Administrator's Corner
Dear Parents and Students,
As we approach the end of the 2016-17 school year we want to remind you of the important dates and events remaining this year. Please take note of the academic and community building events as well as graduation details. Thanks TJ!
- May 2nd- Senior Awards Dinner (by invitation only), 5:00 pm
- May 2nd- Challenge Denver, 6:00 pm
- May 5th- TJ Talent Show, 6:00 pm
- May 5th- Night Out Event, 7:00 pm
- May 11th- Band Concert, 7:00 pm
- May 12th- Backyard Bash, 1:15 pm
- May 16th- First Day of Senior Check-Out, All Day
- May 16th- Choir Concert, 7:00 pm
- May 17th- Senior Breakfast, 7:00 am
- May 17th- Senior Check-Out/Mini Graduation Rehearsal, 8/10 am
- May 18th- Freshman Orientation, 6:00 pm
- May 23rd- Last Day of Classes
- May 24th- Finals Periods 2, 3 and 4
- May 25th- Finals Periods 6 and 7 / Spring Musical - Clue, 7:00 pm
- May 26th -Finals Periods 1 and 8 / Spring Musical - Clue, 7:00 pm
- May 27th- Spring Musical- Clue, 7:00 pm
- May 30th- Grad Rehearsal at DU, 9:30 am
- June 2nd- Graduation at DU, 4:00 pm
Estimados Padres y Estudiantes,
A medida que nos acercamos al final del año escolar 2016-17 queremos recordarles las fechas importantes y eventos que quedan este año. Por favor, tome nota de los eventos académicos y de edificación de la comunidad, y también sobre detalles de graduación. ¡Gracias TJ!
- 2 de mayo - Cena de Premios Senior (grado 12), (solo con invitacion) 5:00 pm
- 2 de mayo - Challenge Denver, 5:00 pm
- 5 de mayo - TJ Concurso de Talento, 6:00 pm
- 5 de mayo - Evento Nocturno (música y comida), 7:00 pm
- 11 de mayo - Concierto de Banda, 7:00 pm
- 12 de mayo - Backyard Bash, (música y comida)1:15 pm
- 16 de mayo - Primer día de salida de los Seniors (grado 12), todo el día
- 16 de mayo - Concierto de Coro, 7:00 pm
- 17 de mayo - Desayuno para los Seniors (grado 12), 7:00 am
- 17 de mayo - Día de Salida (grado 12) /Mini Graduación (ensayo), 8/10 am
- 18 de mayo - Orientación de entrantes Freshmen (grado 9), 6:00 pm
- 23 de mayo - Último día de enseñanza
- 24 de mayo - Exámenes Finales Períodos 2, 3 y 4
- 25 de mayo - Exámenes Finales Períodos 6 y 7 / Musical de Primavera - "Clue", 7:00 pm
- 26 de mayo - Exámenes Finales Períodos 1 y 8 / Musical de Primavera - "Clue", 7:00 pm
- 27 de mayo - Musical de Primavera- "Clue", 7:00 pm
- 30 de mayo - Ensayo de Graduación en DU, 9:30 am
- 2 de junio - Graduación en DU, 4:00 pm
Andrew Skari
Assistant Principal
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TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
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Thank you for your su
pport in keeping our attendance at its best!
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New Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021
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DPS has adopted new, evidence-based graduation requirements that will go into effect this year for the graduating class of 2021.
Click here
to read more!
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Week at a Glance - Week of 4/24-4/28
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- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
- Office Hours/early release
- All class t-shirts (as well as other gear) for sale during 8th period and after school (during Office Hours) in the lobby.
- Girls' Soccer Fundraiser at Slices
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- Kudos to Matt Santambrogio and the robotics students....they attended a recognition ceremony at the capital for their accomplishment at the FRC tournament before heading to Houston to compete at the next level. Way to go!
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- A big congrats to the HP and Drill Team. Below are their results from the recent competition (Basically our State).
Drill Team: 1ST Place Exhibition Drill, 1ST Place Regulation Drill, 3RD Place Color Guard
HP: 1ST Place Exhibition. 3RD Place Color Guard
Yep, you guessed their work has put TJ's JROTC as the overall best JROTC in Denver. As may have guessed already, we are planning another run to San Antonio, TX with an eye towards nationals.
Way to go!
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- Please take a minute to congratulate the following students from the Career Ready Class. They participated in the Successful Career Students of Colorado Leadership Conference last Friday, April 14.
The conference provides professional development experiences and recognition opportunities in a variety of career development events. In every event, students are expected to present themselves in a professional manner.
The events students participated in were Career Presentation which demonstrates work toward a career they want to pursue after high school. Manager/Boss situations which showcases problem solving skills among employees of a small business. Customer Service and Mock Interview and Resume skills. They were also able to participate in a Scavenger Hunt on the Community College of Aurora campus. This event exposes students to the college campus system such as financial aid, counseling, library, registration and classroom access.
Career Presentation
Alexis Clark
(Gold Certificate)
Deanna Preston
(Bronze Certificate)
Interview and Resume
Maura Goldman
(Silver Certificate)
Augustin Aguilar
You're the Boss
Kathy Gamber
(Gold Certificate)
Edith Mercado
(Gold Certificate)
Customer Service
Yanire Alvarado
Scavenger Hunt
Kathy Gamber
(Gold Certificate)
Edith Mercado (Gold Certificate)
Alexis Clark
(Silver Certificate)
Maura Goldman
(Silver Certificate)
Augustin Aguilar
(Silver Certificate)
All of the students did a great job and represented TJ well. Also a special thank you to Mr. Croom and Prabin Risal for attending and all of their help.
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Thank You for Making TJ's 2017 Inaugual Online Auction a Success!
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Thank you to everyone for helping make the 2017 Inaugural Online a Success!
Auction item pickup is TODAY in the front lobby from 2:45 - 6:00 pm. Receipts will be available at pickup, so no need to bring a copy. If you are unable to attend item pick up please reach out to Megan Perkins (
megandperkins@gmail.com
) to arrange a time to pickup your items.
The final fundraising amount will be available in the next few weeks. Again thank you to everyone who helped make the Auction a success!
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Please consider kickin' it at
Slices on Wednesday, April 26th at SLICES. They are supporting our own Lady Spartans Soccer by donating 25% of the sales back to the team. Lunch or Dinner, simply mention TJ!
Go Spartans!
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Encourage STEM Students to Apply for a Free Engineering Program with CU-Boulder: Application Due April 30th!
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| The Office of College and Career Readiness has partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) to offer a free engineering program for rising DPS seniors this summer! EngiNearMe is an all-expense paid STEM program June 5-9, where students will explore how to make a difference through engineering. Students who attend the program learn in a college environment and are eligible to receive a $2,500 scholarship to CU's engineering program (if accepted). Transportation to CU's campus is included. Please encourage your STEM students to apply here. The application deadline is April 30. Learn more about EngiNearMe here. |
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It's Not Too Late to Buy a Yearbook!
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Act Now!
Although the guaranteed deadline to buy a book before the signing party has passed, it's not too late to buy a yearbook. Purchases can be made until our inventory runs out, so act fast to ensure you get a copy of this year's book. In order to buy a book,
click on this link
. If you are unsure about whether or not you already bought a book, login into the same site to find out. Thanks!
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Tickets on Sale Now for Challenge Denver's Annual Dinner
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Tuesday May 2, 2017
Thomas Jefferson High School
3950 S. Holly, Denver, CO, 80237
6-8:30pm
Challenge Denver's 2017 "Be the Change" dinner celebrates powerful programs
that transform school communities through authentic connections and empathy for self, peers and community.
Through thoughtfully crafted experiences and curriculum, we inspire students to be agents of change in their own lives and to foster positive environments in their schools and communities.
Join educators, businesses, students, parents and community leaders from across the Denver-Metro area as
we celebrate the impacts of connected school communities. We'll be welcoming extra
special guests Rich and Yvonne Dutra-St. John, creators of the world-renowned Challenge Day workshop, once hailed by Oprah Winfrey as "the way we change the world".
Join us to:
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Experience the work of Challenge Denver, led by Rich & Yvonne Dutra-St. John
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Hear
If You Really Knew Me
student stories
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Discover the impact of Challenge Denver
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Celebrate Challenge Denver Champions
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Get involved and and Be the Change!
This evening promises to be powerful and inspirational as we examine Challenge Denver's local impact and reflect on how we can work together as a community to ensure more students feel connected, supported, empowered, and prepared to realize their potential.
100% of proceeds help our programs to reach more students and schools. Join us to make a difference!
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Dance to Your Future Powwow and College Fair
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Students at several DPS schools are raising donations to put on their first interschool 2017 "Dance to Your Future" Powwow and College Fair. This event is a combined effort between several DPS Native American students, allies, and community members. Tallbull Memorial Grounds committee members asked DPS Native American Student Support Program (NASSP) if students were interested in hosting a powwow on the Tallbull Memorial Grounds at Daniels Park in Castle Pines, CO. When NASSP asked students, they were thrilled to have this opportunity to organize a powwow at this sacred space.
Powwows are a strong pillar of Native American culture, as it is a time when several tribes from several regions can celebrate their cultures through song and dance. It is a social gathering honoring traditions and the resiliency of Indigenous peoples. TJ Native American Student Alliance and Allies are helping organizing the "Dance to Your Future" Powwow/College Fair to bring together their Denver communities, schools, families, and friends to share their culture, shed light on the importance of education and career choices, and honor graduating students from their Native community. Please join them Saturday, May 6th, at Daniels Park.
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Mythical Creatures Queer Prom on May 6
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Hey y'all, Do you know LGBTQ youth and young adults in Denver? Are they between the ages of 11-24? Do you think they'd like to go a Queer Prom? If so, let them know that Rainbow Alley's Mythical Creatures Queer Prom is on May 6th. It's always a great time. Click on the link below to buy tickets!!!! Please note, this a drug free and alcohol free event.
For more info:
To buy tickets:
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Former Spartan Edition Anchor Dominic Garcia Returns to KCNC Denver
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Dominic Garcia, a former Spartan and KCNC-Channel 4 reporter from 2010-13 who left for a TV job in San Diego, will return to Denver this summer as a KCNC anchor.
Garcia will co-anchor the station's 5 p.m. newscast with Karen Leigh, and report for the 10 p.m. newscast. He will begin on-air in July.
When Dominic was working here in Denver the first time at Channel 4, he would come in once a week and help kids with the Spartan Edition. He is a great guy who is proud to be a TJ Spartan. Welcome back, Dominic!
Click here
to read more!
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Summer Job Postings for Students
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Hey students, looking for a great summer job? Interested in learning more about the hospitality industry?
- Restaurant Bus Person - set up and clear tables, stock all service stations and assist food servers with table service to ensure total guest satisfaction. Must be at least 16 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $9.00/hour plus tips
- Housekeeping Houseman - assure cleanliness of guest floor corridors, foyers, stairwells and public vending areas, folding of linens and assist with delivery of amenities to guest suites in order to maintain high standards of quality. Must be at least 16 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $10.50/hour
- Restaurant Servers - provide food and beverages in a friendly, professional and efficient manner to the guest ensuring a positive dining experience. Must be at least 18 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $8.23/hour plus tips.
If interested, please contact
Coral Bachusz,
Director of Operations/HR
Embassy Suites Denver Southeast
7525 E. Hampden Avenue
Denver, CO 80231
Direct Line: 303-923-4051
Fax: 303-337-6202
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Important Attendance Reminders
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Parents and Guardians,
As a reminder, the key to your student's academic success is coming to school on time and attending every class. Please note that we will not be accepting excused absences for students who are in school and want to miss one class to study or hang out. This is not acceptable. Also, we will require that all seniors have a 92% attendance rate to attend prom and participate in commencement ceremonies. (Seniors can connect with Mr. Skari for how to fix their attendance.)
If your student is struggling and needing academic support, please remember that we have tutoring after school in the library on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Office hours on Wednesday is from 2:15pm-3pm and every student should be connecting with at least one teacher during that time.
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Click here for more details about the trip.
We will have an informational meeting in the near future!
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TJ's school code is 70017648
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Interested in Being a Host Family?
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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~ Raising kids in a Digital Age ~
By Michael Vladeck
For those of you who missed our fabulous TJ TALKS series on April 6th presenter Mindfulness Family Counselor Michael Vladeck, we have included part of his message for your use.
Mindfulness counselor Michael Vladeck has presented to countless schools on raising more grounded, self-aware teens and creating stronger family connections in the midst of digital distractions.
Michael offers Podcasts, family sessions, and a series of resources, etc.
Bring out love, understanding, and connection now
Raising Balanced Kids in a Digital Age:
Solutions & Strategies for helping kids find balance with phones, computers, TV's, and gaming
...with peace rather than power struggles
Remember, the most helpful thing you can do for your children is to raise them in a way that helps them develop emotional intelligence, critical thinking and an authentic sense of self-worth. This way, when confronted with risky choices, they will make better choices than they would otherwise, or learn more quickly from mistakes when they make them. Also, make the culture of your family be one of connection, trust and receptivity - if it is not, then get your family some support. And, as I mentioned in the talk, consider that privacy and the use of technology are not rights - rather, they are privileges that are earned.
The Fundamental Strategies
Basic framework for strategies that creating balance with technology
with less power struggle
#1: Work on yourself
Parenting is less a strategy and more a way of being.
Become emotionally and mentally the healthiest person you can possibly become with this life of yours - go for it: as it will radically impact your parenting. It will impact the adults your children will become (which is especially more needed in this digital age). Do whatever it takes to heal, grow and evolve.
Get support in breaking out of old habits and blind spots and learn to create deeper connection with your own inner world and those of your children.
Many of our recurring problems stem from lack of awareness about our own patterns. When we are unmindful of our patterns of excuses, fears, biases, and attachments, we tend to focus on externals. From that place of blindness, we blame others, bemoan life, and work furiously to change people and circumstances. Sadly, we neglect the urgent and abiding need to look within and work fervently to change our own patterns and perceptions.- Sheikh Jamal Rahman
#2: Walk the Talk
If you are not balanced with YOUR screen addictions and excessive use, don't bother trying to support them in having balance with theirs.
Take full responsibility for yours, and address it.
Get support. You can even find some answers by looking for support online - Here are some examples:
Beating phone addiction
Adult internet addiction camp
ReStart Internet Addiction Recovery Program
Email/phone addiction
#3. Become computer literate
Raising kids in the digital age requires you to educate yourself and what is out there.
There are many websites and videos that can teach
you about every single aspect of technology, it's risks and creating healthy
habits.
#4: Raise a Healthy Child
Do you know how to help them cultivate emotional intelligence, critical thinking, self-worth and authentic communication skills?
Most parents are not that great at these things, specifically. Get support,
join one of my parenting classes
, read articles, books on parenting. All their choices come from this foundation.
#5: Relationship before rules
Relying too heavily on methods of control will only create power struggles.
Creating understanding and connection is the foundation
upon which all the strategies stand.
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Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip:
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP
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Get Your Gear On!
The
TJ Spartan Spirit Store is a virtual store which is online. The store is also set up at some school events such as athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.
Check out the new American Apparel soft 100% cotton v-neck t-shirts in dark gray or white with gold TJ on the front and Spartan on the back. Also, get a new gray fleece blanket with gold TJ embroidered in the corner to keep you warm while cheering on the Spartans this winter.
New XXL and XL sizes in men's Under Armour ankle zip sweatpants and new inventory in the Under Armour 1/4 zip long sleeve pullovers in graphite gray stripe with embroidered TJ. XXL hoodies and T-shirts now available.
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Youth LGBTQ Meet-Up Opportunities
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Great news!
All Class T-Shirts are now available (as wells as other TJ gear) in the
Spartan Store and during 8th period and after school (during Office Hours) on Wednesdays in the lobby. (Pictures of 2018 and 2020 shirts coming soon!)
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SENIOR T-Shirts - Get Yours Now
We still have some of the original Class of 2017 T-Shirts available. Y
ou can purchase online and pickup at school OR
see Julie Thibodeau in the office
to buy your shirt.
Profits from these shirts support After-Prom Event for 2017.
So please support our Seniors and a safe, fun Prom 2017.
Purchase online here!
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Thanks for helping to make TJ and the Class of 2017 Great!
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Parents of Class of 2018 and 2020--Fiesta Like There's No Mañana!
Cinco de Mayo Party
Saturday, May 6th at 7pm
Hosted by the Leprys and Freedbergs
3788 S. Poplar Street
$30 per person (collected at the door)
Open to all TJ's grown-up friends and families
Enjoy a fun evening and fundraising for the Class of 2018 and Class of 2020 senior year activities (traditions galore including Mr. TJ, Prom and After-Prom)!
Cost includes appetizers, desserts, margaritas, beer and wine plus a fun evening with a great community. This fiesta is going to be serious fun, so please bring your friends! Adults only, please.
Can't attend? You can still make a donation toward senior year activities!
Please forward on to those we've missed. The more the merrier!
Thank you,
The Freedbergs + Leprys
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- Please look for more opportunities this school year for parents to socialize, get connected and contribute to the Class of 2018 fundraising efforts. Please email karycramer@msn.com if you're interested in helping out at any point this year. We need you!
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Class of 2019 - Sophomores
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We are excited to introduce the Class of '19 retro t-shirt for sale (picture above)! T-shirts are $15 each and proceeds will help fund Class of '19 Senior Year activities, including After Prom. Shirts can be purchased directly from Julie Thibodeau, online at the Spartan Store, during Office Hours in the lobby, or at various school events. Parents will be selling the t-shirts in the lobby on February 8th and 15th as well.
THANK YOU for supporting the Class of '19!
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If you have an idea for fundraising, community building event or volunteer opportunity, please contact Jane Bulger:
janeebulger@gmail.com
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Parents of Class of 2018 and 2020--Fiesta Like There's No Mañana!
Cinco de Mayo Party
Saturday, May 6th at 7pm
Hosted by the Leprys and Freedbergs
3788 S. Poplar Street
$30 per person (collected at the door)
Open to all TJ's grown-up friends and families
Enjoy a fun evening and fundraising for the Class of 2018 and Class of 2020 senior year activities (traditions galore including Mr. TJ, Prom and After-Prom)!
Cost includes appetizers, desserts, margaritas, beer and wine plus a fun evening with a great community. This fiesta is going to be serious fun, so please bring your friends! Adults only, please.
Can't attend? You can still make a donation toward senior year activities!
Please forward on to those we've missed. The more the merrier!
Thank you,
The Freedbergs + Leprys
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Thank-you to Megan Perkins and Lisa LoJacono who have agreed to be parent representatives for the Class of 2020. Please look for important information to come. If you are interested in getting involved please email Megan at:
megandperkins@gmail.com
or Lisa at:
lisalojacono@gmail.com
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News from the Future Center
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Dear Seniors and Families,
We are reaching the end of the school year. Please read the entire email for steps students need to take before leaving TJ. This email also has information about lots of opportunities and scholarships.
College Acceptances
Congratulations to the 145 students who have shared that they've been accepted to college! Not all seniors have shared where they've been admitted. If you have not shared, you will not be part of the senior college acceptances presentation. I will use the college acceptances and senior pictures for recognition in the main hallway and possibly during the graduation ceremony.
Please send acceptances and senior pictures to rmaez@denverscholarship before 4/28/17.
Scholarship Acceptances
Congratulations to the 48 students who have received scholarships! At this point, 80 students have applied to at least one scholarship. If you have received a scholarship, please share a copy of your acceptance letter. I would like to recognize you in the graduation program booklet. If I don't hear from you, I will be unable to recognize you. At this point, TJ seniors have raised $4,159,885 in scholarship money. We are getting closer to our goal of $7 million!
Steps to Enrollment
If you have been accepted to college, here are a list of steps to take to enroll in college:
1. Open your student account on your college's website. ASAP!
2. Complete the financial aid process. Information will be in your student account. Do not put down an enrollment deposit unless you know exactly what you'll have to pay. I am happy to breakdown financial aid award letters with you.
3. Enrollment deposit: Assuming you can afford to attend the university, confirm your spot through paying an enrollment deposit. If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
4. Housing: If you are going to live on campus, you need to put down a housing deposit. If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
5. Testing: Some colleges will ask you to take the ACCUPLACER or their own academic placement testing before you are allowed to register. Make sure you know what your requirements are.
6. Orientation: Colleges and universities expect students to attend orientation.
7. Health insurance: If you have health insurance with your family, make sure you give proof to the college. If health insurance is required, you might automatically be enrolled for the university's insurance, which could be an extra $3000-$4000. If you have Medicaid, check in with the clinic to make sure that you have what you need for college.
8. Vaccinations: Get a copy of your vaccinations before you leave TJ.
9. Meet with an academic advisor/register for classes
10. Send transcripts from any college where you were concurrently enrolled to the college/university that you will be attending. Also send Advanced Placement test scores with a three or higher. I will send directions in my next email in May.
For upcoming events, college visits, financial aid workshops, scholarships, and much more, visit the Future Center
wikipage
!
Rena Maez
College Advisor, Thomas Jefferson High School
Denver Scholarship Foundation | a 501(c)(3) Public Charity
3950 S. Holly Street | Denver, CO 80237
O 720.423.7134 F 720.423.7098
rmaez@denverscholarship.org
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www.denverscholarship.org
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