Administrator's Corner
September 27, 2021
Hello Spartan Families,
I'm happy to let everyone know that we've met our enrollment projections for the 21-22 school year! Due to our continued growth, we are working to add more teaching positions for this school year in some areas of need (Special Education English and a part-time Spanish teacher).
The kids have been doing a great job with remembering their masks and wearing them correctly. We all appreciate your support on this. Check in with your student(s) to make sure they have some extra ones in their back packs in the event they forget or lose it during lunch....it happens!
October 13th and October 14th will be Parent/Teacher Conference Nights from 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Please begin reaching out to your student's teachers if you would like to meet with them! Due to COVID restrictions, conferences will be done virtually this year. You will get a unique meeting code for your appointment from your students teacher for your meeting time.
On October 13th and October 14th we will administering the PSATNSMQT practice PSAT9 (for 9th grade students). Due to the amount of proctors needed to run these exams, the school day will be adjusted as follows:
October 13th: ONLY 10th and 11th grade students attend school* (7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
- student with accommodations will be testing longer. Reach out to your case manager if you have questions.
October 14th: ONLY 9th grade students attend school* (7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
- students with accommodations will be testing longer. Reach to your case manager if you have questions.
*ANY SENIOR WITH A CREDIT RECOVERY COURSE IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ON THE 13TH AND 14TH*
October 15th: No School for ALL students!
Finally, if you have not completed the Free and Reduced Lunch application please do so! Not only do you receive benefits (like waived testing fees for the SAT, reduced fees for AP tests), it also helps out with how we are funded as a school! You can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/
Thank you Spartan Families, have a great week!
Hola Spartan Families,
¡Me complace informar a todos que hemos cumplido con nuestras proyecciones de inscripción para el año escolar 21-22-05! Debido a nuestro continuo crecimiento, estamos trabajando para agregar más puestos de enseñanza para este año escolar en algunas áreas de necesidad (Inglés de Educación Especial y un profesor de español de medio tiempo).
Los niños han estado haciendo un gran trabajo recordando sus máscaras y llevándolas correctamente. Todos apreciamos su apoyo en este sentido. Consulte con su(s) estudiante(s) para asegurarse de que tienen algunos extra en sus mochilas en caso de que se olviden o pierdan durante lunch....it.
El 13th de octubre y el 14th de octubre serán Noches de Conferencia de Padres/Maestros de 3:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. ¡Por favor, comience a contactar con los maestros de sus estudiantes si desea reunirse con ellos! Debido a las restricciones de COVID, las conferencias se realizarán prácticamente este año. Usted recibirá un código de reunión único para su cita de su maestro de estudiantes para su tiempo de reunión.
El 13th de octubre y el 14th de octubre administraremos la Práctica PSATNSMQT PSAT9 (para estudiantes de 9th grados). Debido a la cantidad de procuradores necesarios para realizar estos exámenes, el día escolar se ajustará de la siguiente manera:
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Octubre 13th: SOLAMENTE 10th y 11th estudiantes de grado asisten a la escuela* (7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
- los estudiantes con alojamiento serán más largos en las pruebas. Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede ponerse en contacto con el responsable de su caso.
Octubre 14th: SÓLO 9th estudiantes de grado asisten a la escuela* (7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
- los estudiantes con acomodaciones se harán pruebas más largas. Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede ponerse en contacto con el responsable de su caso.
* SE ESPERA QUE CUALQUIER ESTUDIANTE DE ÚLTIMO AÑO CON UN CURSO DE RECUPERACIÓN DE CRÉDITOS ASISTA LOS DÍAS 13 Y 14 *
15 de octubre: ¡No hay escuela para TODOS los estudiantes!
Por último, si no ha completado la solicitud de almuerzo gratuito y reducido, ¡hágalo! ¡No sólo usted recibe beneficios (como cuotas de exámenes renunciadas para el SAT, tarifas reducidas para exámenes AP), sino que también ayuda con cómo somos financiados como una escuela! Puede completar la solicitud de almuerzo gratuito y a precio reducido aquí: https://www.myschoolapps.com/
Gracias Familias espartanas, ¡tenga una semana fantástica!
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Mike Christoff
Principal
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Monday-
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Staff Professional Day - No Students
Tuesday-
- Fall Instrumental Music Dress Rehearsal: 3:00 p.m.
- Virtual College Fair: 5:00-7:45 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-
- Food Bank Distribution Day - 4:30 - 5:30 pm in the NE Corner of the TJ Parking Lot (see details below)
- Multilingual Education Meeting (via Zoom): 5:00 p.m. (details below)
- Virtual College Fair: 5:00-7:45 p.m. (details below)
Thursday-
- Virtual College Fair: 5:00-7:45 p.m. (details below)
Friday-
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Last week we were able to spotlight the many Spartans who made honor roll last year! We are excited to say that 569 students made the honor roll with a 3.0 or above for Spring of 2021! This was 150 students more than our last honor roll!
We are incredibly proud of them and their dedication to academics, especially during a pandemic and remote learning!
Way to go, Spartans!
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Parent and Student Surveys Available |
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The DPS Your Voice/Tu Voz Student, Family, and Team DPS Surveys are a chance for students, families, and staff to share about their experiences in DPS. Responses to the survey inform us on how we can better serve our DPS community. The first survey of the 2021-22 school year will be available on Monday, Sept. 27. Student surveys will be sent to their DPS email address. A link to the survey for families will be sent to the parent/guardian email on file, posted in the Parent Portal, and will be available on www.dpsk12.org.
Both family and student surveys are confidential, and will be open between Sept. 27th and Oct. 8th.
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Multilingual Education Meeting this Wednesday |
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You are invited to a virtual Multilingual Education Districtwide Advisory Committee meeting for families of Multilingual Learners on Wednesday, September 29th at 5 p.m. Please join us on a Zoom virtual meeting to meet our new Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero and receive important information about Multilingual Education Programs, resources for parents, and much more. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/MLEDAC_DPS or call 720-423-2040.
Join us for a Multilingual Education DAC meeting on 09/29 at 5 p.m. Visit http://bit.ly/MLEDAC_DPS for details. Join meeting with this link: |
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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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Mental Health Youth Advisors - Applications Due October 3 |
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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!
TONIGHT Monday, September 27 at the home volleyball game we'll be selling in our new stand just outside the gym.
Friday, October 1: Softball
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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Food Bank Distribution THIS WEEK! Sign up required! Wednesday, September 29 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at TJ!
Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HERE. Both non-perishable and fresh food will be distributed. Please note that you MUST sign up for us to have food available for you at the distribution.
We will begin collecting non-perishable food items in the coming months. In the meantime monetary donations to the TJ Food Bank are appreciated and can be made HERE.
Thank you for your support!
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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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Here at T.J., our school counselors work with and encourage students as they develop academically, personally and socially. We are here to support and advocate for all students.
Here are our counselor caseloads:
Jillian Gleason- Students with Last Names A-D
Maggie Kennedy (se habla español) - Students with Last Names E-L
Erin Thompson- Students with Last Names M-Q and students with IEPs
Jeremy Anderson- Students with Last Names R-Z
Rebecca Taylor-9th Grade Transitions Counselor
Senior Meeting
This last week, the Class of 2022 met with counselors and our Future Center advisor, Emily Webster to go over steps for the college application process during Advisement..
All resources are on the Class of ‘22 Future Center Schoology page. To learn how to access the page as a parent, refer to this link.
See the Future Center News for more information and don’t forget about preparing those applications for Colorado Free App Day October 19th-21st.
Graduation Requirement Info
Students will do ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) in Advisement on September 28th and 30th. ICAP is a graduation requirement. For more information, see here. To graduate, students must complete the required coursework, prove Math and English competency and have a complete and meaningful ICAP.More information can be found here.
Reach out to your student’s counselor with questions!
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Food Rescue - New Community Program |
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Senior Pictures for Yearbook |
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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’s almost FAFSA and CASFA TIME!
Be sure to have your FSAID for FAFSA created by October 1st. You AND one parent need to create an FSAID! If you have not yet gathered the required documents, now is the time.
Similar documents are required for CASFA but neither student or parent need a social security #.
If you have not yet started your apps for CO Free Application Days
on October 19th, 20th, and 21st, please do so this week!
Aim to have your applications to Colorado colleges and universities including your letters of recommendation, if required, COMPLETED by October 18th! If you have not yet asked for the letter(s) your colleges require, do so this week!
Wednesday. September 29- Liberal Arts College Virtual Fair
Thursday, September 30: DSF Virtual Career Panel: Financial Services; Emory U: Understanding the Liberal Arts Virtual Session; Understanding FAFSA and Financial Aid with CU Denver
Friday, October 1: FAFSA and CASFA OPEN for applications.
Saturday, October 2: CU Denver Pre-Health Day
Parents: Linked here are presentation slides about accessing and using your Parent Portal to view the TJ Future Center schoology course. After you are in the Parent Portal, click See All Apps then click Schoology. Here’s the contact info for login support. Please contact them if you have trouble logging in. This will help ensure you can see all of your student’s courses! In the meantime, you can view the content with your student via their log in.
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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Step 1) RSVP here Today! Limited Spots!
Step 2) Secure your Spot - Pay here Today! Suggested Donation: $30/person
Please give more if you can, it all benefits our kids!!
Covid-19 Protocols
To help ensure safety for all of our guests, entertainers and students, we will be asking for your cooperation on the following common protocols:
a) Please bring your Covid-19 Vaccination card or a photo of it for admission to the event.
b) Please wear a mask inside the building until out on the Rooftop.
c) We will take forehead temperatures of all guests at the door.
d) Please stay home if you are feeling sick.
Generously Hosted by these TJ 2023 Families!
Deb Saint-Phard, Kris & Scott Hougard, Catherine & Doug Poirier,
Beth Scott & Geoff Hauer, Jenel Williams & Chip Wadkins,
Janet & Jeff Willson and Nyssa & Rick Zabel!
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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)
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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 826 2311 8208
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Class of 2024 - Sophomores |
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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
Dyanna Spicher (parent)
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Stay Connected, Spartans! |
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