Administrator's Corner

September 18, 2023

Happy Spirit Week TJ!

There is a lot going on this week. Don't miss out!

Here is all the important stuff to know:

• Monday: PJ Day
• Monday Night: Bonfire 6:30-8:30 - Bring cash or Credit Card - Junior Class will be selling food and drinks
• Tuesday: Country vs Country Club 
• Wednesday: Barbenheimer
• Thursday: Mathletes Vs. Athletes
• Friday (no school): TJ Day 
• Friday afternoon- Tailgate and PowderPuff Game,1:30 at TJ. 
• We will have a Spirit Bus, sign up at lunch.
• Friday 4 pm- Homecoming Football game at All City Field. TJ Alumni please join us. 
• Saturday night - Homecoming Dance 8-11 tickets on sale all week during lunch

It's going to be a fun week so make sure you are a part of it!

¡Feliz Semana del Espíritu TJ!

Están sucediendo muchas cosas esta semana. ¡No te lo pierdas!

Aquí está todo lo importante que debe saber:

• Lunes: Día PJ
• Lunes por la noche: Hoguera 6:30-8:30 - Traiga efectivo o tarjeta de crédito - Junior Class venderá alimentos y bebidas
• Martes: vaqueros vs Country Club
• Miércoles: Barbenheimer
• Jueves: matletas vs. Atletas
• Viernes (sin escuela): Día TJ

• Viernes por la tarde- fiesta en el estacionamiento y PowderPuff Game, 1:30 en TJ.
• Tendremos un Spirit Bus, inscríbete en el almuerzo.
• Viernes 4 pm- Partido de fútbol de regreso a casa en All City Field. TJ exalumnos por favor únase a nosotros.
• Sábado por la noche - Homecoming Dance 8-11 entradas a la venta toda la semana durante el almuerzo



Jon Poole

Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Spirit Week: Pajama Day
• Homecoming Bonfire: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday-

• Spirit Week: Country vs. Country Club

Wednesday- 

• Spirit Week: Barbenheimer

Thursday-

• Spirit Week: Mathletes vs. Athletes
• Food Bank Distribution: 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Friday-

• No school for students
• Tailgate is at 1:30 at TJ. It will include games, face painting, car decorations, and the PowderPuff game. We are also working on a Spirit Bus.
• Homecoming Game: 4:00 p.m. at All City Field (Homecoming Royalty and Coach Burns to be celebrated at halftime) (Please note: the TJ Spirit Store will be selling TJ gear at the game!)

Saturday-

• Paint Recycling Event for Class of 2026: 9:00-1:00 p.m. in parking lot
• Homecoming Dance: 8-11 p.m.

Congratulations to the TJ Girls Cross-Country team who took FIRST PLACE at the Denver West Cowboy Classic on 9/12: Hannah Johnson, Chandler Rimkus, Leila Obricht-Simon, Maya Joly, Izzie. Srodulski, Ella Obricht-Simon & Brady Vinlove. The boys team got 5th with Jonah Smith, Noah Cortese and Adam DeMaria breaking the top 20! (and congrats to coaches Miccio, Popper and Barclay!)

Brett Butera took AP environmental science students to Rocky Mountain National Park last Wednesday and Thursday. Students will participate in an ongoing forest monitoring project called "The Forest Project." Thanks for getting outside and connecting with science on another level!

Homecoming Spirit Week is Here!

Class of 2025 will be selling hotdogs (including Halal and Veggie versions), chips and drinks as a fundraiser at the Bonfire tonight! Be sure to bring cash or a credit card!

PTO News

OCTOBER MEETING - SAVE THE DATE: 

Next month's PTO meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3 at 6pm. Our guest speaker will be Principal Mike Christoff, who will discuss TJ's school safety program and transportation solutions. Make your calendar - details on meeting method (hybrid or Zoom only) will be shared next week. 

The minutes and financial report from last week’s September meeting are found online here.

THANK YOU to Heather Fall (Secretary) and Kendall Mullins (Class of 2027 Parent

Committee Chair) for stepping up to take on these leadership roles in the PTO. Please

consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Current vacant

positions include:

Member-at-Large for 2027 and 2026

Class Committee Co-Chairs for 2027 and 2024

Fund Raising Chair(s)

Questions? Want to get involved? Join our e-mail list: TJHSPTO@gmail.com

We use these funds to support our Teacher Appreciation program and provide funding to our Class Committees. Have you signedup yet? Or perhaps need to change the beneficiary from your previous school to TJ? Click here for more instructions. The PTO’s organization name is Thomas Jefferson High School

Partners, or use code UT036. Thank you to all who currently participate!

Please reach out if you have any questions/comments/concerns. The PTO is a great resource!



Questions? Want to get involved? Join our e-mail list: TJHSPTO@gmail.com

TJ Food Distribution

The September Food Bank distribution will take this Thursday, September 21 from 4:00-5:30 pm at TJ!  

Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com), Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.

¡La distribución de alimentos de septiembre es jueves el 21 de septiembre de 4:00-5:30 pm en TJ!

Comuníquese con Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) si tiene preguntas.

Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank! 

If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.

The Food Bank is in need of reusable grocery bags for food distribution! If you have a bag or 2 to donate, you can put it in the box in the office - thank you!

Hello Spartans and families! We are excited to be selling some awesome TJ gear at the Homecoming game Friday. Grab your tshirts, hoodies, pajama pants, blankets & seat cushions for the big game! If you are interested in helping with sales, please email. We also will respond to email requests for gear (tjhs.store@gmail.com).  Thank you TJ community for your school spirit!

Yearbook News

Denver Police Explorers Program

Mental Health Summit - Save the Date!

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is teaming up with schools and community partners to provide a platform for students to speak honestly and frankly about mental health and wellness. 

DDPHE’s is inviting DPS students to join us at the second annual The We Got This! Youth Mental Health Summit on October 6th at the Tivoli Student Union Center, on the Auraria Campus. This half day FREE event created by youth for youth will include music, motivational speakers, incredible breakout sessions and more! The We Got This recruitment packet should help you generate interest and register your students as easily as possible. Event information is below: 

What: The We Got This! Youth Mental Health Summit

When: October 6,2023 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Tivoli Student Union Center on the Auraria Campus, Denver

How: This event is free- just use the registration link below!

Registration: Registration Link to register students and volunteers for the event. 

Showing Pride at FACE University

Thursday, September 21st, Parenting and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Join us ONLINE 6:00 - 6:45 pm for a session on Parenting and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth. This session will be hosted by Fortaleza Familiar in both English and Spanish (English 9/21, Spanish 9/28). As usual, there will be a PRIZE giveaway for people who attend our live session. You must RSVP to qualify for our giveaway, and receive the link to attend this session.

Thursday October 12th, 5:00 - 5:45 pm: Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids - Resources and Information from PFLAG Denver

Join us ONLINE 5:00 - 5:45 PM! This session will provide families and caregivers of queer youth with resources to show up as informed, supportive advocates. With 40 years of experience, PFLAG Denver supports and connects families on their journey of loving and advocating for their children and loved ones. Content includes educational resources on allyship, tools for navigating school and other systems, and information for further support and connection.

 You must RSVP to qualify for our giveaway, and receive the link to attend this session.

! RSVP HERE !

*Necesitas Espanol para Crianza y apoyo de jovenes LGBTQ+? Por Favor, seleccionar JUEVES, 28 de Septiembre.

! Confirme AQUÍ para asistir virtualmente por Zoom !

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Visit last month's Face U. topic: Climate and Safety 

You will find a video of our most recent class in ENGLISH and SPANISH - School Emergency Protocols

Need other resources? Check out our Resource Hub!!

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Wednesday October 4th, 8:30 – 9:30 am: Title I Family Engagement

This is a learning session designed for school staff to learn about Title I, Title I plans, and how it can be used to drive family engagement! Parents are also welcome. 

RSVP HERE.

Wednesday September 27th: Parenting Partners Reunion (in-person!)

Join us IN PERSON for a night of celebrating the Parenting Partners Program. You will hear from and have a chance to connect with Parenting Partners Champions (previous parents that have completed the program). We will demo all 3 programs: Parenting Partners, Calm & Kind Family, and Family Meals Challenge. You can sign up to bring ONE or ALL of these programs to your family and/or school in the future!

 Todos los programas disponible en español. 

Programs are available in-person and virtually in the future! You must RSVP HERE.

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FACE University, by Denver Public Schools, is a RESOURCE and LEARNING website for parents and families in the Denver metro. Click HERE to learn more!

Questions? Need support accessing videos/resources? Please, contact me! I am happy to help!

Jasmine Rigby

jasmine_rigby@dpsk12.net

720.423.3915

Class of 2026 Paint Recycling Day - Save the Date!

DPS Substance Use Prevention Program Announces Fall Webinar Lineup

he DPS Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Program will continue to host a monthly webinar on the first Wednesday of every month at noon. Webinars will feature experts from the Denver community who will provide attendees with information about relevant issues that youth are facing today.

Upcoming webinars to save the date for:

• Oct. 4: Youth Substance Use Prevention and Intervention with Dr. Christian Thurstone, Denver Health STEP Team.
• Nov. 1 at noon: Digital Wellness for Youth and Families with Brian Dino, DPS Digital Coach.

Learn more about the webinars listed above and register here.

6th Grade Boys' Basketball Tryout

WHAT: Tryouts for Thomas Jefferson High School feeder 6th-grade Gold Crown boys' basketball team the Southside Spartans

WHEN: 3-5 P.M. Sunday, Sept. 24

WHERE: The Denver Jewish Day School, 2450 S. Wabash St. Denver, 80231

WHO: All 6th graders at TJ feeder schools invited to tryout 

COST: $5 nonrefundable tryout fee to cover gym rental; bring cash or Venmo to tryout 

HOW: Register for tryouts here (you do NOT have to be planning to attend TJ to be part of this team): https://forms.gle/jhXkkQybefr58qBm7 

This team will run November-March and practice twice a week, Fridays and Sundays. The team will play league games on weekends at the Gold Crown Field House in Lakewood. The team will also play in 3-5 local tournaments throughout the season. Non-profit. Volunteer coach with high school coaching experience. Focus on player development to prepare players for high school basketball at a fraction of the cost of other club teams. Costs for the season are approximately $550, including uniforms, league, tournaments, and gym time. 

Please text 303-927-9290 with any questions. 

Save the Date for Author Jason Reynolds - Sept. 27

We are excited to announce the upcoming author visit with Jason Reynolds. We are just a month out, and are so excited to have this event at TJ. We are planning to have it on Wednesday, September 27 in the TJ auditorium, 6:30-8:30pm. We plan to have around 200 copies of one of Jason's books available for students on a first come, first served basis. 

Hands of the Carpenter - Help for Single Moms

Sparta-Fill is Here!

For more information, please visit https://spartafill.com/

Did You Know…?

(en español)

Magnesium can boost your brain health!

Quick Facts:

• Recommended amount for women is 310-320 mg/daily
• Recommended amount for men is 400-420 mg/daily 

BUT- research has found that people who got 550 mg daily had LESS age-related brain volume shrinkage by age 55, which is associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia. 

That is great, now how can I get my brain boost?

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.  Resources: www.bhg.com (September 2023) “In The Know- News and notes to boost your well-being.”

Future Center News

Spartan Seniors and Families,

Click here to learn more about the Denver Scholarship Foundation and the DSF Scholarship. 

Seniors: In your Future Center: TJFC2024 schoology course, you will find many resources to help you with your college process. Please review the course at least weekly with your home adults and other supports. A list of Scholarship Highlights will be posted weekly in addition to information about College Rep Visits in the TJFC, College Fairs, major deadlines, reminders about your next steps for college and more! 

Most importantly, please drop by the Future Center to say hi and ask questions! 

College planning tasks from your Future Center schoology to work on now:

• Start your Scholarship Search assignment. Many major scholarships have VERY EARLY FALL deadlines. Don’t wait! 
• Do any of your colleges require letters of recommendation? Prepare now!
• Register (REQUIRED) for the College Fair at TJHS on 09/26. Click here!
• Be sure to use your Steps for Complete College Applications doc to guide you. Using MAIA Learning, linking your Common App to MAIA, and completing transcript request form(s) are all REQUIRED! 

Upcoming Events: For more information, please visit the Future Center schoology course calendar 

Wednesday, September 20th- DSF Virtual Insight Panel: Careers in Vet/Animal Sciences. Click here to register!

Saturday, September 23- CU Boulder Leeds Business at a Glance program 

Thursday, September 26th- College Fair in the TJ Gym. Registration REQUIRED! 

Emily Webster, M.S..

DSF Lead College Advisor

emily_webster@dpsk12.net

Alyssa Baker, M.Ed. 

DSF College Advisor 

alyssa_baker@dpsk12.net

CLASS OF 2024 UPDATE

There’s one more restaurant night in September to raise funds for Prom. Please show your

support by eating out:

Wednesday, 9/27 - Chipotle (info coming soon)

KEY DATES FOR SENIORS

The deadline is November 17th for senior photos and quotes. Info posted on the yearbook tab on the TJ site:

Prom: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Curtis Ballroom in Greenwood Village

Graduation: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 1pm at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena

Wednesday, 9/27 - Chipotle (info coming soon)

GOT PAINT LEFT?

If you need a place to dispose of the paint leftover from your Senior’s parking lot artwork, bring it

to the Class of 2026’s Paint Recycling Fundraiser on 9/23.

Homecoming Bonfire Monday Sept. 18th 2025

Class of 2025 will be selling hotdogs (including Halal and Veggie versions), chips and

drinks as a fundraiser. Please look at our sign up genius to help provide food and

volunteer to help out that day. We need all the help we can get!!

?’s: reach out to Heather at hmbdvm@yahoo.com

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E45AFA62BAA8-homecoming

WE NEED STUDENT VOLUNTEERS!

Parents-please help! We need as many students as possible at this event!

Please mark your calendars for the Class of 2026 Paint Recycling event taking place in the TJ parking lot on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This event is free to the public with donations benefiting the Class of 2026. The paint recycling company handles all of the paint, but we need student volunteers to help.  

Please see the sign-up genius link below to volunteer:

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

Thank you,

Sheila and Carrie

Stay tuned for class or 2027 news!

Questions? Want to get involved? Email TJHSPTO@gmail.com