May 11, 2020
Administrator's Corner

Happy Monday, Spartans!

We're in the final push! AP exams begin today, so we wish our students luck! The detailed exam schedule is below. We plan to do senior checkout on May 18th (last names A-J) and May 19th (last names K-Z) from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. each day. Please see the map below to know where cars need to enter the property. We have organized this in a way that will be efficient and effective for all parties involved, and most of all, we will do this in a safe and socially distanced manner.

There has been a delay in the shipment of yearbooks due to current circumstances, so unfortunately seniors will not be able to pick up their yearbooks during senior checkout. Stay tuned for more information about this.

The final day of classes for remote learning will take place on Thursday, May 21, and ALL WORK is due from students on Friday, May 22. 

Thanks again for your flexibility and support, Spartans. We are so proud of our community response during this difficult time!

Stay healthy, TJ. 

¡Feliz lunes, espartanos!

¡Estamos en el último empujón! Los exámenes AP comienzan hoy, ¡así que le deseamos suerte a nuestros estudiantes! El calendario detallado del examen está a continuación. Planeamos hacer la caja de la tercera edad el 18 de mayo (apellidos A-J) y el 19 de mayo (apellidos K-Z) de 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. cada día. Consulte el siguiente mapa para saber dónde deben entrar los coches. Hemos organizado esto de una manera que será eficiente y eficaz para todas las partes involucradas, y sobre todo, lo haremos de una manera segura y socialmente alejada.

Ha habido un retraso en el envío de anuarios debido a las circunstancias actuales, por lo que lamentablemente las personas mayores no podrán recoger sus anuarios durante el pago de la tercera edad. Manténgase atento para obtener más información al respecto.

El último día de clases para el aprendizaje remoto tendrá lugar el jueves 21 de mayo, y TODO EL TRABAJO debe ser de los estudiantes el viernes 22 de mayo.

Gracias de nuevo por su flexibilidad y apoyo, Spartans. Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestra respuesta de la comunidad durante este momento difícil!

Mantente saludable, TJ.

Mike Christoff
Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 5/11-5/15
Monday-
  • Remote Learning (See schedule below)
  • periods 1, 3, 7
  • AP Testing - details below
  • Spirit Week - Pajama Day
Tuesday-
  • Remote Learning for Students
  • periods 2, 4, 6, 8
  • AP Testing - details below
  • Spirit Week - Beach Day
  • PTO Meeting - 6:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-
  • Remote Learning for Students 
  • periods 1, 3, 7
  • AP Testing - details below
  • Spirit Week - Throwback Day
Thursday-
  • Remote Learning for Students
  • periods 2, 4, 6, 8
  • AP Testing - details below
  • Spirit Week - TJ Day
Friday
  • All week's work must be submitted by students
  • AP Testing - details below
graphic by AJ Domagala
Remote Learning Schedule
Kudos Korner
Click here to see a cool video from the senior signs distribution last weekend!  We couldn't have done this without all of the TJ volunteers as well as the Mulligan family and their amazing work at Yellow Dog Printing & Graphics. Seniors, be sure to take  a picture in front of your sign with those people who supported you in getting to the finish line and tag TJ on social media!
AP Exam Schedule
AP Exam Updates
AP exams start on May 11th. Please pay for your exam in MySchoolBucks through ParentPortal. Testing Calendar:  https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-calendar

Student Communications and Exam Access
Students will need access to their email or College Board account to take the 2020 AP Exams. You can help ensure that your students have access in the following ways:

1.  Remind them to check the email address they used to create their account on myap.collegeboard.org; students should regularly check this email address for the most recent information about their AP Exams.

2.  Students should verify their College Board account at myap.collegeboard.org by clicking on their profile at the top right-hand corner of the page, and going to Account Settings. Students should scroll down to verify their information and confirm that their email address is the one to which they'd like to receive the e-ticket to take their AP Exams. If it's not the correct email, they can update it to an email they check regularly by clicking Update.
Senior Checkout Map
Cards for Seniors Project - Please Contribute!
CARDS FOR SENIORS
Most nursing homes and senior living facilities are on lock down and not allowing any visitors. Some seniors are feeling very isolated and lonely during this unprecedented time. Join us in helping lift their spirits by writing cards or drawing pictures. This can be a fun activity for people of all ages. Get creative! Maybe create a crossword puzzle for them to fill out as an activity or include an encouraging quote. Your letter would be a small act of kindness that will make a big difference to them! Below are the senior living communities in southeast Denver who are accepting cards by mail and email:
Brookdale - Tamarac
  • Mail to: Brookdale Tamarac Square (Attn: Shannon Arwood-Dionese) 8030 E Girard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231
  • Or scan your card and email to: sarwooddionese@brookdale.com
    Subject Line: "Senior Card Project"
Carillon at Belleview Station
  • Mail to: The Carillon at Belleview Station (Attn: Angie Erickson) 4855 S Niagra St, Denver, CO 80237
  • Or scan your card and email to: aerickson@leisurecare.com
    Subject Line: "Senior Card Project"
Clermont Park
  • Mail to: Clermont Park (Attn: Andrew Sharp) 2479 S. Clermont St, Denver, CO 80222
  • Or scan your card and email to: cpcardproject@gmail.com
    Subject Line: "Senior Card Project"
Porter Place
  • Mail to: Porter Place (Attn: Trina McCray - Senior Card Project) 1001 E Yale Ave, Denver, CO 80210

Safe 2 Tell During Quarantine
Safe2tell is excited to offer "Promoting Safe2Tell to students during a quarantine" webinar. Participants will learn how to apply the Safe2Tell Core Messaging to a remote audience as well as the multitude of resources available. The webinar will be offered on two dates: Wednesday, May 13 from 11:00-12:00 as well as Friday, May 21 from 2:00-3:00. Please direct any questions to Mark.Lanning@coag.gov .
 
To register for Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 click here: 
 
To register for Friday, May 21 at 2:00 click here: 
   
For more information regarding Safe2Tell, please visit: https://safe2tell.org/

Denver Health Update
Annual Family Update
Save time during fall registration by quickly updating your student's information online this spring. The "Early Bird" window for Annual Family Update is May 1 through May 31 at 4 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 fall registration. In order to participate in the online Annual Family Update, you must have an active DPS Parent Portal account.


Spanish (for "Early Bird" Window) Actualización Familiar Anual: del 1 al 31 de mayo, a las 4 p. m. Ahorren tiempo durante las inscripciones de otoño al actualizar rápidamente la información de su estudiante en línea esta primavera. El plazo anticipado de la Actualización Familiar Anual es del 1 al 31 de mayo, a las 4 p. m. Como saben, toda la información de los estudiantes actuales debe verificarse anualmente en DPS. Al completar este proceso en línea, no tienen que llenar los formularios impresos ni pasar tanto tiempo en la escuela ni hacer cola durante las inscripciones de otoño. A fin de participar en la Actualización Familiar Anual en línea deben tener una cuenta activa en el Portal para Padres de DPS. 
Restaurants of the Week!

Over the past few years many local restaurants have been very supportive of TJ and the community. 

Now it's our turn to give back by supporting them during this time of need. 

Each week we will highlight three restaurants. 

Please try your best to go out and support these businesses. 

Thank you TJ!


Counseling Corner
9th, 10th and 11th graders, remember ICAP (your Individual Career and Academic Plan) is still a graduation requirement. Please make sure your My ICAP survey is filled out in your Student Portal for your current and previous high school years to be considered on track to graduate. If you have questions, ICAP lessons and Google Slides with directions are on the Counseling Website linked here .

Reach to your school counselor with questions and remember our  Counseling Website  for additional resources and information. We miss you, TJ!

Teen Wellness
Senior Spotlights
TJ is showcasing seniors on social media throughout the rest of the semester! If your senior wants to be included please have them do the following:
 
Email anne_rice@dpsk12.org the following:
-          Name
-          Picture (school appropriate)
-          College/career plan for next year
-          Favorite memory from TJ (max 75 words)
 
*Responses may be edited/condensed to fit social media post limits.
 
We look forward to shining a spotlight on your senior!
PTO News
Our May PTO meeting will be on  Tuesday, May 12th  from 6-7pm and will be a virtual meeting via Zoom. For our last meeting of the year, we'll celebrate our accomplishments and talk about plans for the coming year. Most importantly, our primary goal for this meeting is to elect officers for the 2020-21 school year. Everything the PTO does is ultimately in support of our remarkable students.  The student body is growing, the staff is growing and the PTO is growing. YOU make all the difference!

There are some critical roles to fill to keep everyone's hard work this year moving forward. We need parents to serve in the following ways:
  • Vice President - ideally would take on the role of President the following year
  • Secretary - record minutes from the monthly business meetings
  • Assistant Treasurer - provide support to the treasurer
  • Hospitality Coordinator - lead a group of volunteers to hold a handful of staff appreciation meals and events during the school year
  • At Large members for the classes of 2021 and 2023 - be a decision maker by participating in PTO executive board planning to set goals and direction
The PTO is a dedicated group of engaged parents who do so much to support the TJ community but we need leadership to stay on course.  We invite you to become an active part of the story, made richer by our diverse backgrounds, talents and resources. Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ staff and students be the best they can be. We can't be Spartan Strong without YOU!
 
Want to get involved?  Email   tjhspto@gmail.com  
 
Yearbook News


COVID19 Yearbook Update:

The yearbook staff met the challenge of finishing the book right before spring break. It was a true team effort!

The book is currently being printed. We are hopeful that the production will not stop because of closures. 

Distribution?  With the hopes that the book is printed, we are still determining the best solution to get the books to students. There will be a community announcement as soon as we know.
Senior Parking Spaces for Next Year
Current Juniors: I f you want to reserve a parking spot for next year, please reach out to Mrs. Allen via email 
Carla_allen@dpsk12.org or Carla_allen@dpsk12.net.
GT Corner
Hey GT Families!  We are here for you!
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 2023 Cohort - b7vpvfn
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2022 Cohort - orzg7to
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2021 Cohort - by7mjwi
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2020 Cohort - cmruxzl
 
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 effective 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 adria_tate@dpsk12.org
Resources from the Library
The Google Classroom code for the library is:  tbthine   Come join us!


The web site Brain Pop has opened their web site for free.

It has a fair amount of information and activities.  The web site also has an ELL page, a Spanish page, a French page, and a Jr. Page (K-3).

For easy access, I created a general user id and password for everyone in the TJ community.

Parents can use this link for more info on the web site:   https://go.brainpop.com/family/home

To sign in go to the web site:  www.BrainPop.com

User ID:
tjhs_library

Password:  
 Library1  The password is case sensitive.

Thanks, Mr. Fabian!
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!!
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.  
News from the Future Center
Class of 2020, keep up the great work towards college enrollment! Be sure to check the TJ Future Center google classroom for scholarship opportunities as well as important information about your next steps for college.

Log in to your college email regularly to ensure your school is not missing information from you! If you have not yet received financial aid information, you likely have some forms you need to complete. Let's get it done!

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...?

TJ- we have your back! Even though we are remote learning the remainder of the semester, social-emotional wellbeing is still an area of great importance for us. Maybe now more than before. 

Here is how we are here to help you:
1. Office Hours- Need to "meet" with someone to check-in? We are available! 
2. Social-Emotional Wellbeing Classroom:
  • Please also check out the ACTIVITY WEBSITE Mrs. Davis and I created-- Google Classroom Code: 36frz7m
If you need immediate support, please review the following crisis resources:
* Safe2Tell: Anonymous hotline:   https://safe2tell.org/ (877)542-7233
* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ and (800)273-8255 
* Colorado Crisis Services: Mental Health supports (844-493-8255 and www.ColoradoCrisisServices.org  
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
Sabías...?

TJ- te respaldamos! A pesar de que estamos aprendiendo a distancia el resto del semestre, el bienestar social y emocional sigue siendo un área de gran importancia para nosotros. Quizás ahora más que antes .


Así es como estamos aquí para ayudarlo:
1) Horario de atención: ¿necesita "reunirse" con alguien para registrarse? ¡Estamos disponibles !
* A partir de la semana del 6 de abril, puede solicitar "reunirse" con un personal de apoyo. Complete este formulario: https://forms.gle/qtrCivjAyyQhcac46

2) Aula de Bienestar Social-Emocional:
* Consulte también el SITIO WEB DE ACTIVIDADES que la Sra. Davis y yo creamos: código de Google Classroom: 36frz7m



Si necesita asistencia inmediata, revise los siguientes recursos de crisis:
* Safe2Tell: línea directa anónima: https://safe2tell.org/   (877)542-7233
* Línea de vida nacional para la prevención del suicidio: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/   y (800)273-8255
* Colorado Crisis Services: apoyo de salud mental 844-493-8255 y www.ColoradoCrisisServices.org  

Salud mental y emocional emocional "¿Sabía usted?" : Compilado por Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW y 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
Click here for an important message for all seniors!
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Megan Perkins ( megandperkins@gmail.com ) or Lisa LoJacono ( lisalojacono@gmail.com ).  
Class of 2021 - Juniors
Soon to be Vintage - Don't forget to buy an AMAZING class t-shirt if you haven't yet.  See Mrs Lynch room 111.  They're going fast!   
 
As are our kiddos!  Just think one year from now they we will be dressing up for Prom, celebrating graduation, and gearing up for their next adventure.  Let's send them out in style.  To do this, we need your help!  Do you know that most schools charge $50-$80 a ticket for Prom?  AT TJ, we want everyone to go to Prom for no more than $20.21 a ticket and after Prom is FREE to all seniors! However, we cannot do it without your help.  
 
Don't need a shirt and wondering how you can support the class?  Ready to make this the best year ever?  Start today and make a donation to the Class of 2021 through the Sprit Store here and feel AMAZING! 
 
Look for some upcoming parent social events to kick off this journey and last hurrah! Tons of opportunity be part of the experience and we need EVERYONE to make this special.  If you like party planning or just have ideas or want to help with additional fundraising, contact any one of us. We need parents to take the lead on Senior Sleep out, Mr. TJ, Powder Puff Football, Homecoming Rally, and After Prom.  If this sounds like you, please speak up! 
 
Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com Jen Abram jenabram18@gmail.com ; Lisa Allen allenlisa85@yahoo.com; Colley Moe colley_moe@comcast.net;  Teri Hertzel thetzel@comcast.net, John Trujillo trujillopotter@icloud.com  (2021 Class Sponsor)
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
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.