Monday-
Tuesday-
- PTO meeting: 7:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday:
Thursday-
Friday-
Saturday-
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NEW Semester 2 Weekly Schedule
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ACCESS Testing This Week!
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Thomas Jefferson High School will be giving the ACCESS exam this week! For those taking this exam, an email invitation has been sent to students and their families.
This exam will take place in person. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from school on their specific testing date. Students will test according to their ELD class period:
January 11, Mrs. Valencia's 3rd period class
January 12, Mrs. Valencia's 8th period class
January 13, Mrs. Cantrell's 1st, 4th and 6th period classes
January 14, Mrs. Cantrell's 3rd period class
January 15, Mrs. Cantrell's 8th period class
Please plan on arriving by 7:30 am so that we can do a health screening before you enter the building. Students will enter through the front door, then be directed to the appropriate classroom. Students will also be given a bagged breakfast upon arrival and a bagged lunch when departing.
You are expected to follow all DPS health and safety protocols while in the building. This includes but is not limited to:
- Wearing a mask the entire time you are in the building
- Entering and exiting by your assigned door
- Going directly to your testing room
- No mingling in the hallway or on school grounds
- Maintain at least a 3ft distance when possible
- No food or drink allowed
- Leaving the premise immediately upon dismal from test
Failure to follow DPS protocols will result in removal from the building.
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Challenge Day - SENIORS! January 25th
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The virtual challenge day is an experiential program that guides students. It is designed to create connection, inclusivity, and break down barriers.
Some of the tools students will experience are: Practicing mindfulness, taking action, active listening, the power of vulnerability, learning to responsibly manage emotions, developing self-confidence offering compliments and sharing gratitude, speaking out and using their voice.
The Virtual challenge day is designed to provide a supportive environment for students to come together, remember they are not alone, and leave feeling empowered, remembering their strength and resilience.
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Athletics Information for Spring 2021
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Season B CHSAA Sports will begin January 18. This includes girls and boys basketball, girls swim/dive, and girls and boys wrestling (pending district approval). Click here to register: http://www.familyid.com/thomas-jefferson. Registration ends January 15 th.
Preseason for these sports will also start January 11th. To participate, you must have FamilyID registration complete (physical, release forms, and payment). If your student decides to not try out, or if they don't make a team, you will be refunded.
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Click here to submit your photo:
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 Need Spirit wear for the New Year?
We have two opportunities coming up in January if you're looking for some spirit wear. We have hoodies, short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve dry fit shirts, blankets, magnets & stickers.
Wednesday, January 20 & 27th we will be selling spirit wear at Onsite Consulting, located at 6446 E. Hampden Ave. from 5:00pm-6:00pm
Hope to see you.
Karla & Carrie
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We will be working on a new collection of items for a winter online sale. Please watch the newsletter and School Deets for information. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions!
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The first PTO meeting of the second semester will be on Tuesday, January 12th from 7-8pm. We will start by hearing from TJ's administrator, Paula Hammel who is serving as Principal in Residence. Ms. Hammel will give us an overview of the second semester including how plans for in person learning are shaping up. We'll review all the activity from December. It was a busy month for Teacher Appreciation and the Food Bank. We'll review our financials and start to map out the rest of the semester. We hope you can join us!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82131133929?pwd=amd1eUU2a0FnaVMxS3dHTVVpR3JWQT09
Meeting ID: 821 3113 3929
Passcode: 386840
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,82131133929# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,82131133929# US (Houston)
If you would like to share comments or ideas, feel free to email them to [email protected].
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TJ Food Drive and Distribution Program
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As we enter the New Year, the need for food support in our TJ community continues. The Food Bank has been able to assist many families with food needs over the past several months and we appreciate your continued contributions!
In addition to non-perishable foods, in January we are requesting donations of disposable masks, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, hand soap, etc., in anticipation that students will return to in-person learning by February.
Items can be delivered to "TJ Food Bank" boxes at any of the following locations:
· 7996 E. Jefferson Place, Denver, 80237
· 7500 E. Dartmouth Avenue #25, Denver, 80231
· 2750 E. Bates Avenue, Denver, 80210
· 3732 S. Sebring Court, Denver, 80237
· 6895 Eastmoor Drive, Denver, 80237
· 7925 E. Mexico Avenue, Denver, 80231
· 2805 S. Gilpin Street, Denver, 80210
· 3614 S. Hudson Street, Denver, 80237
· 3004 S. Milwaukee Circle, Denver, 80210
· 3734 S. Oneida Way, Denver, 80237
· 3771 S. Rosemary Way, Denver, 80237
Thank you again for supporting our TJ community members in need!
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Webinar Series for Parents
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Chromebook and Materials Distribution - By Appointment Only
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Dear Spartan Families,
TJHS will continue to offer pick up opportunities for Chromebooks and class materials distribution by appointment only.
- To make a request please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46
- We will contact you using the email address provided in the form to arrange a time for pickup.
- If you are returning damaged technology please make sure the power cord is returned with the unit
- We are out of Wifi Hotspots and we don't know when additional units will be made available.
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DPS Custodians and Bus Drivers Needed!
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During this time of COVID our schools need more than ever to stay clean and safe for our kiddos and staff!
The reason for this email is to ask a favor - We have a dire need for Custodians and Bus Drivers!
We currently have 70 custodian vacancies.
Custodian Job Description:
The Custodian works under the direction of the Facility Manager and/or Assistant Facility Manager, cleaning the facility and performing grounds work in accordance with DPS guidelines. They may perform minor maintenance activities on facilities and equipment.
· Must be at least 17 years of age
· They must pass a reading test (8th grade reading level), Interview, Criminal Background Check and Fingerprints.
· High school diploma or equivalent required for FT
· All full time shifts are 8 hours a day - based on location, 8 hours between 12:30pm and 11:00pm, usually Monday - Friday
· All part time shirts are 4 hours a day - between 5:00pm-11:00pm
· $14.77/an hour! These positions are eligible for medical, vision benefits as well as sick, personal and vacation time
Bus Driver Job Description:
The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of elementary, middle, and high school students, including students with special needs, on regular routes, excursions and athletic trips.
· Must be at least 21 years of age.
· Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Colorado commercial driver's license (CDL) - Class B with P2S endorsements if this license is not currently held.
· $20.34/an hour!
· Benefit eligible with minimum hours
· High school diploma or equivalent required
If interested they can text DPSFIELD to 97211 to speak to a Recruiter
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Attention TJ Parents,
Usually by the time a student gets to high school, they have been screened and/or identified, if appropriate, for Gifted and Talented services. However, every now and then a student may slip through the cracks, or was in another district and was not screened, or it did not follow them to DPS.
That's why we need your help! You know your kids better than anyone. If you think your child demonstrates heightened or exceptional abilities in any of the following areas, please reach out to the Dean of Instruction and GT Site Team Coordinator, Adria Tate ([email protected]).
1. General or Specific Intellectual Ability -- Intellectual ability is exceptional capability or potential recognized through cognitive processes (e.g., memory, reasoning, rate of learning, spatial reasoning, ability to find and solve problems, ability to manipulate abstract ideas and make connections).
2. Specific Academic Aptitude -- Specific academic aptitude is exceptional capability or potential in an academic content area(s) (e.g., a strong knowledge base or the ability to ask insightful, pertinent questions within the discipline). All academic areas should be considered.
3. Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Musical, Dance or Psychomotor Abilities (Talent Aptitudes) -- Visual arts, performing arts, musical, dance or psychomotor abilities are exceptional capabilities or potential in talent areas (e.g., art, drama, music, dance, body awareness, coordination, and physical skills).
4. Creative or Productive Thinking -- Creative or productive thinking is exceptional capability or potential in mental processes (e.g., critical thinking, creative problem solving, humor, independent/original thinking, and/or products).
5. Leadership Abilities -- Leadership is the exceptional capability or potential to influence and empower people (e.g., social perceptiveness, visionary ability, communication skills, problem solving, inter- and intra-personal skills, and a sense of responsibility).
Our entire GT Site Team looks forward to hearing from you!
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In an effort to provide GT students and their families with the resources and supports needed to begin/complete their Advanced Learning Plan (ALP), the TJHS GT Site Team has created a Google Classroom for each GT grade level. The title and code for each grade level is listed below:
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2024 Cohort - doyqstu
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2023 Cohort - b7vpvfn
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2022 Cohort - orzg7to
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2021 Cohort - by7mjwi
The TJHS GT Site Team, working alongside our District GT Partners, has included resources, websites and documents to help you complete your ALP goals. Keep in mind that there are affective as well as academic goals. At this time, students should only focus on the Goals / Advanced Learning Plan section and not worry about the badges right now. We don't want you to get in there and feel overwhelmed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Tate, our Dean Instruction and GT Point of Contact at [email protected]
Our District GT Partner is Brian Beard, [email protected], and you may receive GT newsletters from his office with internship and university opportunities.
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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Did You Know...?
There is no denying it - 2020 has been an unusual year. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to think of all the unknowns and changes in our daily life. Re-framing can help!
Allow us to share some examples with you:
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Negative Thoughts or Emotions
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Reframe
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Action
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Businesses are closed. I can't go anywhere.
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I've had more time to get creative with what I have at home (cooking, crafts, gardening, etc.)
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Help support businesses by purchasing take out/delivery meals or gift cards that can be used when they are open again or as gifts for the holidays
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Schools are remote/online. My kids aren't learning. I can't teach them.
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I've had almost 8 uninterrupted months to form a closer bond with my child. The lessons she's been learning will help her for the rest of her life.
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Reach out to educators and tell them how much you appreciate them. They are struggling to keep kids engaged, learning and connected. They can use all the support they can get. Focus less on academics and more on the life lessons being presented on a daily basis. Attend to you and your child's mental health.
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I'm not able to see loved ones.
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I have found new ways to connect. I have been reminded of how precious life is and am more open in expressing my love and appreciation for others.
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Write a handwritten letter to those you love. Put into words all the things you appreciate about them. Mail it to them. Better yet, call them and read it to them. Send a care package if you're able.
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I'm scared.
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It's ok to be scared. I'm also resilient.
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Allow yourself to feel the feelings. They are real and they should not be pushed aside. Find someone to talk to who can help - a friend, a family member or a mental health professional.
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I am not able to do the things I normally like to do.
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I've been able to try new things. I've learned to fish and have spent a lot more time outdoors. I've also been able to check things off my 'to do' list that have been sitting around for far too long.
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Try something new. Maybe it's a craft or reading a book that's been sitting on your shelf for awhile. Get outside. Share ideas with others.
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People are suffering. I don't feel like I can help.
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There are opportunities for us all to help those who are suffering. I have seen incredible generosity and kindness.
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Find ways to support those who are suffering. Collect food for a food pantry nearby. Start a coat drive. Connect people with free or no-cost mental health supports
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Things aren't going to get better. This is never going to end.
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I know they will get better and this too shall pass. Patience is important and giving myself and others grace during such a difficult time is going to test who we are as individuals and as a society.
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When you hear this from others, reassure them that things are going to get better. Let them know we're all in this together
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Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know": Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Resources: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
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School Based Health Centers are OPEN!
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| https://www.denverhealth.org/services/school-based-health-centers
Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic: 720-423-7190
Consent for Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic:
English:
Spanish:
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News from the Future Center
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Hi Spartan Seniors and Parents,
You'll see Weekly Scholarship Highlights, assignments to keep you on track including scheduling your first 2nd Semester Planning meeting as soon as possible, Essay Writing Tips, the calendar of Virtual College Rep Visits, Virtual Career Panels, and upcoming deadlines in addition to many other resources!
Institutional Scholarship Applications that are OPEN- Start TODAY!
Check your colleges' websites for more information regarding scholarships and deadlines!
See the TJ Future Center Schoology Calendar for More Details:
Complete College Apps Process and Admission Next Steps Session- 1/12
CU Boulder Regular Decision Transcript Request Deadline- 1/14
FAFSA or CASFA Application Soft Deadline for Scholarship Eligibility - 1/29
Be certain to follow the mandatory Steps to Complete Apps document to ensure your supporting documents are sent to your schools.
Class of 2022: Visit your TJ Future Center 2022 schoology course for information and activities to guide your college planning process STARTING TODAY!
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Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
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Remember - TJ gear is available in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact [email protected].
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Class of '21 - SENIORS! We're planning activities for next spring and need your help. Some activities may include After-Prom, Senior BBQ/Breakfast, a Graduation Parade, Talent Jubilee (aka as Mr. TJ), you name it! With limited fundraising options and time, we are making one last push for donations in hopeful anticipation of these honored traditions, and perhaps new ones. Whatever lies ahead for this class, we want to make next semester memorable. All money raised will go to support our kids!
PLEASE consider donating - $21 for '21 yet any amount will do! You can donate through the PTO Spirit Store here. If you wish to donate cash - your donation will be DOUBLED!! That's right. To learn how, please email [email protected].
We also need senior parents to lead these activities and help start new traditions. Are you creative, like to organize, or are good with technology? We need to improvise and remain flexible with our current situation, yet we can do this if we all pitch in for these AMAZING Seniors. We will begin meeting regularly starting in January. Please reach out to one of the class contacts below to find out how you can help and look for an updated newsletter after Thanksgiving with kick-off meeting details. Go Spartans!
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STAY TUNED!
Our next event will be held in February!
Details to follow in January.
These events support the Class of 2022's senior year activities including After Prom. Your involvement in any capacity is important and appreciated. If you have ideas and/or would like to help with the Class of 2022 activities, please contact Julie Rubin at [email protected] or Marlene Talavera at [email protected].
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Class of 2023 - Sophomores
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Mask up 2023!
Hey Sophomores - hope you'll be back in-person soon! Cool Class of 2023 TJ Masks are still on sale for $10! All proceeds go to Class of 2023! Two quick steps to order:
- Please email Catherine Poirier at [email protected] with the number of masks you would like to order and student's contact name.
- Payment via Venmo: @Catherine-Poirier-3 $10 per mask - Indicate: 2023 Mask and student's contact name.
Mask Pick-Up will be arranged after purchase! Enormous thanks to Candace Lewis (Laila Hilton's mom) for the design and producing of our 2023 Masks!
We always need more help and input!! If you have any ideas or comments and would like to get more involved, please contact Catherine Poirier [email protected] or Christy Jordan [email protected] 
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Class of 2024 - Welcome! Part of the Thomas Jefferson mission is to build community, but we can't do that without your help. Please take a moment to complete a short survey for the Class Parent Sponsors. The information you provide will help us direct our communication to the people who want to receive it. We look forward to getting to know you and your student(s)! Class of 2024 Parent Survey
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