January 27, 2020
Administrator's Corner

TJ was selected as a 9News Cool School! We will be on air this Friday, January 31 st  starting at approximately 5:30am. School will start at the normal time of 7:30am, and be on a pep assembly schedule (see below). We will have the gym open starting at 5:30am for any student who wants to participate in the televised morning segments before school. The day is also a "Gold Out" which means students should if possible wear gold TJ clothes to school. Also, the first 400 students to school on Friday will receive free TJ swag! Stay Cool, TJ!

Winter sports are in full swing! Come out and support all our teams this winter - check out our schedule here Spring Sports Registration will open in early February, so also be on the lookout during the Spartan Edition and on our website .
 
TJ fue seleccionado como una 9News Cool School! Estaremos en el aire este viernes 31 de enero a partir de aproximadamente las 5:30 am. La escuela comenzará a la hora normal de las 7:30 a.m., y estará en un horario de reunión de pep (ver más abajo). Tendremos el gimnasio abierto a partir de las 5:30 a.m. para cualquier estudiante que quiera participar en los segmentos matutinos televisados antes de la escuela. El día también es un "Gold Out" que significa que los estudiantes deben, si es posible, llevar ropa de TJ de oro a la escuela.  Además, los primeros 400 estudiantes a la escuela el viernes recibirán tJ gratis swag! ¡Mantente tranquilo, TJ!

¡Los deportes de invierno están en pleno apogeo! Salga y apoye a todos nuestros equipos este invierno  echa un vistazo a nuestro horario aquí.   Spring Sports Registration se abrirá a principios de febrero, así que también estará atento durante la Spartan Edition y en nuestro

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 1/27-1/31
  
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
 
Tuesday-
  • Swim and Dive Chipotle Fundraiser: 5:00-9:00 p.m. (details below)
  • Class of 2021 parent meeting: 5:30 p.m. in room 111
Wednesday-

Thursday-

Friday
  • 9News Assembly Schedule

      Assembly:  7:30 - 8:15
     
    Period 1:  8:19 - 9:04
     
    Period 2:  9:08 - 9:53
     
    Period 3:  9:57- 10:47
     
    Lunch:    10:47 - 11:30
     
    Period 4:  11:33 - 12:18
     
    Period 6:  12:22 - 1:07
     
    Period 7:  1:11 - 1:56
     
    Period 8:  2:00- 2:45
Kudos Korner

 

  • Shout out to Geronimo Romero-Campbell and Houston Hood for receiving their nominations to the Armed Forces Academies last week with Congresswoman Diana DeGette! Thank you Danny Showers for paving the way to success. If you see these young men, give them a huge congratulations. $400,000.00 each in scholarships at this level...WOW!
Girls' Swim and Dive Fundraiser 
You're Invited!
TJ Talks - Save the Date!
Dear SE Denver Community,
 
Thomas Jefferson High School would like to extend a special invitation to your school community to join us for a conversation around the Teen Vaping epidemic. We are excited to partner with Denver Public Health to provide this unique opportunity for us all to come together to learn, discuss and problem solve how best to support healthy lifestyles for our youth. Denver Public Health  (DPH) provides training and education specific to youth, parents and trusted adults around the dangers of vaping including the attraction of flavors that are targeted toward youth. During the presentation, we will also discuss resources for youth wanting to quit vaping.
 
Where: Thomas Jefferson High School - Room 111
When: Tuesday February 18th
Time: 6-7pm
Who: Any parent, community members, trusted adults. Please spread the word!
 
**Please register at the link below**
 
For more information please contact Megan Miccio, School Health Professional at megan_miccio@dpsk12.org or 720-423-7008
Seeking Host Families
We are seeking 3 more host families for visiting students from Chiben Gakuen HS in Japan. We have 2 young ladies and 1 male student who are without hosts. The students will be here in the states from March 8th through March 25th. They will live with a TJ family and attend classes with a TJ student for the entirety of their visit. They do not have activities they are mandated to do with their schoolmates from Japan so they will do whatever their host family does during that time. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Jackson.
Countdown to the Online Auction
Mark your calendars - TJ's 4th Annual Auction is rapidly approaching!  The auction, sponsored by the PTO opens on March 15th and runs through March 19th.  This is TJ's largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event directly benefit our staff and students by providing classroom grants and much needed upgrade s for improved working and learning environments.  We need many donations to make the auction a success. Here are some ways you can help...
  • Do you own a business that can donate goods or services?
  • Do you have a subscription to the theater and can donate tickets?
  • Do you have season tickets to any local college or professional sports team?
  • Can you ask for a gift card donation from your favorite restaurant or any other business you frequent?
TJ PTO is a 501(c)3 organization so all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Attached below is a letter you can give to businesses when asking for a donation as well as a template for emails.  If you have any questions please contact Heather Reeder: hmbdvm@yahoo.com



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 Auction Committee is actively seeking donations for the online auction which will be held March 15-19 th . The auction is our  main source of fundraising . Donations of all shapes and sizes are needed. 
Can you help? Ask wherever you shop if they can support TJ by donating to the auction. Businesses are often happy to support their local school. Don't forget to ask your friends, family and neighbors if they can help too. Please check out the Auction News section of this newsletter for more information.
 
The funds from the auction go towards Classroom Grants. The grants directly benefit our staff and students by helping to pay for valuable programs and much-needed upgrades to enrich the working and learning environment at TJ. This year we have budgeted  $10,000  for Classroom Grants.  Please see what you can do to help make the auction a success. We can't do this without you!
 
Questions? Email tjhspto@gmail.com
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
We are very pleased to welcome Emily Webster as our new DSF Future Center Advisor!

A note from Emily: 

"I'm thrilled to join the TJ Team! I am passionate about educational equity and access and am looking forward to supporting Spartan Scholars as they work to enroll in post-secondary options that meet their unique needs.  I've worked with high school age youth over the last 17 years in a variety of settings from a therapeutic wilderness program to a school for adjudicated girls along with facilitating a peer mentoring program with a social and learning focus. I most recently developed and delivered the post-secondary success programming for YESS Institute Scholars at 4 metro area high schools- West Leadership Academy and North High School in DPS along with Adams City and Westminster High Schools. Personally, you'll catch me cheering for Clemson football (although not hard enough last week...), dispersed camping as much as possible, and growing too many vegetables in my garden. Stay tuned for homegrown produce! Thank you for the warm welcome thus far. I'm looking forward to connecting with you all in time!"
  • Feel free to contact Emily at emily_webster@dpsk12.org
  • For more information about college visits, scholarships, and more, please visit the Future Center!
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...
There are 12 things that happen to your body when you stop vaping?
 
Evidence is stacking up that vaping, once thought to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes, causes lung damage-and can be deadly. It's also addictive, making it hard for anyone who has started to now stop. Just know that the minute you kick the habit, your body will feel the difference, and the benefits start almost immediately.
 
1)    In as little as 20 minutes , your heart rate returns to normal, your blood pressure drops, and your circulation starts to normalize.
 
2)    A few hours later , nicotine withdrawals-- The psychological symptoms can include cravings for nicotine, mood swings, trouble concentrating, irritability, and anxiety, he says. Physical symptoms include "headaches, sweating, tremors, insomnia, increased appetite, abdominal cramps, and constipation," Dr. Djordjevic says.
 
3)    One day later, heart attack risk falls-- According to one  study  daily e-cigarette doubles a person's risk for a heart attack. If you quit, however, the risk begins to fall very quickly. "After just one day, your heart attack risk starts to decrease thanks to the lowering of blood pressure, rising blood oxygen levels, and reducing the negative influence on cholesterol levels and the formation of blood clots,"
 
4)    Two days later, senses begin to improve- - Vaping, like cigarette smoking, can blunt your senses, reducing your ability to smell and taste. After just 48 hours without a puff, you may begin to notice your ability to taste and smell food has improved. Nicotine affects more than your brain; new research suggests nicotine can raise your blood sugar , too.
 
5)    Three days later, nicotine is out of the body- - If you haven't had nicotine withdrawals yet, you may be experiencing them by day three. Symptoms may include headache, sweating, abdominal cramping, or nicotine cravings.
 
6)    One month later: Lungs begin to show how much healthier they are-- Smokers often have a nagging cough or make a wheezing sound when they breathe that many refer to as a smoker's cough. Smoking even e-cigarettes can badly impair your lung health and make fighting off infections difficult. Quitting, however, will help your lungs rebound.
 
7)    After three months: Blood circulation has improved-- Nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels in your skin and around your heart, research says. The nicotine in an e-cigarette may be just as harmful. However, after you quit, your blood circulation will begin to improve, as blood vessels return to their normal diameter.

8)    After nine months: Your lungs can fight infections again-- "After nine months, lung health improves significantly thanks to the renewal of microscopic hair-like structures inside the lungs that help push out mucus and fight infections," Dr. Djordjevic says. This could significantly reduce your likelihood of some infections and complications from illnesses like the flu and pneumonia.
 
9)    After one year: Your risk of a heart attack is cut in half-- Now that your blood vessels are returning to normal size, your heart rate is back to a safe pace, and your blood pressure is lowered, your risk for a heart attack is lower than while you were still vaping. "After one year, cardiovascular risk reduces by 50 percent," Dr. Djordjevic says. If you think you're too young to have a heart attack, think again; this woman had a heart attack at 21 .
 
10) After five years: Stroke risk is significantly lower-- The long-term effects of better heart health and lower blood pressure grants you another significant benefit: lower stroke risk. Compared to nonsmokers, e-cigarette users have a 71 percent high risk of stroke, a study found. Quitting can lower that risk almost immediately, but the risks continue to fall with each passing calendar month.
 
11) A decade later, lower cancer risks-- Recent research suggests e-cigarettes and vaping may lead to DNA changes and genetic mutations that can increase the risk of cancer. So the longer you avoid e-cigarettes, the healthier your body will be. "After 10 years, lung cancer risk is reduced by 50 percent, as well as the risk of pancreatic, mouth, and throat cancer." And After 15 years, your risk of developing coronary heart disease becomes the same as a nonsmoker's. The same goes for the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

12) Twenty years later, it's like you never vaped-- There will come a day that the bad habit of vaping won't have any lasting impact on your body and your health. "After 20 years, your risk factors will be similar to those who have never smoked or vaped." If you're ready to kick the habit, ex-smokers offer their best advice for quitting cigarettes:  https://www.thehealthy.com/addiction/smoking/quit-smoking-advice/
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
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
Attention 2021 parents--Senior Year is just around the corner!
Please join us for a meeting to discuss fundraising and Senior activities.  Agenda includes: Senior Sleep Out, Mr. TJ and Prom.  

When:  Tuesday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. 
Where:  Room 111 at TJ.    

Spread the word!  


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
Please check out our evite  and RSVP! 
Please forward it to others!
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



CLASS OF 2023 PARENTS & SUPPORTERS!



Can YOU "LEAP IN" and help take us to the next level? Please come to our Class of 2023 parent planning meeting  and social time next month - Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Citron Bistro 3535 S. Yosemite St. (Hampden & Yosemite back room reserved for TJ '23).  We will work on our next steps and upcoming events including FRESHMAN FEAST and and April Parent Fundraiser Social. Will you join us?



As always, please contact us if you'd like to be involved in planning, have some ideas or want to jump in to help. Contact Catherine Poirier - cpoirier@bodybark.com or Christy Jordan - christy.jordan@comcast.net. See you February 4th! 

-Team '23