April 8, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Just a reminder that we will be running a special schedule this week for testing purposes:
  • Monday: Normal Day - ALL students are expected to attend - starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday: Juniors ONLY will be taking the SAT - starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday: Sophomores ONLY will be taking the PSAT 10 - starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • Thursday: Freshmen ONLY will be taking the PSAT 9 - starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • Friday: Normal Day - ALL students are expected to attend - starting at 7:30 a.m.
After testing is complete students are excused for the day and lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. On the days your student's grade level is not testing they will not have school. We will be running a normal class schedule on Monday and Friday for all students. Thank you and please check the website for additional information. You can help your student by making sure that they get a good night's sleep the night before they test and a good breakfast on the day of the exam. In addition to lunch, like always we will be serving breakfast for free to any student interested starting at 7 a.m..
 
Thanks TJ and good luck!

Sólo un recordatorio de que vamos a ejecutar un programa especial esta semana para fines de prueba:
  • Lunes: día normal-se espera que todos los estudiantes asistan-a partir de las 7:30 a.m. 
  • martes: Juniors ONLY estará tomando el SAT-a partir de las 7:30 a.m. 
  • miércoles: sophomores sólo va a tomar el PSAT 10-a partir de 7:30 a.m. 
  • jueves: primer año sólo será tomando el PSAT 9-a partir de las 7:30 a.m. 
  • viernes: día normal-se espera que todos los estudiantes asistan a partir de las 7:30 a.m.
Después de la prueba es completa los estudiantes se excusarán para el día y el almuerzo se servirá en la cafetería como de costumbre. Los días que el nivel de grado de su estudiante no está probando no tendrán escuela. Vamos a tener un horario normal de clases el lunes y el viernes para todos los estudiantes. Gracias y por favor, consulte el sitio web para obtener información adicional. Usted puede ayudar a su estudiante asegurándose de que tengan una buena noche de sueño la noche anterior a la prueba y un buen desayuno el día del examen. Además del almuerzo, como siempre vamos a servir el desayuno de forma gratuita a cualquier estudiante interesado a partir de las 7 a.m. 

gracias TJ y buena suerte!

Andrew Skari
Assistant Principal
Quick Links



"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 
- Nelson Mandela



"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." 
- Benjamin Franklin



Week at a Glance - Week of 4/8-4/12
Monday- 
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
  • SAT Testing for 11th graders
  • PTO meeting: 6:00 p.m. in room 111
Wednesday -
  • PSAT Testing for 10th graders
Thursday-
  • PSAT Testing for 9th graders
Friday - 
  • Gown payments for junior escorts are due! (details below)
Saturday- 
  • College 101: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (details below)
Kudos Korner


Each fall, Denver Teachers' Awards sends out a call for teacher nominations to every Denver public school. Distinguished teachers may be nominated by their principal, other teachers, staff members, parents or members of the community. An independent committee for professional educators reviews all the nomination forms and selects the recipients. The award recipients are recognized at the annual Excellence in Education Banquet held each spring.  

A big congrats to our very own Brett Butera, who was nominated for and won an award! This is a very high honor, and Brett should be very proud of his hard work and achievements. Way to go - we are so glad you're a Spartan!

TJ's JROTC Honor Platoon spent their Spring Break in Richmond Virginia competing in the Army Drill Team National Championships.  

Selected Army JROTC Drill teams from all over the country and overseas attended to compete for the national title.  The team finished 16th overall in the country, placing as high as 11th in the 4 individual events making up the competition.  A very successful trip for a young TJ squad.

Way to go, Spartans!
 
Reminder for Seniors in Edgenuity
Are you a senior working on Edgenuity?  If so, and you are not finished with your coursework, you need to be in room 32, from 8-ish to 2:30 -ish during April 9, 10, and 11. If you do not want to come to school during those, days, FINISH YOUR WORK before then! :)
A Reminder about This Week's Testing Schedule
Students taking the SAT/PSAT on the 9th through 11th will be completed by noon unless they have accommodations. We will still be serving lunch to students. Students will need to be here only on the day that they are taking the exam. They need to test based upon the grade they are listed in IC. 

April 9th--11th grade only
April 10th--10th grade only
April 11th--9th grade only 
Junior Escorts Payment Reminder
Junior Escorts:  This is a reminder that your payments for your gowns are due by
Friday, April 12th.  Payments can be made online through MSB or in person at the treasurer's office.
Attention TJ Parents: Save the Date! COLLEGE 101 Saturday APRIL 13th from 10am-12pm
The Counseling Department, in partnership with the Future Center, will be sponsoring an event for students and families focused on the need to knows of the college process. This is targeted towards Juniors but all are welcome to attend.

Breakout sessions will include:
  • Financial AID 101
  • The College Admission Process (Guest admission counselors from CU Boulder and The                 Colorado School of Mines)
  • ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Planning) using Naviance as a tool for success
Please enter the school through the south doors that lead directly to the student lot. There will be signage and Counselors there to direct you where to go from there.

Email your student's counselor with questions.
Youth Roots - Deadline April 15
PTO News
These last few months of school are going to fly by. There is so much happening! Come to the next meeting of the PTO to hear directly from Principal Christoff on the construction projects and plans for next year. You don't want to miss it!
 
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th from 6-7pm in Room 111.
Parents - Please be in the know!
King Soopers Gift Card Program
King Soopers just made FUNDRAISING for TJ even EASIER!
 
Beginning April 1st, you just need to register your King Soopers loyalty card number or alternate ID (e.g. phone number) to earn money for TJ. After you register for the program,  a percentage of ALL of your King Soopers purchases will go to TJ.
 
Important: At the point of purchase, you must swipe your loyalty card or type in your alternate ID in order for your purchases to count toward TJ's fundraising.
 
In order to get benefits from the use of your loyalty card/alt id you MUST:
2. Click on Enroll Now
3. You will then see a page where you can choose your organization
4. Search for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners either by name or UT036 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.
 
That's it! You are now enrolled and can help raise EASY MONEY for TJ's classroom grants, student events and staff appreciation.  Thank you!
 
Questions? Email [email protected]
Yearbook News
Yearbook Announcements:
  • The yearbook is now $65 and can be purchased online or through the school treasurer. The book will be available until sold out, so act fast!
     
  • Yearbooks will be distributed at the Backyard Bash.
  • All information about the yearbook can found on the journal under the News & Events tab or by clicking here.
News from the Future Center
  • Seniors - Please be sure to visit the Future Center for deadlines, scholarships, and college visits!
Sophie Vogel
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
   
Spartan Spirit Store
Our store inventory has been moved during the recent renovations. Please email  [email protected] if you would like to purchase something & we would be happy to get the spirit wear for you. We can arrange to have items picked up on Friday afternoon. 

We're hoping to be at some spring sporting events and also new student orientation coming up as well. 

Thanks and thank you for supporting TJ! 

Karla & Carrie 
TJHS Spirit Store Volunteers-
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know?
101 Self-Care Suggestions for When It All Feels Like Too Much - Round Five!
 
As recognition of National Social Work Month, for the month of March (and part of April), our weekly "Did You Knows" will focus on self-care. We are all human; and therefore experience some days, weeks or months that may be difficult to get through, for a variety of different reasons. And that is okay! So if you or someone you love is going through one of these tough times right now, a time where it all just feels like too much, we want to offer up 101 suggestions for self-care to help you or your loved one get through this time.

Here are tips 61-75:
61.  Watch old Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood videos online.
62. Turn off the lights, sit down, stare into space and do absolutely nothing.
63. Pick one or two things that feel like progress and do them. Make your bed. Put away the dishes. Return an email.
64. Go to a church or spiritual community service. Sit among others and absorb any guidance or grace that feels good to you.
65. Allow yourself to fantasize about what you're hoping or longing for. There are clues and energy in your reveries and daydreams that are worth paying attention to.
66. Watch Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response videos to help you calm down and fall asleep at night.
67. Listen to monks chanting, singing Tibetan bowls, or other nature sounds.
68.  Color in some adult coloring books .
69. Revisit an old hobby. Even if it feels a little forced, try your hand at things you used to enjoy and see what comes up for you.
70. Go to the ocean, or any body of water!
71. Go to the mountains. Absorb the strength and security of them.
72. Go to the forest. Drink in the shelter, life and sacredness of the trees.
73. Put down the personal help books and pick up some good old-fashioned fiction.
74. Remember: Your only job right now is to put one foot in front of the other.
75. Allow and feel and express your feelings - all of them! - safely and appropriately.
Seek out help if you need support in this.
 
Please remember, by no means is this list exhaustive nor will every item on this list possibly feel good and right for you. This list is not meant to be prescriptive, nor do we mean to imply you need to do all or any of these things to take good care of yourself. You are the expert of your own experience and know what's best for you.

The suggestions in this list are in no way a substitute for care or advice from a licensed mental health care clinician. These are self-care coaching suggestions, not therapeutic advice. Moreover, if you feel suicidal or find yourself having suicidal ideations, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at 1 (800) 273-8255 .
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Resources: www.angstmovie.com
Facilities Management Jobs Available
Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
  • Click here for Food Resource Hotline information
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
  • Great news! All Class T-Shirts are now available (as well as other TJ gear)  in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact [email protected].
Class of 2019 - Seniors
  • Parents, College 101 will be held from 10am-12pm Saturday April 13th at TJ. Parents and students will rotate through two 45 minute sessions. One session will be financial aid, and the other session will be admissions case studies. Counselors will then do a brief overview of Naviance and resources here at TJ at the end of the day. Hope to see you there!


Class of '19 update

Parents,

Less than ten weeks left of class for our students and less than three months to graduation. Wow, we're so close! The teachers and administration at TJ have dedicated a lot to our students over the years - consider sending a special thank you to those who have been important to your student.

As we approach this important milestone, there are a lot of opportunities for parents to make the last couple of months extra special for our students. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
  • MR TJ, April 19th: THIS EVENT IS IN JEOPARDY if we don't find a creative volunteer interested in helping our Senior Boys' pageant. If you'd like to take on this tradition, please email [email protected]. You will have support from other volunteers as needed.
  • After Prom, April 26th from 11pm-2am @ TJ: This is a fun and FREE event for all Seniors whether or not they attend Prom. This year's theme is "Building Memories: Under Construction" (the TJ lobby will be under construction for the event, so we wanted to have fun with that). If you'd like to help with the event, please visit the sign-up genius here (forward to family and friends who may want to volunteer)!
Don't forget these important dates:
  • April 9-11:            No School for Seniors (testing)
  • April 11:                After Prom Sign Making @ TJ (parent volunteers - see the sign-up genius)
  • April 19:                Senior Class Panoramic Picture @ TJ
  • April 19:                Mr. TJ
  • April 26:                 Prom at Denver Athletic Club 8 pm to 11 pm.
    • After prom at TJ 11 pm to 2 am.
  • April 29:                 No School
  • May 7:                    Senior awards by invitation
  • May 17:                  Senior check out.
  • May 20:                  Mini graduation rehearsal at TJ. Pick up cap and gown.
  • May 29:                  Graduation rehearsal at Magness Arena 12 noon. Graduation at 2 pm.
Local University Application Deadlines:
  • Colorado State University: May 1st
  • University of Northern Colorado: August 1st
  • Metro State University: July 1st
Reminders:
  • Seniors must have a 93% attendance rate to attend Senior Prom and to walk at Graduation. If you're student is not compliant, have them connect with Mr. Skari for assistance.
  • Students must have a 93% attendance rate and a 3.0 GPA to participate in the Mr. TJ Event.
The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.

How you can support:
  • Host an event
  • Make a tax deductible financial donation - Find out if your employer will match your donation!
  • Participate in Neighborhood Eats events
  • Buy a Class of '19 T-shirt via [email protected]
  • For more information contact Anne McCord - [email protected]
Class of 2020 - Juniors
Parents,  College 101 will be held from 10am-12pm Saturday April 13th at TJ. Parents and students will rotate through two 45 minute sessions. One session will be financial aid, and the other session will be admissions case studies. Counselors will then do a brief overview of Naviance and resources here at TJ at the end of the day.  Hope to see you there!

As we look ahead to Senior year, we need several parent volunteers to take on the planning and execution of the Senior night camp out before the first day of school for incoming freshman (Aug.19).  This is a great TJ Spartan tradition. We would especially love to have some dads help out with this event.   If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Megan Perkins ( [email protected] ) or Lisa LoJacono ( [email protected] ).  
Class of 2021 - Sophomores

We're looking for volunteers to host future events for our class parents. If interested, please come to the next PTO meeting, or send an email to [email protected]; or [email protected] to find out more.
Class of 2022 - Freshmen
The class of 2022 needs 2-4 additional parents to join parent Julie Rubin in planning fundraising events. The class of 2022 has two faculty sponsors,  Jason Klimczak and Maggie Kennedy, but parents are needed to work with the staff to plan fundraising activities. Parent sponsors also plan community building activities for the parents of the class of 2022.  Each class is expected to raise money needed to host their Prom, After Prom and other activities senior year.  The sooner the fundraiser get started, the more choices there will be for events senior year. The time commitment can be as little or as much you can share.   Your involvement in any capacity is important and appreciated. We are successful because of your behind-the-scenes contributions, large and small. It all adds up to a stronger community. An engaged parent body shows our students that we care about them!
 
If you need more information, contact [email protected] or Julie directly at [email protected].