March 11, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Happy Monday,
 
Help us celebrate all of the amazing academic achievements our students reached this last semester during our Honor Roll Assembly this Wednesday during Office Hours. Many of our students have worked incredibly hard to earn this recognition, so please come help us celebrate it.

Spring Break is two weeks away. Now would be a great time for students to buckle down and work hard. Work hard now and then enjoy the time off.
 
SAT/ PSAT tests are the week of April 8th. It is never too early to start prepping. All students will have school on Monday and Friday, Juniors will test on April 9th, Sophomores on April 10th, and Freshmen on April 11th. All other students will not have school on testing dates.  

Thank you and have a wonderful week,

Feliz lunes, 

Ayúdanos a celebrar todos los increíbles logros académicos que nuestros estudiantes alcanzaron este último semestre durante nuestra Asamblea de honores este miércoles durante las horas de oficina. Muchos de nuestros estudiantes han trabajado increíblemente duro para ganar este reconocimiento, así que por favor vengan a ayudarnos a celebrarlo.

Spring Break está a dos semanas de distancia. Ahora sería un buen momento para que los estudiantes se abrochen y trabajen duro. Trabaje duro ahora y luego disfrute del tiempo libre. 
las pruebas 

SAT/PSAT son la semana del 8 de abril. Nunca es demasiado pronto para empezar a preparar. Todos los estudiantes tendrán la escuela el lunes y el viernes, los Juniors probarán el 9 de abril, los sophomores el 10 de abril, y los novatos el 11 de abril. Todos los demás estudiantes no tendrán escuela en las fechas de los exámenes. 

gracias y tener una semana maravillosa,

Jon Poole
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 3/11-3/15
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
  • PTO meeting: 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday -
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
  • Honor Roll Assembly: 2:00 p.m.
Thursday-
  • Choir Concert - 7:00 p.m.
Friday
  • Cap and Gown pictures: 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Kudos Korner
  • Kudos to parent Megan Perkins who has done an amazing job spearheading the 3rd Annual TJ Online Auction (which is LIVE NOW - See below)! Thanks, too, to the many others who have helped along the way and/or donated items to the auction.
  • A big thank you goes to the members of the Personnel Committee: Victor Godoy, Will Forrester, and Suzanne Meyer for sacrificing numerous afternoons for interviews for next year's new hires. We appreciate your time and input!
Countdown to the Online Auction: It's Time to Bid and Win Big!
TJ's 3rd Annual Online Auction is underway and runs through March 14th!
 
The online auction went live on March 10th and bidding on items will start to close at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 14th! There are a lot of really great items this year, so be sure to check it out. You are sure to find something that you want, and you can help out TJ by getting them here
 
Make a difference for TJ!
When everyone bids, TJ wins. The auction is a great way to have the money you spend on everyday items go to TJ. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the school and will benefit our classroom grant program. 
 
We need YOU to help to make TJ's Auction a success...here's how you can help:
  • Bid on items you already buy every day and have 100% of that money got to TJ!
  • Bid on fun items including gift cards, travel packages, athletic tickets, cool experiences & great gifts!
  • Be sure to check out the "Prom Corner" for Prom items such as Tuxedo rentals and corsages!
  • Send the auction link to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors and encourage them to bid!
  • Remind other TJ families to get in on the auction action!
Item pickup will be held from 2:30 - 6:00 pm on Monday, March 18th in the TJ lobby. Arrangements will be made with the winners for large item pickup.
 
Everything you need to know about how the auction works and how to get in on the bidding can be found here in the Auction FAQs here .  
 
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate contact Megan Perkins at  megandperkins@gmail.com  or 303.870.0579.

Cap and Gown Photos
PTO News
TJ's PTO is a group of parents, teachers, students and community members who support the schoolwide activities and programs that make TJ the DPS neighborhood high school of choice for Southeast Denver.
 
We invite you to become a part of this active school community, made stronger by our diverse backgrounds, talents and resources. We understand families are busy, but need you to lend a hand, and make a difference at a time critical to student development. It's how great high schools (and students!) are created and sustained.
 
We need to fill some PTO committee openings for next year. Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ staff and students be the best they can be. We are looking for parents to serve in the following roles:
  • President or Co-Presidents (2)
  • Secretary
  • ArtFest Chair
  • Hospitality Committee members (2-3) 
The next PTO meeting is  Tuesday, March 12th from 6-7pm in room 111. Come find out what is going on and how you can make a difference.  Questions? Email them to  tjhspto@gmail.com
Counseling News
Counselors will work with all students this week to choose classes for next school year.  If you would like to look at the Choice of Studies forms they are available on the TJ website under Academics and Programs (or you can click here).
Connecting with Teens in Crisis
Recently, Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners partnered with National Association for Mental Illness Colorado Springs to support their Below the Surface Campaign. This campaign was created by teens as a way to authentically connect with their peers and encourage them to text for help if they are having thoughts of suicide or depression. This new campaign was recently featured on 
KKTV 11 News  and  Colorado Public Radio News .
 
Thanks to this partnership, RMCP has seen an increase in the volume of individuals reaching out through text and chat over the past year. We believe this increase has occurred because: 
  • Teens are experiencing more stress and suicidal ideation
  • Teens will not call crisis lines
  • Teens using our text line will get a counselor and utilize mobile crisis rather than law enforcement response
  • Teens across Colorado have been told to use this texting service and need to get through when they do
According to the CPR News interview, teens were surprised that they were able to text another person, not just an automated system.
 
While RMCP is funded for 25 texts per day, we've been able to adjust staffing to accept up to 40 texts per day on most days. The most challenging days occur when multiple texts come in at once, which can happen easily after an assembly at a particular high school markets the services. 
 
We consider it a privilege to work with people of all ages through this texting program, and we are currently pursuing opportunities to increase our capacity for responding to a greater depth of texts (i.e., more than 4-5) at any given time.
 
Thank you to all who partner with us, so we can continue to reach teens during their most vulnerable moments. 
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
  • College Admissions Representatives visit - Monday, March 11th from 12:04-12:55 (6th period): Community College of Denver is having a Next Steps presentation for students who have already applied to CCD in the Future Center. No need to sign up in Naviance!
  • 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
   
Unified Basketball Fundraiser
Youth Sports Camps this Summer!
TJ is excited to host two youth camps this summer! Use promo code "TJSPARTANS" for 10% off. 
Kyle Freeland is hosting a youth baseball camp July 1!  Emmanuel Sanders is also hosting a youth football pro camp June 30-July 1.



Spartan Spirit Store
The TJHS Spirit Store needs your business! Show your TJ pride in style and comfort with hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, hats, blankets and stadium chairs.

We're open every Friday at lunch. We STILL have great sale prices! 

Short sleeve t-shirts :$10
Long sleeved t-shirts: $20
TJ Hoodies: $25
Beanies with pom poms: $20
TJ joggers: $35
We accept cash, credit cards and checks. Come see us! 
We're also hoping to show up at some spring sporting events!

If you have any questions please email them to  tjhs.store@gmail.com.
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know?
101 Self-Care Suggestions for When It All Feels Like Too Much - Round Two!
 
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 16-30:
16. Breathe. Deeply. Slowly. Four counts in. Six counts out.
17. Hydrate. Have you had enough water today?
18. Eat. Have you eaten something healthy and nourishing today?
19. Sleep. Have you slept 7-9 hours? Is it time for some rest?
20. Shower. Then dry your hair and put on clothes that make you feel good.
21. Go outside and be in the sunshine.
22. Move your body gently in ways that feel good. Maybe aim for 30 minutes. Or 10 if 30 feels like too much.
23. Read a story (or stories) of people who overcame adversity or maybe dealt with mental illness, too.
24.  Go to any group meeting where support is offered. Check out church listings, hospital listings, school listings for examples.
25. If you suspect something may be physiologically off with you, go see your doctor and/or psychiatrist and talk to them. Medication might help you at this time and they can assist you in assessing this.
26. Take a long, hot bath, light a candle and pamper yourself.
28. Cuddle someone or something. Your partner. A pillow. Your friend's dog.
29. Read past emails/postcards/letters etc. from friends and family reminding you of happier times.
30. Knit. Sculpt. Bake. Engage your hands.

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 tjhs.store@gmail.com.
Class of 2019 - Seniors
Class of '19 update
Parents,

Hard to believe we are rounding the corner to graduation! Don't forget these important dates:
  • April 19:                Mr. TJ
  • April 20:                Pick up Jostens orders (everything but cap and gown).
  • April 26:                Prom at Denver Athletic Club 8 pm to 11 pm.
    • After prom at TJ 11 pm to 2 am.
  • 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
  • Colorado School of Mines: March 1st
  • University of Northern Colorado: August 1st
  • Metro State University: July 1st
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
  • MR TJ, April 19th: If you are creative and are interested in helping our Senior Boys' pageant, please email armccord06@comcast.net and we'll connect you with the right person to get this event moving. You will have support from other volunteers as needed.
  • After Prom, April 26th: A sign up genius will be sent out in the next week asking for volunteers to set up and attend After Prom held from 11pm-2am on the 26th of April. Stay tuned!
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 tjhs.store@gmail.com
  • For more information contact Anne McCord - armccord06@comcast.net
Class of 2020 - Juniors
Thanks to all of the amazing 2020 parents who donated food, money and time for our TJ/East Double Header Tailgate.  We were able to raise $500 for the Class of 2020, and the leftover drinks and treats will be sold by Class of 2020 students for further fundraising.

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 ( megandperkins@gmail.com ) or Lisa LoJacono ( lisalojacono@gmail.com ).  
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 thetzel@comcast.net; or colley_moe@comcast.net 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 tjhspto@gmail.com or Julie directly at rubin_j@comcast.net.