Please note: there will be no newsletter next week. 
The next issue will go out on December 2nd.  Enjoy the break!
November 18, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with TJ's Challenge Day.  You made it a special experience and we thank you. 
 
Winter Sports tryouts are November 18th.  Visit the Spartan Athletics website for more information and to access the link
to register.
 
Thanksgiving Break is November 23rd through December 1st.   
When students return on December 2nd there will only be a few weeks 
before finals. Please ensure your student attends every class, every 
day. 

Gracias a todos los voluntarios que ayudaron con el Día del Desafío
de TJ. Lo hiciste una experiencia especial y te lo agradecemos.

Las pruebas de deportes de invierno son el 18 de noviembre. Visite el sitio web de Spartan Athletics para obtener más información y acceder al enlace para registrarse.

El descanso de Acción de Gracias es del 23 de noviembre al 1 de diciembre. Cuando los estudiantes regresen el 2 de diciembre sólo 
habrá unas pocas semanas antes de la final. Por favor, asegúrese 
de que su estudiante asiste a cada clase, todos los días.

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 11/18-11/22
Monday- 
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
  • PTO Meeting: 6:00-7:30 p.m. (room 111)
Wednesday -
  • Office Hours - 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday-
  • Noodles Fundraiser:6300 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO, 80222 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday- 
Kudos Korner
Challenge Day celebrations from the mental health team:
  • Connected many students to financial resources within our building and/or within our community.  They will also be a part of our Thanksgiving, Adopt-A-Family program, and shopping spree at Kohls.  
  • Miracles were witnessed during the Shout Out. Witnessed students reading letters to loved ones who have passed away, thanking parents for being there for them, and to their friends/partners expressing gratitude. 
  • We had a successful and well-attended Be The Change group.They are inspired to keep the momentum going. 
  • A student reported that she has difficulty opening up and making connections.  She saw her small family group in the hall and they all hugged and said hello.
  • One family group decided to all eat lunch together in the cafeteria the next day and all exchanged phone numbers. 
  • Witnessed new students to the country and /or to TJHS, expressing their connection to their peers in a way they have not before.
  • Many students commenting that If every school had challenge day, it would be a completely different world. 
  • One student reported reading their letter to their mother and they discussed their relationship and how to improve their bond. 
  • Most students shared it was emotional for the rest of the day, but not necessarily in a bad way. 
  • Most students said it feels like a bit of weight was lifted after sharing. 
  • Almost every student said they took a nap after challenge day  ; )

Data from Pre and Post Survey (157 students completed survey)
Here are 7 questions from Survey that are most relevant to what Challenge Day is trying to accomplish:
(Percentages represent those who Agree to Strongly Agree)
  •          I feel connected to the students and adults at my school:  Before CD (24.05%)  After CD (80.38)
  •          There are people at my school who understand my feelings and experiences: Before CD (38.6 %) After CD (81.01%)
  •          I feel I can be myself and freely express myself at school:  Before CD (45.57%) After CD (71.89%)
  •          I believe talking openly about my life as a help way to relieve stress:  Before CD (45.57%)  After CD  (70.06%)
  •          I feel empowered to influence change at my school, in my community and/or in the world:  Before CD (53.79)  After CD (80.38 %)
  •          I believe that I am not alone:  Before CD (54.43%)  After CD (82.91%)
  •          I understand the impact of my actions on others:  Before CD (71.52%)  After CD (93.63%)
Thanks to all who helped make Challenge Day a success!
SkillsUSA Food Drive for TJ Families - Last day is tomorrow!

It's the final push for the SkillsUSA food drive! Through TOMORROW, Students can bring non-perishables to contribute to TJ families in need for the holidays.The class that collects the most food will win their choice of pizza, donuts or ice cream. The goal is to collect enough food to feed 20 families for Thanksgiving. 
Thanks for your support, TJ!
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 next PTO meeting will be this  Tuesday, November 19th  at 6pm in room 111.  We are kicking off the annual Online Auction and need lots of people there to put our heads together. Since we aren't hosting ArtFest, there is a greater need to make this auction the best one ever!
Important considerations include...
  • Filling the role of auction co-chair who can help run all aspects of the Auction with the existing chair
  • Filling the role of communications coordinator to develop a communication schedule and get the word out about the Auction
  • Filling several acquisition lead rolls to head up specific target areas for acquisitions
 
We would also like to plan a school wide parent event.  We need to figure out what this looks like and start planning it. Any party planners out there? We'd love to have your help!
 
We hope to see you there but, if you can't attend the meeting and want to be part of the auction committee, email TJHSPTO@gmail.com  and let us know you are interested in helping.
 
La próxima reunión de la PTO será el martes 19 de noviembre a las 16:00 horas en la sala 111.  Estamos iniciando preparaciones para la subasta anual en línea y necesitamos que mucha gente asista a la reunión para aportar ideas. Ya que no estamos organizando ArtFest, ¡hay una mayor necesidad de hacer que esta subasta sea la mejor de todos los tiempos!
Algunas consideraciones importantes de la reunión el martes incluyen...
  • *          Cubrir el papel de co-organizador de la subasta; esta persona ayuda a ejecutar todos los aspectos de la subasta con el presidente actual
  • *          Cubrir el papel de Coordinador de Comunicaciones para desarrollar un programa de comunicaciones y hacer corer la voz sobre la subasta
  • *          Llenar varios labores principales para dirigir adquisiciones específicas
También nos gustaría planificar un evento para todos los padres de la escuela.  Hay que comprender cómo se llevaría a cabo y empezar a planearlo. ¿Es usted organizador de fiestas?  ¡Nos encantaría su ayuda!
Esperamos verlo en la reunión el martes que viene, pero si no puede asistir a la reunión y desea ser parte del comité de la subasta anual, envíe un correo electrónico a  TJHSPTO@gmail.com y háganos saber que le interesaría ayudar.
PTO Fundraising
Wondering how fundraising works at TJ? In the 2018-19 school year, PTO awarded almost $10,000 in classroom grants! While the bulk of the monies raised go toward these grants, PTO support the TJ community in several other ways.
  • Teacher appreciation & staff wellness events
  • Student Leadership sponsored events such as Homecoming and the Backyard BBQ
  • Community events such as the Newcomer Cookout in August
  • Parent education events such as the Screenagers documentary
In the last few years, the PTO has simplified fundraising by focusing on the following efforts...
 
ArtFest: Last year, we celebrated 30 years of this event. This is a tradition for the wider community and brings over 80 local artisans and small businesses together. In the 2018-19 school year, ArtFest raised $7,500 that went toward classroom grants.
  • This year, we are taking a break to rethink how we produce ArtFest. Stay tuned for more information. 
Online Auction: Last year's online auction netted $12,000! This is an easy way to include lots of people in supporting TJ. The auction is critical this year since we don't have any funds from ArtFest. We want to keep the momentum going and need your help collecting donations and promoting this event. This year's auction will be held on March 15-19, 2020.
  • We will start planning for the auction at this month's PTO meeting on November 19th. 
King Soopers Cards: This is an incredible source of FREE money. All you need to do is register your King Soopers loyalty card number or alternate ID (phone number) to earn money for TJ. After you register for the program,  a percentage of ALL your King Soopers purchases will go to the PTO each month. The PTO grants a portion of these funds to each class at the beginning of the school year to help pay for senior year activities.
Amazon Smile: Again, FREE money. When you ramp up for your holiday shopping, go to   smile.amazon.com and select Thomas Jefferson High School Partners as your charitable organization to receive donations from your eligible purchases  before you begin shopping.  Amazon will remember your choice for future purchases.
 
Class Fundraising Events: Parents serve as Class Sponsors to coordinate raising money for senior year activities. The Student Leadership Class works on raising money for Prom while parents focus on raising money for After Prom. This money is not part of the PTO general fund but is held for each class to use during their senior year.
The PTO can't do any of this without parents getting involved so we look forward having your support! The PTO is a 501c3 organization (official name: Thomas Jefferson High School Partners) so donations are tax deductible.

Together we are Spartan Strong!
Noodles Interact Fundraiser - Thursday, November 21
School Counseling Advisory Council
As counselors at Thomas Jefferson High School, we strive to provide a comprehensive counseling program for our students. To have the best possible program, we need to hear from you- our stakeholders. The School Counseling Advisory Council provides the platform through which we can collaborate on how to best serve our students. We are confident that you could provide an invaluable service to the school as a member of our School Counseling Advisory Council and are inviting you to become a member.
The School Counseling Advisory Council is composed of outstanding leaders in the school and community. Its purpose is:
  • Make recommendations regarding students and community needs
  • To make recommendations regarding the counseling department response to those needs
  • To advocate for and support the total school counseling program.
 
The advisory council will meet approximately twice each school year. Our first meeting will be Monday December 2nd at 6 pm in room 111 at Thomas Jefferson High School. Dinner and interpretation will be provided.
Please let us know if you are willing to serve or know community members who would be and are available to meet on this date. Your acceptance will greatly enhance our school counseling program.
To participate, e-mail Margaret_kennedy@dpsk12.org .
Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar
Como orientadores de la Escuela Preparatoria Thomas Jefferson, nos esforzamos en proporcionar un programa integral de orientación para nuestros estudiantes. A fin de tener el mejor programa posible, necesitamos conocer la opinión de ustedes, nuestras partes interesadas. El Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar proporciona la plataforma a través de la cual podemos colaborar para idear la mejor manera de servir a nuestros estudiantes. Estamos seguros de que podrían brindar un valioso servicio a la escuela como miembros de nuestro Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar y los invitamos a ser miembros del mismo.
El Consejo Asesor de Orientación Escolar está compuesto por líderes sobresalientes de la escuela y la comunidad. Su objetivo es:
  • Proporcionar recomendaciones sobre las necesidades de los estudiantes y la comunidad.
  • Proporcionar recomendaciones sobre la respuesta del departamento de orientación a esas necesidades.
  • Defender y apoyar el programa de orientación de toda la escuela.
El consejo asesor se reunirá aproximadamente dos veces cada año escolar. Nuestra primera reunión será el lunes, 2 de diciembre, a las 6 p. m. en el salón 111 de la Escuela Preparatoria Thomas Jefferson. Se proporcionará cena y servicios de interpretación.
Infórmennos si están dispuestos a servir o si conocen a miembros de la comunidad que estarían y están disponibles para reunirse en esta fecha. Su aceptación mejorará en gran medida nuestro programa de orientación escolar.
Para participar, envíen un correo electrónico a Margaret_kennedy@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.  
Concussion Research Study
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
College Admissions Representatives Visits -

· Drake University

o Tues., November 19th at 10:15-11:19

· Adams State University

o Weds., November 20th at 10:03-11:00

· University of Idaho

o Fri., November 22nd at 10:15-11:19

 
12th graders - Please sign up in Naviance

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
   
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...?
Navigating the topic of body image can be tricky. We all want our kids to feel good in their own body, and spend less time wondering if they are attractive enough and MORE time building healthy relationships with their bodies.

How can you, as a parent/guardian help?

1)     Follow their lead: the most successful conversations with teenagers happens when they open the door to a topic; when your teen casually brings up dieting, weight or appearance, seize the opportunity!
      • For example, if your teen gets hallway through dinner and asks if he/she should finish their food, consider responding with "are you still hungry?" or "do you feel like you've had enough?" This aims to help teens reflect on their own opinions and to pay attention to the cues from their body.
      • Another example, if your teen is trying on new jeans and wonders out loud if they look like they are supposed to, ask them how he/she thinks they are supposed to look. Try, "how do you want them to look?" or "Is there something about them that is bothering you?" Resist the temptation to provide an empty compliment, such as, "they look great!" Use this time to understand more about how your child feels about their body.
2)    Raise a critical consumer: Teens spend a lot of time looking through social media platforms, inclusive of celebrity pages and posts. Remind them that no photography accurately represents what people look like in real life. The next time you notice your teen scrolling through Instagram, encourage skepticism. Ask, "Is that what he really looks like?" or "how much time do you think she spent making that picture?" Don't worry if you get an eye roll in response (message was received!).
 
3)    Shift the focus : There are a lot of ways for young people to feel good about their bodies that do not require focus to be on the exterior. Studies show that girls who participate in sports have a higher body esteem than girls who do not.
      • Another way to help teens feel good about their body without emphasizing the physical appearance, is to celebrate the many physical feel-good moments that brighten daily life (a hygiene product that feels good, how you feel when cuddling with the family pet, a cozy pair of pajamas, etc.) 
4)    Model a healthy attitude : Kids ABSOLUTELY notice how we talk about and treat our own bodies, so it is important to tune in to the messages we might be sending to them. SO, however you may feel about your own body, talk kindly about your appearance, both for your sake, and that of your teen. If you are truly over-weight, be honest about that, as well as your plan to manage this-- teens needs to be aware of the health risks of obesity as well, and understand a healthy path to take care of yourself.
* Bottom Line *
When we encourage our kids to become comfortable with their body, 
we help them develop and foster the lifelong healthy relationship 
with their appearance, which we all deserve.

Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
Resources: Family Circle, January 2019: https://www.familycircle.com/teen/how-discuss-body-image-your-teen/ Lisa Damour, PhD
TJ Laptop Fundraising Opportunity
Transition to Higher Education Course - Apply Now!
Please see information attached and information below about the 2020 spring semester of the  Transition to Higher Education Course.   The application is live now!
 
Help 11th grade and 12th grade students with IEP and 504 Plans get connected to learn the essentials for making a seamless and successful transition from high school to higher education!  The Transition to Higher Education course is a free spring semester course for DPS and Cherry Creek School District taught on Auraria Campus by campus faculty and staff on Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 from January 22nd-April 22nd.  See prerequisites and help students apply at the application linked HERE
 
Your student is perfect for this class if they:
-are in 11th grade, 12th grade with an IEP or 504 plan,
-have the ability, skills, and motivation to access college level coursework upon high school completion
-have a postsecondary goal to attend a 2yr, 4yr, or vocational school after high school and 
-meet requirements as outlined in the application
   
Only 15 spaces are available for DPS students, so support eligible students with applying now to be considered for acceptance into the class. We are looking forward to seeing applicants from your school! The application window closes November 21st.  

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
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
CLASS OF 2023 PARENTS & SUPPORTERS!
We have two easy FUNdraisers for you!
An online Pampered Chef shopping opportunity for anyone to utilize! Class of 2023 will receive up to 15% of our total sales! The Sale runs through Friday, December 6th, so please pass it along to family and friends and get those gifts in time for the Holidays! There are many great items and wonderful gifts in this catalog!
Click here to begin shopping and support 2023!
SPORTING EVENT VOLUNTEERS through ARGUS EVENT COMPANY
This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity and fundraiser for Class of 2023. TJ Parents will be working with Argus Event Company to Staff a number of various athletic events around town that fit your schedule! In turn, we make money for Class of 2023. Events include DU Hockey, Bronco games and more! Volunteer for one event or all of them! Whatever fits your schedule!
1st EVENT: DU Hockey Game - Friday, December 13, 2019, 6-10 p.m. Magness Arena

WHO : TJ Parents, Your Friends or Relatives 18 or older

WHAT: Will volunteer as ticket scanners or ushers and will be trained the evening of the event

UNIFORM: Wear black shoes, black pants. Argus provides clean shirt uniform & hat for the evening. 

BENEFIT: Your 4 hours of time at the event will gross $60+ for the Class of 2023!
      (10 parents = $600 per event)
WAIVER: Argus requires a free secure background check on all volunteers - please first click here to get started as an approved TJ Volunteer for this Argus Fundraiser. Note within the waiver please insert the following on page 2:  NPO Organization is TJHS Partners and NPO Contact is Eva Madrigal. If there is an issue about info requested or a glitch, please call our Argus Contact: Kim Blosser 720-937-8043
 
SIGN UP: Please click on the Sign up Genius Link here to let us know:
1)    You will be in our Pool of TJ 2023 Argus Volunteers - we'll notify you of upcoming events to sign up for!
2)    If you can, please volunteer and sign up for the 1st EVENT: DU Hockey Game, Friday, December 13, 2019 6-10 p.m. Magness Arena
3)    Eva Madrigal TJ Parent Coordinator of Argus Events will be in touch with you about parking recommendations, confirming volunteering, timing, answer questions, etc.

QUESTIONS: Eva Madrigal at  emadrigal04@yahoo.com

-Team '23
 We're off to a great start - thank you to so many volunteers! As always, please contact us if you'd like to be involved planning, have some ideas or want to jump in to help. Contact Catherine Poirier -  cpoirier@bodybark.com  or Christy Jordan  christy.jordan@comcast.net   . Please plan to join us at the PTO Meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6 p.m. TJ Room 111. We can meet briefly after PTO to connect and work on 2023!