| Editor's Note: this will be the last newsletter for the year. The first edition for the 2017-18 school year will go out on Monday, August 21st. Enjoy the summer! |
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Administrator's Corner
Welcome to Finals Week!
Students, I hope that you have studied hard and are ready to take your finals! Take advantage of this opportunity to show what you have learned throughout the year/semester and push yourself to earn that higher grade or lock in the grade that you worked so hard to maintain.
It's been a tremendous year for TJ, full of honors and recognitions from around the country. Let's finish this school year the way started it - working hard and staying focused!
Have a great summer TJ,
¡Bienvenidos a la Semana de Exámenes Finales!
¡Estudiantes, espero que hayan estudiado mucho y estén listos para tomar sus exámenes finales! Aprovechen esta oportunidad para demostrar lo que han aprendido durante el año / semestre y presionen para obtener el grado más alto o encerrar el grado que han trabajado tan duro para mantener.
Ha sido un año tremendo para TJ, lleno de honores y reconocimientos de todo el país. Terminemos este año escolar como empezamos, trabajando duro y manteniéndonos enfocados.
Tengan un gran verano TJ,
Mike Christoff
Principal
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TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
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Thank you for your su
pport in keeping our attendance at its best!
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Week at a Glance - Week of 5/22-5/26
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| Please note: there will be NO SCHOOL the week of May 29th. If students need to make up finals, work on Edgenuity, or be in the building, they must have a pre-arranged appointment with their teacher. |
- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
- Finals, periods 2, 3, & 4
Thursday-
- Finals, periods 6 & 7
- Spring Musical: Clue - 7:00 p.m.
Friday
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- Finals, periods 1 & 8
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Spring Musical: Clue - 7:00 p.m.
Have a great summer vacation, Spartans!
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- Congrats to the Pathways Robotics students who participated in the Solar Rollers competition this weekend! One of the TJ teams came in 3rd place for the fastest lap. Way to go, Spartans!
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In the left photo, from L to R: Vanessa Flores, Ryan Cecil, Sophia Ward, Malia McDorman,
Maggie Foos, Vasi Reiva, Alexandr Akimov, Dainiel Medina.
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- Thomas Jefferson NHS members completed a recreational trail reconstruction project at Red Rocks Park for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado on Saturday, May 6. Volunteers created new designations for hiking and biking trails, digging out vegetation and regrading the trails for efficient water drainage. Students learned the fundamentals of trail construction, using various landscaping tools, management of outdoor recreational resources and responsible stewardship of the environment. NHS Students put in a hard days work beautifying one of Colorado's most beautiful attractions. Way to go TJ -SPARTAN NHS!
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Want a New Vehicle for Summer Fun?
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Did you see Mr. Poole driving around on this beauty during the Backyard Bash? It could be yours!
Bid on a Mo-Ped the robotics students repaired. This Puch Maxi is a 2 horse power Scooter, vintage 1978 from Austria. Similar items on Ebay range from $800-$1200. The Scooter runs, has a rebuilt carb, includes saddle bags, and has the owners manual. Paint is in excellent condition.
Funds from this auction will go towards purchasing materials and supplies (motors, tools, hardware, etc.) for the robotics department.
Click here to place a bid - auction runs through May 26th!
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PTO Teacher Appreciation Lunch - May 26th
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The end of the school year is quickly approaching so it's time to come together one last time before summer to THANK the wonderful staff at Thomas Jefferson High School for all that they do for our kids.
TJ PTO will be hosting a Summer Picnic Style Luncheon on Friday, May 26 from 12:00-1:00 pm in Room 111.
Please help us make this a great end of year celebration by contributing to the lunch/picnic in any way you can.
Please
sign up through the
Sign-Up Genius and bring your item to the main office any time prior to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26. Thank you!
PTO will also be providing the staff with treats from Pinkberry on Wednesday, May 24. If you would like to contribute to this or to the luncheon and have PTO do the shopping for you, you may
click here to make a donation.
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Finals Schedule and Transportation for Finals Week
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Please note: for parents of students who receive transportation on district school buses, transportation on these days will be adjusted to have the bus/ALC driver come and pick students up at 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 24th:
Period 2:
7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 3:
9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Period 4:
10:40 to 12:10 (Final)
Lunch:
12:10 to 12:50
Test make-up and teacher conferences:
12:55 - 3:00
Thursday, May 25th
Period 6:
7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 7:
9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Test make-up and teacher conferences:
10:40 - 12:10
Lunch:
12:10 to 12:50
Test make up and teacher conferences:
12:55 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up)
Friday, May 26th:
Period 1:
7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 8:
9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Test make-up and teacher conferences:
10:40 - 12:10
Lunch:
12:10 to 12:50
Test make-up and teacher conferences:
12:55 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up)
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Required Summer Homework for all Classes
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Each class offered at TJ has a summer homework requirement. All assignments can be found on the individual teacher wikipages. Please
click here
for the faculty directory.
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Save Time During Registration...Verify Online
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Online Student Verification - July 20-Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. Save time during school registration by updating your student's information online this summer, before registration begins in the fall. The window for online verification is July 20-Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. As you know, all information for current students must be verified with DPS every year. By completing this process online, you avoid paper forms and decrease the time you spend at the school, and in line, during registration.
Online verification is done through a DPS Parent Portal account -
click here to sign up, or to check that your account is active and ready. For more information about how to complete online verification,
click here.
Verificación en línea de la información de los estudiantes:
20 de julio al 11 de Agosto a 5 pm. Ahorren tiempo y actualicen la información de sus estudiantes en línea este verano, antes del período de inscripciones del otoño. El período para las verificaciones en línea se extiende desde el 20 de julio hasta el 11 de Agosto a 5 p.m. Como ya saben, la información de todos los estudiantes de DPS se debe verificar todos los años. Si hacen la verificación en línea, no tienen que llenar los formularios impresos ni pasar tanto tiempo formados en fila en la escuela durante las inscripciones.
Es necesario tener una cuenta de Portal para Padres para hacer la verificación en línea. Haga clic aqui para abrir una cuenta o para ingresar a su cuenta y comprobar que esté activa y lista para usar. Haga clic aqui
para obtener más información sobre cómo hacer la verificación de la información de su estudiante en línea.
More information:
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TJ Athletics Smartphone App
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Thomas Jefferson High School Athletics now has their own Smartphone App.
The various team coaches will be communicating all schedules, news, events and updates through this app. The app also has a link to the athletics calendar on the TJ website which also lists all events for athletics.
If you used TeamApp a TJ team last year at TJ...be aware that they have become part of the team for ALL of TJ HS.
It's 100% FREE.
All information for the 2017-2018 school year and summer of 2017 will be in the new team
To get the full features of your teams App you need to download Team App onto your smartphone.
Launch Team App.
Then:
1. Sign-up to Team App using your email address. You'll be sent an email to confirm your registration.
2.
Go to your email account and confirm registration.
3. Log in to TeamApp. Then search for Thomas Jefferson High School and request access to group(s) that apply to you.
If you don't have a smartphone or need help, please contact Laura Whalen, 303-681-7226 or lewhalen@gmail.com.
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Important Attendance Reminders
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Parents and Guardians,
As a reminder, the key to your student's academic success is coming to school on time and attending every class. Please note that we will not be accepting excused absences for students who are in school and want to miss one class to study or hang out. This is not acceptable. Also, we will require that all seniors have a 92% attendance rate to participate in commencement ceremonies. (Seniors can connect with Mr. Skari for how to fix their attendance.)
If your student is struggling and needing academic support, please remember that we have tutoring after school in the library on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Office hours on Wednesday is from 2:15pm-3pm and every student should be connecting with at least one teacher during that time.
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A Quick Follow-Up from TJ's Mental Health Team:
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In last week's Newsletter, we ran
an article
regarding the popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. As this show continues to gain popularity, we want to make sure we continue to provide staff, families and community members with resources to help increase our understanding of how this is impacting our kids.
Please utilize the following documents to help. If you would like any of these tips in another language, please reach out and we will request a translation as soon as possible.
Special Edition- 13 Reasons Why- Somali
Please
click here to learn more about "
13 Reasons Why Not," a school project in Michigan that encourages teens to talk about suicide prevention.
Thank you, and please feel free to contact Natalie Koncz, School Psychologist and Samanda Davis, Social Worker for any questions and concerns.
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Summer Job Postings for Students
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Hey students, looking for a great summer job? Interested in learning more about the hospitality industry?
- Restaurant Bus Person - set up and clear tables, stock all service stations and assist food servers with table service to ensure total guest satisfaction. Must be at least 16 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $9.00/hour plus tips
- Housekeeping Houseman - assure cleanliness of guest floor corridors, foyers, stairwells and public vending areas, folding of linens and assist with delivery of amenities to guest suites in order to maintain high standards of quality. Must be at least 16 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $10.50/hour
- Restaurant Servers - provide food and beverages in a friendly, professional and efficient manner to the guest ensuring a positive dining experience. Must be at least 18 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $8.23/hour plus tips.
If interested, please contact
Coral Bachusz,
Director of Operations/HR
Embassy Suites Denver Southeast
7525 E. Hampden Avenue
Denver, CO 80231
Direct Line: 303-923-4051
Fax: 303-337-6202
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The DPS Language Arts Department is hosting a Student Summer Writing camp
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Student Opportunity
: The Denver Writing Project is offering a writing camp for 9
th
-12
th
graders at the Auraria Campus. The camp is for students interested in writing for civic action and social justice. The camp will be held Monday through Thursday from June 12
th
-22
nd
(with no meeting on Friday, June 16
th
). This is a grant funded camp and registration is free - however, students must apply and be accepted. The camp will be capped at 30 to 40 participants and, as now, there is still space available. For more information,
click here
or contact
Sarah Woodard
(thanks for sharing, Sarah!).
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FREE Braces from Total Orthodontics
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In 2009, Dr. Kevin Theroux started a foundation called Smile for a Lifetime of Greater Denver (S4L). Through this organization, he and Dr. Barefoot, give FREE BRACES to 10 under-served children every year! Over 60 children have already been gifted an amazing smile through S4L.
All the major local news stations have done stories on Smile for a Lifetime and Dr. Theroux even received Channel 7's Everyday Hero award (which was pretty cool, we must say). However, we still struggle to get applicants. Many people who hear about it think it is "too good to be true." Since 2009, approximately 50% of the people who applied were selected as recipients-pretty good odds!
The best part of the program is that the recipients are required to do a "Pay it Forward" project. The children design a community service project, all on their own, and by the time the braces are removed they have to complete the project. The idea is to create a ripple effect of goodwill in our communities. The projects the children have done have been quite impactful and the children gain confidence in themselves and realize a wonderful truth--that every person can help other people.
There are financial guidelines which must be met. If a family has income which is at 210% of poverty level or below, they qualify to apply. Generally, if a child qualifies for free or reduced lunch at school they will meet financial guidelines to apply for the free braces.
Do you know somebody who might benefit from free braces-- perhaps a friend, a relative, a child at school? Do you know somebody who works with underserved youth? The purpose of this letter is to ask you to please let your friends and family know about S4L-- perhaps post it on your Facebook page, send out some emails, etc.. If you hook a child up with FREE BRACES, we can promise you that you will be a hero in the eyes of that child and his/her family!
With gratitude,
The Team at Total Orthodontics
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Click here for more details about the trip.
Enroll before the end of May to save!
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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~ Local Summer Happenings ~
Summer is almost here! While kids (and school staff) are rejoicing, parents may feel stressed trying to fill the days with activities that won't break the budget. Colorado has so much to offer! From outdoor family activities, to summer camps for kids, art shows and food events to a variety of concerts, you are sure to find some fun things to do. Here is a short guide to help you get started:
Summer Concerts:
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Jazz In The Park- Every Sunday night at City Park in June and July
Summer Fitness & Outdoors:
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Swimming- Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Water World
Summer Denver Events:
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Elitch Gardens
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5 Points Jazz Fest- May 20th
Free Events:
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Farmer's Markets- held throughout the entire city- find one near you!
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Denver Botanic Gardens free days (York Street)- June 14, July 17 and Aug. 29
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Denver Botanic Gardens free days (Chatfield)- June 6, July 15 and Aug. 1
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Denver Museum of Nature and Science free days- June 4, Aug. 6, Aug. 28 and Sept. 17
For more FREE activities, click
here!
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Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip:
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP
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Save the Date - Saturday, August 19th
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Get Your Gear On!
The
TJ Spartan Spirit Store is a virtual store which is online. The store is also set up at some school events such as athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.
Check out the new American Apparel soft 100% cotton v-neck t-shirts in dark gray or white with gold TJ on the front and Spartan on the back. Also, get a new gray fleece blanket with gold TJ embroidered in the corner to keep you warm while cheering on the Spartans this winter.
New XXL and XL sizes in men's Under Armour ankle zip sweatpants and new inventory in the Under Armour 1/4 zip long sleeve pullovers in graphite gray stripe with embroidered TJ. XXL hoodies and T-shirts now available.
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Great news!
All Class T-Shirts are now available (as wells as other TJ gear) in the
Spartan Store and during 8th period and after school (during Office Hours) on Wednesdays in the lobby. (Pictures of 2018 and 2020 shirts coming soon!)
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Graduation: Friday, June 2nd, at DU Arena 4:00 p.m.
- Doors open at 3pm
- NO tickets needed...open seating (but first come first served)
- Students will receive Cap & Gown after completing Senior Checkout on the May 17th.
Rehearsal:
May 30th 9:15-10:30am (MANDATORY) Rehearsal at DU (please arrive no later than 9:15)
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SENIOR T-Shirts - Get Yours Now
We still have some of the original Class of 2017 T-Shirts available. Y
ou can purchase online and pickup at school OR
see Julie Thibodeau in the office
to buy your shirt.
.
Purchase online here!
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Thanks for helping to make TJ and the Class of 2017 Great!
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- Please look for more opportunities this school year for parents to socialize, get connected and contribute to the Class of 2018 fundraising efforts. Please email karycramer@msn.com if you're interested in helping out at any point this year. We need you!
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Class of 2019 - Sophomores
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We are excited to introduce the Class of '19 retro t-shirt for sale (picture above)! T-shirts are $15 each and proceeds will help fund Class of '19 Senior Year activities, including After Prom. Shirts can be purchased directly from Julie Thibodeau, online at the Spartan Store, during Office Hours in the lobby, or at various school events. Parents will be selling the t-shirts in the lobby on February 8th and 15th as well.
THANK YOU for supporting the Class of '19!
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If you have an idea for fundraising, community building event or volunteer opportunity, please contact Jane Bulger:
janeebulger@gmail.com
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Thank-you to Megan Perkins and Lisa LoJacono who have agreed to be parent representatives for the Class of 2020. Please look for important information to come. If you are interested in getting involved please email Megan at:
megandperkins@gmail.com
or Lisa at:
lisalojacono@gmail.com
.
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New Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021
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DPS has adopted new, evidence-based graduation requirements that will go into effect this year for the graduating class of 2021.
Click here
to read more!
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News from the Future Center
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Dear Seniors and Families,
We are reaching the end of the school year. Please read the entire email for steps students need to take before leaving TJ. This email also has information about lots of opportunities and scholarships.
College Acceptances
Congratulations to the 145 students who have shared that they've been accepted to college! Not all seniors have shared where they've been admitted. If you have not shared, you will not be part of the senior college acceptances presentation. I will use the college acceptances and senior pictures for recognition in the main hallway and possibly during the graduation ceremony.
Scholarship Acceptances
Congratulations to the 48 students who have received scholarships! At this point, 80 students have applied to at least one scholarship. If you have received a scholarship, please share a copy of your acceptance letter. I would like to recognize you in the graduation program booklet. If I don't hear from you, I will be unable to recognize you. At this point, TJ seniors have raised $4,159,885 in scholarship money. We are getting closer to our goal of $7 million!
Steps to Enrollment
If you have been accepted to college, here are a list of steps to take to enroll in college:
1. Open your student account on your college's website. ASAP!
2. Complete the financial aid process. Information will be in your student account. Do not put down an enrollment deposit unless you know exactly what you'll have to pay. I am happy to breakdown financial aid award letters with you.
3. Enrollment deposit: Assuming you can afford to attend the university, confirm your spot through paying an enrollment deposit. If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
4. Housing: If you are going to live on campus, you need to put down a housing deposit. If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
5. Testing: Some colleges will ask you to take the ACCUPLACER or their own academic placement testing before you are allowed to register. Make sure you know what your requirements are.
6. Orientation: Colleges and universities expect students to attend orientation.
7. Health insurance: If you have health insurance with your family, make sure you give proof to the college. If health insurance is required, you might automatically be enrolled for the university's insurance, which could be an extra $3000-$4000. If you have Medicaid, check in with the clinic to make sure that you have what you need for college.
8. Vaccinations: Get a copy of your vaccinations before you leave TJ.
9. Meet with an academic advisor/register for classes
10. Send transcripts from any college where you were concurrently enrolled to the college/university that you will be attending. Also send Advanced Placement test scores with a three or higher. I will send directions in my next email in May.
For upcoming events, college visits, financial aid workshops, scholarships, and much more, visit the Future Center
wikipage
!
Rena Maez
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
rmaez@denverscholarship.org
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www.denverscholarship.org
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