March 2, 2020
Administrator's Corner

Spring Sports start today. Keep up with all the latest school highlights and insights by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

There are only four weeks until Spring Break, so make sure students are attending classes and getting extra support when needed.

Los deportes de primavera comienzan hoy. Manténgase al día con todos los últimos aspectos destacados de la escuela y perspectivas por seguirnos en Facebook, Twitter, e Instagram!

Solo faltan cuatro semanas para las vacaciones de primavera, así que asegúrese de que los estudiantes asistan a clases y reciben apoyo adicional cuando sea necesario.

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 3/2-3/6
Monday-
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week 
  • CSC meeting: 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday-

Wednesday-
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:45 p.m.
Thursday-

Friday
Kudos Korner
  • A huge shout out to Danyelle Charles and everyone who helped out with the a highly successful SMARTIE PARTY!!!! Students had a wonderful time and it was great to celebrate our students in that fashion. Kids were playing kahoot, cornhole, jenga, singing with the karaoke machine and eating a plethora of food. What an amazing celebration for our students.  
A note from Matt Nicolo:

Thomas Jefferson DECA travelled to Colorado Springs with
34 State Qualifiers to compete in the 70 th  Annual DECA State Career Development Conference, the last 55 taking place at the Broadmoor Hotel. More than 3,400 students competed this year in a total of 50+ specific events ranging from Accounting to Sports & Entertainment Team to Written Events covering operations and marketing concepts. Students competed in events comprised of a 3-part scoring system to determine if they move on to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). There is a 100 question multiple choice written exam, as well as two 100 point Role Plays, giving the students a total of 300 points. The top 2 competitors in each section move on to finals, where they will perform one final Role Play to determine the winners.
 
This year our group performed with class and maintained our professional image throughout the conference. TJ had 4 Finalists and one State Officer Candidate, ultimately we came away with 2 ICDC Qualifiers and a new State Officer Representing District 3. Please congratulate all of the State Competitors when you see them in the hall. A very special thank you to Principal Christoff for financially and spiritually supporting our program, Assistant Principal Paula Hammel & Mrs. Nicolo for serving as TJ chaperones, and finally for sending Danny Showers out in style for 22 years as my DECA Co-Advisor. I hope this last ride was a good one, you mean the world to our program and as they say, you will be missed but never forgotten! Thank you all for supporting the TJ DECA Program and we're off to Nashville, TN to compete against the world at ICDC April 29-May 2, 2020.
 
Finalists:
Micah Brandt - Professional Selling
Alice Larm - Hospitality Professional Selling
Houston Hood - Principles of Marketing
Carson Campbell - Accounting
Alice Larm - State Officer Finalist
 
Finals Results:
Carson Campbell - 2 nd  Place Accounting, ICDC Qualifier
Alice Larm - 4 th  Place Hospitality Professional Selling, ICDC Qualifier
Houston Hood - 9 th  Place Principles of Marketing
Micah Brandt - 12 th  Place Professional Selling
Alice Larm - State Officer District 3 Elected
Seeking ONE FINAL Host Family!
We are in need of just one more host family for visiting students from Chiben Gakuen HS in Japan. 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.  Kjackso@dpsk12.net
Last Call for Online Auction Donations!
It's time to get any last minute Auction items turned in!

TJ's 4th Annual Auction is rapidly approaching! Please get any additional items in so we can include them in the Auction.  All donations are due by March 8 and can be turned into the school office or mailed to the address listed on the Auction Letter included below. The Auction is TJ's ONLY fundraiser this year and will run  March 15th - March 19th . Proceeds from the event directly benefit our staff and students by providing funding for classroom grants. 

Any and all donations are appreciated...
  • Do you own a business that can donate goods or services?
  • Do you have a subscription to the theater and can donate tickets?
  • Ask at the places you already know, love and frequent for a donation...they rarely say no to a donation for a public school! 
  • Reach out to businesses and request donations such as restaurant certificates, merchandise, vacation and travel opportunities, spa packages, professional services, and tickets to entertainment, cultural and sporting events. 
The TJHS 2020 Auction Letter provides additional information on the Auction and has the TJ Tax ID #, as donations to TJ are tax-deductible. This can be printed out and given to businesses when requesting a donation. Donation information can be submitted directly into the Auction system here: https://tjhs.ptapal.com

Information on how and when to bid will be included next week! Thank you for your help in making this year's Auction a huge success! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Perkins at megandperkins@gmail.com or 303.870.0579.


GT Corner
TJ will be hosting a grade level ALPS meeting for all GT students every Wednesday afternoon in March (4, 11, 18, 25), from 2:15-2:55 pm in Room 111. In that meeting, GT students will be taken through the process of completing their ALPS. 

The following grade levels will meet on the following date: Seniors - March 4; Juniors - March 11; Sophomores - March 18 and Freshmen - March 25.

TJ will also be hosting a GT Parent Information Night on Wednesday, March 18, from 6-8 pm, in Room 111. In this meeting, we will be sharing TJ's vision for the GT program, goals for the program, and ways we hope to evolve in order to better meet the needs of our GT students.

If parents have any questions, they can reach out to Adria Tate, Dean of Instruction, at adria_tate@dpsk12.org or 720-423-7018.
TJ Culture Fest - March 13


The TJ Culture Fest will be happening on Friday, March 13th from 2pm-5pm in the TJ Cafeteria and everyone (parents, students, and staff) are welcome!
PTO News
Parents please join us at the next PTO meeting on Tuesday, March 10th from 6-7pm as we hear from the guidance counseling
staff about all the standardized testing in the spring. Now that DPS has made SAT scores a graduation requirement, there is even more practice testing and preparation. Come learn what the various standardized tests are (CMAS, PSAT, SAT, AP, and more!), what they are used for and what it means for your child's graduation requirements. Staff will answer general questions about testing. Parents who have student specific questions can make an appointment with their student's assigned counselor.
 
There will be a brief PTO business meeting immediately following the testing discussion from 7-7:30pm. We will get an update on the auction, review our finances and pass the bylaw changes discussed at the February meeting.
 
We hope you can be there!
 
Questions? Email tjhspto@gmail.com
 
Los padres por favor únanse a nosotros en la próxima reunión de la PTO el martes 10 de marzo de 6-7pm, ya que escuchamos al personal de orientación sobre todas las pruebas estandarizadas en la primavera. Ahora que DPS ha hecho de los puntajes del SAT un requisito de graduación, hay aún más pruebas de práctica y preparación.  Ven a aprender cuáles son las diversas pruebas estandarizadas (CMAS, PSAT, SAT, AP y más!), para qué se utilizan y qué significa para los requisitos de graduación de su hijo. El personal responderá preguntas generales sobre las pruebas. Los padres que tienen preguntas específicas para estudiantes pueden hacer una cita con el consejero asignado de su estudiante.
 
Habrá una breve reunión de negocios de la PTO inmediatamente después de la discusión de pruebas de 7-7:30pm. Obtendremos una actualización de la subasta, revisaremos nuestras finanzas y aprobaremos los cambios de estatuto discutidos en la reunión de febrero.
 
¡Esperamos que puedas estar ahí!
 
¿Preguntas? Correo electrónico tjhspto@gmail.com
Counseling Corner
Medical Career Collaborative: Application Due March 13th

The program model is a two year commitment that includes:

· medical field trips/workshops/trainings
· an internship at either Children's Hospital Colorado or Denver Health
· participation in weekly seminar sessions
· mentoring
· volunteer opportunities
· and college and career coaching

For students interested in Construction careers or summer job opportunities:
RSVP here.

For Black/African American Students and Latinx Students who are interested in a 3 day summer program at University of Denver: Pioneer Prep Program application is now available!
Students can see their counselor if they have questions!
College Fair
Supportive Transition Education Program
Dates:   Saturday, March 14 th , 2020
Time:  1:00 pm, following MSU Denver Open House
Where: Plaza 132
Please register by March 7 th , 2020 at 5:00pm
Contact:   Sheriff Rasheed, srasheed@msudenver.edu or
  303-615-0200
Parking:   Tivoli Auraria Parking Structure-Auraria Parkway & 9 th
    Street (across from the Pepsi Center)
Click here for more information.
Spring Break Camp Opportunity for Younger Siblings of Spartans (ages 6-12)
Poster Contest
The Denver District Attorney's Office is calling Denver's student artists in grades K-12 to submit a poster for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Artists can choose one of two themes:
  • Consent is...
  • A healthy friendship or relationship looks like...

Posters are due WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST. 
 
All artists are invited to a reception with Denver's District Attorney, Beth McCann, on April 22nd at 4pm.
Selected posters will be on display in the atrium of the Webb Municipal Building from  April 13 - 24, 2020.
Youth Roots Opportunity
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
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: 

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
Rep Visit in the Future Center! Sign up today!

Langston University: Wednesday, March 4th
Ft Lewis College: Wednesday, March 4th
CU Boulder: Thursday, March 5th

The Rotary Scholarship is due at NOON on March 12th. You are more than welcome to turn in your application early!

If you have not completed your FAFSA and/or other financial aid forms, let's set up a time to get this done ASAP.

Seniors have done a PHENOMENAL job this week preparing their scholarship submissions for CSU, CU Denver, CU Boulder and MSU Denver. Well done, Spartans!

Questions? Come check in with me!
  • 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...

February was Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month?

Did you know that 1 in 3 teenagers report physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner in the U.S. ( Loveisrespect.org )? If you want to learn more about teen dating violence, visit  Loveisrespect.org . At TJ, students have access to the END Violence Project. END Violence Project leads groups about healthy relationships and sees students who have been victimized by teen dating violence. If you want to contact our Healthy Relationships Specialist, you can call Becca Tiell-Krekeler, MSW, LSW at 303-315-0121.
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
Class of 2021 Fundraiser - Boys Basketball game Tuesday night, 2/18 ! Thank you to the class of 2021 community for their concession donations and assistance during the boys basketball game. We raised $500!

Leftover concessions will be sold by juniors during office hours. Look for more opportunities to support the class of 2021 in the near future and don't forget to buy an AMAZING class t-shirt if you haven't yet. They're going fast!

----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
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
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
SAVE THE DATES!
Freshman Feast - Saturday, March 21 st 5:30-8 p.m. at TJ
2023 Parent Fundraiser Party - Friday, April 17 th 7-10 p.m. at the McLain's Home
Hey Team '23!  We have some fun community-building events coming up so please mark your calendars!  More details to come and we welcome any help!
Next 2023 Parent Planning Meeting and social time next month - Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Citron Bistro 2525 S. Yosemite St. (Hampden & Yosemite back room reserved for TJ '23.) 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 March 4th! 

-Team '23