December 2, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Two weeks until finals! Time to buckle down and finish strong! Don't forget to utilize Office Hours during these last two weeks of class. 

Please be sure that you are making arrangements to get to school on time, especially in case of bad weather. Students must also arrange rides home in a timely fashion, as they will need to leave the building at 4 p.m. unless they're with a coach or a teacher. 
 
The finals schedule is below.

¡Dos semanas hasta la final! ¡Es hora de abrocharse y terminar fuerte! No se olvide de utilizar horas de oficina durante estas dos últimas semanas de clase.
 
Por favor, asegúrese de que está haciendo los arreglos para llegar a la escuela a tiempo, especialmente en caso de mal tiempo. Los estudiantes también deben organizar los paseos a casa de manera oportuna, ya que tendrán que salir del edificio a las 4 p.m. a menos que estén con un entrenador o un maestro.

El calendario final está a continuación.

Jon Poole
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 12/2-12/6
Monday- 
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
  • Collaborative School Committee meeting: 4:00 p.m.
  • School Counseling Advisory Council meeting: 6:00 p.m. - room 111
Tuesday-

Wednesday -
  • Office Hours - 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday-

Friday- 
Kudos Korner
The SkillsUSA Food Drive for the Thanksgiving Holiday was a big success thanks to students, teachers, and the TJ community. 

We collected enough food to help out 19 TJ families. Families will also be provided a gift card of $20, compliments of the Science Department Fundraiser. 

We would also like to thank our local Home Depot store for providing the boxes to collect the food in each classroom.

The winning class once again for the 3rd straight year is Ms. Palek's class. They collected over 150 food items. 

SkillsUSA wishes everyone a happy holiday season!
School Counseling Advisory Council  -- tonight!
As counselors at Thomas Jefferson High School, we strive to provide a comprehensive counseling program for our students. To have the best possible program, we need to hear from you- our stakeholders. The School Counseling Advisory Council provides the platform through which we can collaborate on how to best serve our students. We are confident that you could provide an invaluable service to the school as a member of our School Counseling Advisory Council and are inviting you to become a member.
The School Counseling Advisory Council is composed of outstanding leaders in the school and community. Its purpose is:
  • Make recommendations regarding students and community needs
  • To make recommendations regarding the counseling department response to those needs
  • To advocate for and support the total school counseling program.
 
The advisory council will meet approximately twice each school year. Our first meeting will be Monday December 2nd at 6 pm in room 111 at Thomas Jefferson High School. Dinner and interpretation will be provided.
Please let us know if you are willing to serve or know community members who would be and are available to meet on this date. Your acceptance will greatly enhance our school counseling program.
To participate, e-mail Margaret_kennedy@dpsk12.org .
Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar
Como orientadores de la Escuela Preparatoria Thomas Jefferson, nos esforzamos en proporcionar un programa integral de orientación para nuestros estudiantes. A fin de tener el mejor programa posible, necesitamos conocer la opinión de ustedes, nuestras partes interesadas. El Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar proporciona la plataforma a través de la cual podemos colaborar para idear la mejor manera de servir a nuestros estudiantes. Estamos seguros de que podrían brindar un valioso servicio a la escuela como miembros de nuestro Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar y los invitamos a ser miembros del mismo.
El Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar está compuesto por líderes sobresalientes de la escuela y la comunidad. Su objetivo es:
  • Proporcionar recomendaciones sobre las necesidades de los estudiantes y la comunidad.
  • Proporcionar recomendaciones sobre la respuesta del departamento de orientación a esas necesidades.
  • Defender y apoyar el programa de orientación de toda la escuela.
El consejo asesor se reunirá aproximadamente dos veces cada año escolar. Nuestra primera reunión será el lunes, 2 de diciembre, a las 6 p. m. en el salón 111 de la Escuela Preparatoria Thomas Jefferson. Se proporcionará cena y servicios de interpretación.
Infórmennos si están dispuestos a servir o si conocen a miembros de la comunidad que estarían y están disponibles para reunirse en esta fecha. Su aceptación mejorará en gran medida nuestro programa de orientación escolar.
Para participar, envíen un correo electrónico a Margaret_kennedy@dpsk12.org.
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.
 
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!
Hygiene Drive - Dec. 2-13th
Please support the TJ Hygiene Drive!

*Boxes for each class will be in the office for the donations (class with the most donations will be rewarded money towards their prom)

*All donations will go directly to teen moms 

*Items we will need include...
          Tampons 
           Pads
           Lotion 
           Shampoo & Conditioner 
           Face Wipes 
           Hand Soaps 
           Body Wash
           Deodorant

Thank you!
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!

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.
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
Instead of a business meeting in December, you are invited to celebrate the end of the first semester at the home of Eileen and Sam Robinson on Tuesday, December 10th from 6-8pm. We'll provide some festive bites and a few sweets. Please bring a beverage to share or a White Elephant gift for an entertaining gift exchange. Feel free to drop in for a little while and spend some time celebrating with other parents. We would love for you to join us in raising a glass to our Spartans!
 
RSVP before December 9th to TJHSPTO@gmail.com. Directions will be provided when you RSVP.
 
The next regular business 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.  
Concussion Research Study
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
College Admissions Representatives Visits -
  • Colorado State University Fort Collins, Monday, December 2nd at 10:15-11:19 - 4th period 
12th graders - Please sign up in Naviance

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...?
45%
Children are 45% less likely to develop a mental health issue if they spend some time every day in green spaces!?
 
We know the days can get hectic, but do your best to get your family outside every day. Some things to remember:

1)    Research shows that 20 minutes in nature can lower levels of stress hormones.
2)    It is good for your mental health (see above!)
3)    Keeping your body active is good for physical and emotional/mental health.
4)    Ditching the home environment, and all its temptations for distraction (phone, computers, 
       tv, chores, etc.) in favor of the great outdoors can help you re-connect and refresh your               relationships.
 
Take a bike or scooter ride, walk the dog together, go for a hike (short or long), venture somewhere to have a picnic, just go sit in the grass at a park, etc. It does not have to be a big event; try to work it in to your daily schedule.
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
BH&G July 2019
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
The Freshman Class is hosting their first fundraiser! Show your support for the newest class at TJ! Everyone is welcome to do some early holiday shopping with Pampered Chef and a portion of the sales will go directly to the Class of 2023!
Use the link below to shop any time between now and December 6, 2019. All orders will be delivered in time for the holidays. Feel free to share the link with anyone and everyone!
  If you have any questions, please contact the consultant:
Coordinated by Dyanna Spicher dmspicher@hotmail.com . Please contact her with questions. Happy Shopping!
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. 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 and will be trained the evening of the event

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
 We're off to a great start - thank you to so many volunteers! 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 .  Next group meeting, after Winter Break, Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 6:30 p.m. Location TBA.