Please note: this will be the last newsletter of 2019! 
The first one of the year will go out on Monday, Jan. 6th.
December 16, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Hello TJ,
 
As our first semester of the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close I want to take minute to reflect on some of the great things that have happened at TJ. Our enrollment continues to grow a great pace which has allowed us to add mental health and school counselor supports for our students. We have also expanded our internship opportunities, which in the past have been done primarily during the summer, however this semester we started with a small group which was very successful and plan to expand to even more students next semester. As you've likely noticed when you drop off or pick up your student, we now have a new digital marquee to help us showcase the events going on in the building. Our new external concession stand was completed in the fall and will be open and ready for use this spring as well and plans are currently in the works for the final phase of the lobby. I hope too that you've had a chance to see our newly renovated library which has been a huge success with our students. As we look to next semester we anticipate a strong finish to what has been a great start. Thank you for your continued support as a parent/guardian/community member. I hope you all have a great break over the holidays are able to spend time with those most important to you.
 
Take care and see you in 2020!

Hola TJ,

Como nuestro primer semestre del año escolar 2019-2020 llega a su fin, quiero tomarme minutos para reflexionar sobre algunas de las grandes cosas que han sucedido en TJ. Nuestra inscripción continúa creciendo a un gran ritmo que nos ha permitido agregar apoyos de salud mental y consejeros escolares para nuestros estudiantes. También hemos ampliado nuestras oportunidades de pasantías, que en el pasado se han hecho principalmente durante el verano, sin embargo este semestre comenzamos con un pequeño grupo que fue muy exitoso y planeamos expandirse a aún más estudiantes el próximo semestre. Como probablemente habrás notado cuando dejas o recoges a tu estudiante, ahora tenemos una nueva carpa digital para ayudarnos a mostrar los eventos que se están llevando a perder en el edificio. Nuestro nuevo puesto de concesión externa se completó en el otoño y estará abierto y listo para nosotros 
Espero también que usted ha tenido la oportunidad de ver nuestra biblioteca recientemente renovada que ha sido un gran éxito con nuestros estudiantes. Al mirar al próximo semestre anticipamos un fuerte final a lo que ha sido un gran comienzo. Gracias por su continuo apoyo como padre/tutor/miembro de la comunidad. Espero que todos tengan un gran descanso durante las vacaciones son capaces de pasar tiempo con los más importantes para usted.

Cuídate y nos vemos en 2020!

Mike Christoff
Principal
Quick Links

Students will report back to school on
Tuesday, Jan. 7.
 

We hope that everyone has a restful and enjoyable Winter Break! 

Week at a Glance - Week of 12/16-12/20
Monday- 
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
  • Finals:
    • Period 2: 7:30-9:00 a.m.
    • Period 3: 9:05-10:35 a.m.
    • Period 4: 10:40-12:10 p.m.
  • Movie in the auditorium: 1:00 p.m. (details below)
Tuesday-
  • Last day for Soles for Souls Drive
  • Finals:
    • Period 6: 7:30-9:00 a.m.
    • Period 7: 9:05-10:35 a.m.
  • Choir Concert - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday-
  • Last day to recover items from Lost & Found
  • Recycling Drive
  • Finals:
    • Period 1: 7:30-9:00 a.m.
    • Period 8: 9:05-10:35 a.m.
  • Staff Appreciation Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.
Thursday-
  • No School for Students (test make-up by appointment)
Friday- 
  • No School for Students (test make-up by appointment)
Kudos Korner
Wow, TJ DECA had an amazing conference last week! They qualified 28 students for the State DECA Conference in February, and Alice Larm qualified to run for State Officer for District 3! It was an awesome day for our students to demonstrate their professionalism and all of our students competed with class & character. Danny Showers and Matt Nicolo are very proud of their members and would like to send a special thank you to the TJ Chaperones - Andrew Skari, Erin Thompson, Natalie Koncz, and Maggie Kennedy - for helping out during the event.
 
Listed below are the qualifiers and alternates from TJ.
 
State Qualifiers & their Event:
Carson Campbell - Accounting
Wyatt Franklin - Apparel and Accessories
Schuyler Saint Phard - Business Services Marketing
Grant VandeRiet - Business Services Marketing
Hanna Channell - Hotel & Lodging
Dyazahrae Marshall -Human Resources
Elle Maggio - Marketing Communications
Chase Bellomo - Principles of Business Management
Kira Kennedy - Principles of Business Management
Del Bolinske - Principles of Hospitality
Zoey Gonzalez - Principles of Hospitality
David Price - Principles of Hospitality
Connor Duris - Principles of Marketing
Houston Hood - Principles of Marketing
Kate Little - Principles of Marketing
Lauren Simasko - Principles of Marketing
Ben Abram - Quick Serve Restaurant
Grace Coviello - Quick Serve Restaurant
Faith Valdez - Quick Serve Restaurant
Alex Zinn - Restaurant & Food Service Management
Mariah Hurd-Crews: Retail Merchandising
Daynon Downey - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Ryan Moe - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Geronimo Romero Campbell - Professional Selling
Micah Brandt - Professional Selling
Anna Eivins & Jen Shea for Travel & Tourism Team Event
Alice Larm - Hospitality Professional Selling
Alice Larm - State Officer Candidate District 3
 
Alternates - Get to go if someone declines State Invite
Sawyer Beach: 2nd Alternate Apparel & Accessories
Aviva Freedburg: 1st Alternate Apparel & Accessories
Alex Trujillo: 1st Alternate Automotive Services
Owen Pedigo: 2nd Alternate Automotive Services
Andy Burns: 1st Alternate Business Finance
Craig Patterson: 1st Alternate Business Services
Caden White: 2nd Alternate Business Services
Erin Pointet: 1st Alternate Food Marketing
Kinara Young: 1st Alternate Marketing Communications
Farine Azari: 2nd Alternate Prin. Of Business Management
Nour Faleh: 1st Alternate Prin. Of Marketing
Aidan Connor: 2nd Alternate Quick Serve Restaurant
Nimrod Russom & Yohanis Shay: 2nd Alternate Entrepreneurship Team

Way to go, DECA!
FREE Movie Today!
Who: everyone!

What: FREE showing of
The Polar Express

When: 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 12/16

Where: auditorium

Why: to relax and celebrate the end of the semester!
  • wear your pjs
  • hot chocolate & snacks for sale, benefiting the class of 2021!
Lost & Found


If your student is missing any item(s), please have them check the lost and found in the main office. Any items not claimed by December 18 will be donated to Clothes to Kids of Denver.
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
As we approach finals week, we want to show the TJ staff our appreciation with a holiday lunch and gift and we need your help to do it! TJ's PTO will host a Holiday Luncheon for staff on  Wednesday, December 18th  from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in Room 111.  Sign up here  to contribute to the meal and let the staff know how much we value all their hard work. 
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the teacher gifts or the meal, please  click here  to make an online donation.
Dropping Off Your Food Donations:  On Wednesday, December 18th, drop off your item in room 111 between 10:00-11:00 am.  If your item does not need to be refrigerated or heated, you can drop it off in the main office kitchen on Tuesday before 3pm. Dishes that need to be served warm should be delivered ready to serve in a crockpot fitted with a liner to help us with clean up. We have plenty of serving utensils so no need to bring any of your own.
Your generosity at this busy time of year is so appreciated!  
! ¡A medida que nos acercamos a la semana final, queremos mostrar al personal de TJ nuestro agradecimiento con un almuerzo y regalo de vacaciones y necesitamos su ayuda para hacerlo! TJ's PTO organizará un almuerzo de vacaciones para el personal el miércoles 18 de diciembre de 11:30 am - 12:30 pm en la habitación 111.  Registrese aquí para contribuir a la comida y deje que el personal sepa cuánto valoramos todo su arduo trabajo.
 
Si desea hacer una contribución financiera a los regalos del maestro o la comida, haga  clic aquí para hacer una donación en línea.
 
Dejar sus donaciones de alimentos: El miércoles 18 de diciembre, deje su artículo en la habitación 111 entre las 10:00-11:00 am.  Si su artículo no necesita ser refrigerado o calentado, puede dejarlo en la cocina de la oficina principal el martes antes de las 3pm. Platos que necesitan ser servidos calientes deben ser entregados listos para servir en una olla de rocos equipada con un revestimiento para ayudarnos con la limpieza. Tenemos un montón de utensilios de servir, así que no hay necesidad de traer ninguno de los suyos.
 
¡Su generosidad en esta ajetreada época del año es tan apreciada!

Adopt-A-Family
It is that time again where we step in and help our school and community. We have multiple TJ families where the holidays are not necessarily a joyous time but a stressful time. We want to spread some holiday cheer and make this time fun and festive for these families by providing food and gifts to help them in their time of need during the holiday break. Samanda Davis has created a Sign-Up Genius for you to pick a specific item for a family, or you can always donate a gift card (Target or Walmart Preferred) for our DECA Elves to go shopping to pick up any needed items. If you have any questions feel free to ask either Samanda Davis or Matt Nicolo and we will definitely get it sorted out.

We have added 2 more families to our original list so we are still in need of a few donations. If you haven't signed up yet and you were feeling like you wanted to be a part of this here is your chance. 
 
Link for Family Lists:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45ACAC2EA64-holiday
 
 
Please feel free to pass this opportunity to friends and family. Thank you TJ Family for continually stepping up and paying it forward, it is an honor to work with you! Last year, 23 families & over 60 family members were positively impacted by the AAF Program. Over 1,000 lbs. of food & more than $5,000 in donations (gifts, gift cards, wrapping paper, etc.) were collected. Let's beat those impressive numbers this year TJ!
Soles for Souls Shoe Drive
cartoon-sneakers.jpg

The Leadership Class is holding a shoe drive between now and December 17th. Please bring in your used shoes which will all be donated to third world countries. Donations will be accepted every morning in the front lobby. Thanks in advance for your donations!
Recycling Drive - Dec.18th
Sustainability Club is hosting  a recycling drive for TJ students, teachers, and community members. After finals on Wednesday 12/18 at 10:30, people may bring in old school supplies, papers, or clothing. Everything will be sorted and then either recycled, donated, or reused. Please support the club and the school by bringing in these items. Location to be announced, but most likely in room 111. Thanks in advance, Spartans!
4th Annual TJ Online Auction
This year's auction will be held  March 15-19, 2020!  The Online Auction is TJ's biggest fundraiser and  we need your help collecting donations and promoting the event!  Proceeds from the Auction directly benefit TJ students and staff by paying for classroom grants and   upgrades for improved working and learning  environments . Last year the auction netted $12,000 and we want to keep the momentum going.  

While you are  out and about over break hand out copies for the attached letter to businesses you frequent and ask them for a donation to your Denver Public School.  The attached letter can also be emailed to businesses you have an email address for using the attached email template.  If  you have any questions, please contact  hmbdvm@yahoo.com .


DPS Ice Hockey
hockey-player.jpg

The DPS Ice Hockey team is comprised of students from around the district, including TJ!  Check out the DPS Ice Hockey schedule and support the team!

Help Wanted at TJ!
We are in need of two paraprofessionals for our Special Education students. If you are interested, please contact Paula Hammel at paula_hammel@dpsk12.org
PTO News
The next regular PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14th.
PTO Fundraising
Wondering how fundraising works at TJ? In the 2018-19 school year, PTO awarded almost $10,000 in classroom grants! While the bulk of the monies raised go toward these grants, PTO support the TJ community in several other ways.
  • Teacher appreciation & staff wellness events
  • Student Leadership sponsored events such as Homecoming and the Backyard BBQ
  • Community events such as the Newcomer Cookout in August
  • Parent education events such as the Screenagers documentary
In the last few years, the PTO has simplified fundraising by focusing on the following efforts...
 
ArtFest: Last year, we celebrated 30 years of this event. This is a tradition for the wider community and brings over 80 local artisans and small businesses together. In the 2018-19 school year, ArtFest raised $7,500 that went toward classroom grants.
  • This year, we are taking a break to rethink how we produce ArtFest. Stay tuned for more information. 
Online Auction: Last year's online auction netted $12,000! This is an easy way to include lots of people in supporting TJ. The auction is critical this year since we don't have any funds from ArtFest. We want to keep the momentum going and need your help collecting donations and promoting this event. This year's auction will be held on March 15-19, 2020.
  • We will start planning for the auction at this month's PTO meeting on November 19th. 
King Soopers Cards: This is an incredible source of FREE money. All you need to do is register your King Soopers loyalty card number or alternate ID (phone number) to earn money for TJ. After you register for the program,  a percentage of ALL your King Soopers purchases will go to the PTO each month. The PTO grants a portion of these funds to each class at the beginning of the school year to help pay for senior year activities.
Amazon Smile: Again, FREE money. When you ramp up for your holiday shopping, go to   smile.amazon.com and select Thomas Jefferson High School Partners as your charitable organization to receive donations from your eligible purchases  before you begin shopping.  Amazon will remember your choice for future purchases.
 
Class Fundraising Events: Parents serve as Class Sponsors to coordinate raising money for senior year activities. The Student Leadership Class works on raising money for Prom while parents focus on raising money for After Prom. This money is not part of the PTO general fund but is held for each class to use during their senior year.
The PTO can't do any of this without parents getting involved so we look forward having your support! The PTO is a 501c3 organization (official name: Thomas Jefferson High School Partners) so donations are tax deductible.

Together we are Spartan Strong!
Spartan Spirit Store
We now have TJ car magnets for $5!!
Our store inventory has been moved upstairs and therefore we'll be selling at various events throughout the year. We'll be out cheering on the Spartans at fall sporting events and hope you'll come and purchase spirit wear from us.

Please email  tjhs.store@gmail.com  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.  
Yearbook News
Yearbook Announcements:

Price: The earlier you buy your book, the more you save! Please see the discount schedule below. Buy your book now for the most savings!

Purchase before:
9-27-19 = $50
11-1-19 = $55
1-31-20 = $60

From February 1st on, the book will be $65 until sold out.

Senior Recognition Ad:  To purchase an ad, please visit the yearbook website.

All information about the yearbook can found on the journal under the News & Events tab or by clicking here.
News from the Future Center
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
   
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
TJ Laptop Fundraising Opportunity
Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
  • Click here for Food Resource Hotline information
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
  • Remember - TJ gear is available in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact tjhs.store@gmail.com.
Class of 2020 - Seniors
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Megan Perkins ( megandperkins@gmail.com ) or Lisa LoJacono ( lisalojacono@gmail.com ).  
Class of 2021 - Juniors
If you would like to make a donation to the Class of 2021,  please contact   colley_moe@comcast.net
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 thetzel@comcast.net ; or colley_moe@comcast.net to find out more. Class sponsors are Jason Klimczak and Elizabeth Lynch. Parent sponsor is Jen Abram - she can be reached at  jenabram18@gmail.com.

CLASS OF 2021 SHIRTS ON SALE
Long sleeve $15 Short Sleeved $10
See Mrs Lynch in Room 11
Class of 2022 - Sophomores
Be on the lookout for the No Mingle Jingle Fundraising event December 9-13th. Invitation to donate to the Class of 2022 coming soon!


If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Julie Rubin (rubin_j@comcast.net) or Marlene Talavera (TJSpartans2022@gmail.com). 

The class of 2022 has two faculty sponsors,  Jillian Gleason 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 tjhspto@gmail.com, Julie at rubin_j@comcast.net or Marlene at (TJSpartans2022@gmail.com).
Class of 2023 - Freshmen

Can you jump in to help?  Yes, YOU! We need FIVE more parents to join us & reach our parent volunteer goal for this event!   Come have fun with our TJ 2023 Parents at a Bronco Game (and watch Lock throw some touchdowns!) after the Holiday Week and make great $$$ for TJ 2023!
SPORTING EVENT VOLUNTEERS through ARGUS EVENT STAFF
NOTE NEW DATE: Sunday, December 29, 2019 Bronco Game
JOIN OUR TJ TEAM! This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity and fundraiser for Class of 2023--so you can join us for this 1st Bronco Game or another event in the future! TJ Parents will be working with Argus Event Staff to volunteer at a number of various athletic events around town that fit your schedule! In turn, we make money for Class of 2023. Events include Bronco games, CU Basketball, Coors Field Concerts and more! Volunteer for one event or all of them! Whatever fits your schedule and it is a fun way to meet other Freshmen parents!
1st EVENT: Denver Bronco Game Sunday, December 29, 2019, 11:30a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (minimum of four hours at Empower Field at Mile High)

WHO: TJ Parents, Your Friends or Relatives 18 or older

WHAT: Will volunteer as ticket scanners or ushers (NOT concessions) and will be trained the evening of the event. All of your time spent is $$ back to TJ '23!

UNIFORM: Wear black shoes, black pants. Argus provides clean shirt uniform for the evening. 

BENEFIT: Your approximately 4 hours of time at the event or more will gross $60+ for the Class of 2023 (10 parents = $600++ per event)
WAIVER: Argus requires a free secure background check on all volunteers - please first click here to get started as an approved TJ Volunteer for this Argus Fundraiser. Note: within the waiver please insert the following on page 2: NPO Organization is TJHS Partners and NPO Contact is Eva Madrigal. If there is an issue about info requested or a glitch, please call our Argus Contact: Kim Blosser 720-937-8043
 
 
SIGN UP: Please click on the Sign up Genius Link below to let us know:
1)    You will be in our Pool of TJ 2023 Argus Volunteers - we'll notify you of upcoming events to sign up for!
2)    If you can, please volunteer and sign up for the 1st EVENT: Denver Bronco Football Game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (at the maximum) at Empower Field at Mile High.
3)    Eva Madrigal TJ Parent Coordinator of Argus Events will be in touch with you about parking recommendations, carpooling opportunities, confirming volunteering, more exact timing of shift, answer questions, etc.

QUESTIONS: Eva Madrigal at  emadrigal04@yahoo.com

-Team '23
Please join us and mark your calendar for our next group meeting, after Winter Break - Wednesday, January 8, 2020. 6:30 p.m. at Citron Bistro 3535 S. Yosemite St. (Hampden & Yosemite). Let us know if you can come! As always, please contact us if you'd like to be involved planning, have some ideas or want to jump in to help.  Contact Catherine Poirier -  cpoirier@bodybark.com  or Christy Jordan  christy.jordan@comcast.net.  
 
Please join us and mark your calendar! Next group meeting, after Winter Break - Wednesday, January 8, 2020! 6:30 p.m. Location TBA.