent brain and what this means for parents, and how you, as a trusted adult, can talk to your kid about substance use and work with them to develop the skills and confidence needed to avoid misusing alcohol and other drugs.
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It is national Banned Books Week, and many of the past and present banned/challenged titles are available in the TJ library for all to check out.
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Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado: Student Excellence Team Intros |
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Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado: Student Excellence Team Intros |
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October marks the beginning of Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado. Did you know that Colorado is the only state to dedicate an entire month to conflict resolution? That’s great for us, and for TJ, because that is what our Student Excellence Team is all about! Meet the TJ Student Excellence Team here:
Bridget Couch, Restorative Practices Coordinator
Tahj Dillard-Watkins, Restorative Practices Coordinator
Emily Lupo, Dean of Culture
Andrew Skari, Assistant Principal
The Student Excellence Team utilizes Restorative Practices within our school community and facilitates restorative conversations among students, teachers, and staff. We do this by ensuring all sides of the story are heard and needs are met. In doing so, our TJ family relationships stay strong and conflict is effectively & successfully resolved.
Check back here, our “Con Res Corner,” all month long for conflict resolution facts, tips, techniques and more! Stay tuned for details about our Conflict Resolution Month Art Contest!
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Want the 411 on fundraising at TJ? If you were wondering how it works, the PTO has several sources for funding. Primarily, PTO's mission is to support our awesome TJ students and their varied interests and needs through classroom grants. Last year we gave away over $10,000 to teachers! We partner with the school leadership to build a stronger community for students, parents and staff by funding activities such as teacher appreciation events and parent education. We work with the student leadership team to support student initiatives that serve both the student body and families. Additionally, the PTO supports each graduating class with parent sponsors that coordinate raising money used for class specific activities. In the last few years, the PTO has moved to simplify fundraising by focusing on these efforts...
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Online Auction: The April 2021 TJ Auction raised $18,690 in spite of the pandemic! Money from this annual event goes towards classroom grants to enhance the learning environment at TJ. The auction is an easy way for lots of people to get involved. The PTO needs help with collecting donations and promoting this event. The 2022 auction will be held next spring. If you would like to help, contact Auction Chairs, Megan Perkins megandperkins@gmail.com and Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com)
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King Soopers Cards: This is an incredible source of FREE money. So far this calendar year, TJ has received $3000! About 80 families participate but we'd love to have even more. It is so easy to join - all you have to do is pick TJ as your rewards partner and then shop at King Soopers as you normally would. TJ receives a percentage of all purchases. Visit the KS Rewards page of the TJ website for details about how to sign up. A portion of these funds are granted to each class to fund senior year activities.
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AmazonSmile: Again FREE money. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support TJ every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop AmazonSmile, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the PTO (look for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners).
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Parent Sponsors: Senior year activities are funded by parents raising money each year beginning when students arrive as 9th graders. Parent sponsors coordinate social activities to build relationships among class parents. Parent sponsors also organize fundraisers. These fundraising efforts coupled with the King Soopers grants provide ample funds for senior year fun. In past years, the class funds went towards events like the Senior Sleepout and the after prom party. The PTO is the custodian of the class funds but manages those separately from all other fundraising proceeds. Separately, students organize their own events to raise money for their prom.
The PTO can't do any of this without our wonderful parents getting involved so thank you for your support! Together we are Spartan Strong!
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Thanks for your awesome support of the TJHS PTO and purchasing spirit wear at the HOCO football game.
Come get your gear!
Thursday, October 7: Soccer
Friday, October 8th Football
If you can't make any of these games we're working on an online sale and will give you the details as soon as we have things figured out.
GO SPARTANS!
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TJ Food Drive and Distribution Program
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Our October Food Distribution date and time information will be shared in the coming weeks! Please continue to watch for updates!
We will begin collecting non-perishable food items in the coming months. In the HERE.
Thank you for your support!
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Senior Pictures for Yearbook |
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Spartan Garden is Looking for your Leaves |
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Instead of placing your leaves curbside, donate them to us!
We would love them in the giant paper bags if possible.
Thanks, TJ!
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TJ Baseball Alumni Golf Tournament |
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Food Rescue - New Community Program |
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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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College and Career Readiness |
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Our goal is that all students graduate college and career ready. One of the ways we achieve this goal is to support students' career and college exploration through programs that provide opportunities for students to discover how their interests and passions might someday fit into the world of work. There are many resources to help you learn more about career and college programs in DPS, visit collegeandcareer.dpsk12.org to learn more! Handouts: English / Spanish
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Matthew Mason (He/Him/His)
Navigator at Thomas Jefferson High School
DPS Career and College Success
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips |
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Parent Training Opportunity!
In the state of Colorado, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those who are 15-24 years old
Here is what our students are reporting:
Colorado Healthy Kids Survey 2019
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As a guardian, here is how you can get information and resources:
What: Signs of Suicide Parent Presentation by TJ Mental Health Team
When: Wednesday October 6th, 2021 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Virtually! You can join from the comfort of your couch and pajamas
Google Meet:
Join by phone: 1-920-663-8096
PIN: 311 931 616#
Questions? Please contact:
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.
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News from the Future Center |
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From Your TJ Future Center
It is FAFSA or CASFA TIME!
Similar documents are required for CASFA but neither student or parent need a social security #.
CO Free Application Days are October 19th, 20th, and 21st!
Please visit us in the Future Center with any questions and to work on your applications!
Wednesday. October 6: DSF Virtual Career Panel: Dental Health; Western CO U Rep Visit; Liberal Arts College Virtual Fair
Thursday, October 7: Colorado Mesa U Rep Visit
Friday, October 8: College Essay Guy Common App Part 1 Workshop and Personal Statement Workshop; CO School of Mines Rep Visit
Saturday, October 9: Boettcher Foundation Scholarship Fall Webinar; Business at a Glance: Leeds School of Business CU Boulder
Wednesday, October 27: FAFSA Community Workshop- Sign Up Forthcoming
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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Our class leaders are committed to providing Senior parents with continued support and the latest graduation and senior events. You can reach out for more info:
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CLASS of 2023 EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS |
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HOW TO GET CONNECTED:
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 7-8:15 p.m. at Kris & Scott Hougard’s Backyard and on Zoom! RSVP by October 4th to christy.jordan@comcast.net so we can get a headcount please!
Topic: Class of 2023 Parent Meeting
Time: Oct 6, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 826 2311 8208
Passcode: 040738
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,82623118208# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,82623118208# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 826 2311 8208
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023!
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Class of 2024 - Sophomores |
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Parent Meeting – Join Us!
Class meetings will be held the third Tuesday of month at 7pm.
Our next meeting details:
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nyssa Zabel’s house
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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Stay Connected, Spartans! |
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