Administrator's Corner
With the fall athletic season coming to a close we encourage all students interested in participating during the winter season to make sure they are prepared. Students who are interested in playing basketball, wrestling or joining the girls swim team should make sure they have a current sports physical, paid their pay to play fee and completed their registration paperwork prior to the first day of tryouts on Friday, November 11th. Go to the
Athletics web page for more information!
Also, we have teamed up with the Sawaya Law Firm to help educate our kids about the dangers of distracted driving. If you're interested,
click here for more information and to download a free Safe Driving Handbook to share with your student.
Con la temporada atlética del otoño llegando a su fin, animamos a todos los estudiantes interesados en participar durante la temporada de invierno para asegurarse de que esten preparados. Los estudiantes que estén interesados en jugar al baloncesto, luchar o unirse al equipo de natación de las chicas deben asegurarse de que tengan un físico deportivo actual, pagar su pago para jugar y completar su papeleo de registro antes del primer día de "tryouts" el viernes 11 de noviembre. ¡Vaya a la página de Atletismo para más información!
Además, nos hemos asociado con la Sawaya Law Firm para ayudar a educar a nuestros hijos sobre los peligros de manejar mientras estén distraídos. Si está interesado, haga
clic aqui para obtener más información y para descargar un manual gratis de Manejando Seguro para compartir con su estudiante.
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2. Click the "getting started" tab on the top
3. Fill out the form on the left with your name, e-mail
address, phone number, student name, school ID number (lunch number) and student's 8 digit date of birth. Click "submit."
4. Create your username and password. Click "submit."
5. You will receive an e-mail immediately from the DPS Portal Team with a link to activate your account.
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Thomas Jefferson High School held its annual blood drive on October 12th, 2016. Both students and staff members gave life saving donations which exceeded the expectations held by Bonfils Blood Center. In total the drive gathered enough blood to potentially save 96 lives! Interact Club members
Xavier Texidor
,
Colin Sonnenberger
, and J
ose Santos Navarro-Arriola
helped recruit donors and supported the Bonfils staff on the day of the drive. Layne Ware, a student assistant to the Nurse and the Denver Health School Based Health Clinic, helped with organizing and advertising the blood drive. Thank you to all who gave of themselves in this very worthwhile community endeavor!
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Winning Spartan Football Season
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JV Football defeated Vista Peak this past Saturday to continue their undefeated season with a record of 9 wins and zero losses. The final game is
Nov 7th at 4 p.m. at North High School.
The Varsity Football team also had an amazing one point victory over top-ranked Vista Peak on Friday night and held on to win in the last minutes with a 35-34 victory.
The final game of the season is this
Saturday, Nov 5th, 11 a.m. at All City Field against North HS. This is also Senior Day 2016 so come out and support the Spartan and celebrate the Senior Football players' and cheerleaders' special day.
Congrats to Coach Derrick Martin and the football team for such a great season!
Click here t
o read a great Denver Post tribute.
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PTO meeting Tuesday, November 8 at 6 pm in room 111.
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Please join us for a quick meeting on ArtFest and other ways you can be a part of supporting TJ's community. We will get you home in time to watch those election results roll in!
Questions?
TJHSPTO@gmail.com
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A unique AP Environmental field trip introduces the outdoors into the classroom, fulfilling the wonders of education.
On October 6th, 2016, science teacher Brett Butera brought his AP Environmental Science Class on a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. His goal was to enhance student's knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, and species migration, and how they are impacting the park's ecosystems. Originally, it was in the park's hopes that students would collect data to track tree species migration in order to gain an understanding of how trees are moving across the landscape and changing the ecosystems. However, the weather did not permit this. Instead, students met with Scott Esser, an ecologist working for the Continental Divide Research Learning Center, who strives to engage youth in environmental studies through education, internships, and Citizen Science.
Read more
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SAT Prep and FREE Practice Test
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Study sessions will take place every Thursday
from 3-4 p.m. and will run through March. There will be snacks and gift cards given out. To be able to participate in the study sessions students need to bring proof that they completed a practice exam on Khan Academy (print out or screen shot of score is fine). Please see Corielyn Bromley with any questions!
Please note - we are offering a FREE Practice SAT Saturday, November 12th, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.!
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Bookkeeper Position Job Opening
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| TJ has a Bookkeeper position that is now open. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please click here to read more about the job description. |
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Students, Do You Want a Job?
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King Soopers is hiring! Students should go to jobs.kingsoopers.com. After applying students can call any store they wish to work at (both students and their parents are invited to apply).
For the students, they would be applying for the courtesy clerks positions starting at $9.00 an hr. For anyone who applies and is over 18 they can apply for any position ( service desk, deli, bakery, grocery, meat, seafood, produce) they start at either $10.00 or $10.50 an hour.
- TJ kitchen is hiring. We need two student workers to work 1 hour a day during lunch. We pay $10.00 an hour for students. Juniors and seniors only need apply. Positions open until filled. Go to DPS job board, food service -student worker.
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Students in the AP Statistics class conducted informal surveys to measure support of the Colorado Ballot Measures voters will decide on the November 8 General Election. Students looked at ballot measures #69, the Colorado Health Care Measure, #70, the Minimum Wage Increase Measure and #72, the Cigraette Tax Measure, as well as some of the Colorado Ballot Propositions, including Proposition 106. Students surveyed fifty respondents, asking if they would support or deny the measures. Many of the results showed strong support for the proposed measures, and students were able to discuss data collection process, result bias, make graphical displays of results and make tentative predictions for the election on Nov. 8.
As young, first-time voters, AP Statistics students were able to see some of the issues facing citizens and were able to inform themselves and others on these important topics as election day draws closer. Many strong opinions and ideas came out through
while taking part in this Democratic process, adding to the overall excitment and anticipation of Election 2016.
Don't forget to VOTE, Tuesday November 8! For more information on ballot initiatives,
click here.
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The TJ Spartan Spirit Store is a
virtual store
which is online. The store also is setup at some school events such as athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.
NEW Spirit Store Items!
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 pull overs in graphite grey stripe with embroidered TJ. XXL hoodies and T-shirts now available.
Order online and pickup at school:
mkt.com/TJSpartanStore or contact Laura Whalen to pay by cash or check.
Look for the Spirit Store at all TJ Spartan athletic events this year.
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TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
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Thank you for your support in keeping our attendance at its best!
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The August Wilson Troupe's production of
Radio Golf
has been rescheduled from November 10-12 to a date to be announced soon. Thank you for your patience as these wonderful actors continue to work toward a powerful performance.
Palmieri for The August Wilson/Black Box Troupe
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Contributions and Volunteers Requested for TJ's ARTFEST
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Please gather your gently used books, CDs, DVDs, VHS cassettes, audio cassettes--and yes, even, 8-track tapes--and donate them to TJ! TJ's ArtFest & the Used Book Sale will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 9 am to 4 pm in the gym and cafeteria, and funds our classroom grant program.
Have donations? Drop off at any of these locations (pick up is available for 3 or more boxes - see below):
- TJHS (drop off in Main Office)
- Home of Carrie Oss (drop off on porch):
- 3614 S Hudson Street, Denver, CO 80237 (the address is on a rock in the front and yard is xeriscaped - no grass).
- Tom The Book Guy
- 2110 S Ash St, Unit #1, Denver CO 80222 (please call ahead or email for pick up of 3 or more boxes
Donations are welcome until the day of the event, December 10th. We will provide a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution, so please tell your friends, family and neighbors that we will be happy to accept their contributions as well! SPREAD THE WORD. Last year we raised over $700 from the book sale alone for programs that support TJ students and teachers.
Volunteers are needed to canvass the weeks leading up to the event, to support set up on the 9th, and to work the day of the event. Please sign up today!
Click here to volunteer.
Cheers!
Thank you for your consideration and support of your neighborhood high school!
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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~ Helping Teenagers Cope With Grief ~
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Teenagers Mourn Too
Each year thousands of teenagers experience the death of someone they love. When a parent, sibling, friend or relative dies, teens feel the overwhelming loss of a someone who helped shape their fragile self-identities. And these feelings about the death become a part of their lives forever. Caring adults, whether parents, teachers, counselors or friends, can help teens during this time. If adults are open, honest and loving, experiencing the loss of someone loved can be a chance for young people to learn about both the joy and pain that comes from caring deeply for others.
Many Teens are Told to "Be Strong"
Sad to say, many adults who lack understanding of their experience discourage teens from sharing their grief. Bereaved teens give out all kinds of signs that they are struggling with complex feelings, yet are often pressured to act as if they are doing better than they really are. When a parent dies, many teens are told to "be strong" and "carry on" for the surviving parent. They may not know if they will survive themselves, let alone be able to support someone else. Obviously, these kinds of conflicts hinder the "work of mourning."
Teen Years Can be Naturally Difficult
Teens are no longer children, yet neither are they adults. With the exception of infancy, no developmental period is so filled with change as adolescence. Leaving the security of childhood, the adolescent begins the process of separation from parents. The death of a parent or sibling, then, can be a particularly devastating experience during this already difficult period. At the same time the bereaved teen is confronted by the death of someone loved, he or she also faces psychological, physiological and academic pressures. While teens may begin to look like "men" or "women," they will still need consistent and compassionate support as they do the "work of mourning," because physical development does not always equal emotional maturity.
Teens Often Experience Sudden Deaths
The grief that teens experience often comes suddenly and unexpectedly. A parent may die of a sudden heart attack, a brother or sister may be killed in an auto accident, or a friend may commit suicide. The very nature of these deaths often results in a prolonged and heightened sense of unreality. Feeling dazed or numb when someone loved dies is often part of the grieving teen's early experience. This numbness serves a valuable purpose: it gives their emotions time to catch up with what their mind has been told. This feeling helps insulate them from the reality of the death until they are more able to tolerate what they don't want to believe.
Support May Be Lacking
Many people assume that adolescents have supportive friends and family who will be continually available to them. In reality, this may not be true at all. The lack of available support often relates to the social expectations placed on the teen. They are usually expected to be "grown up" and support other members of the family, particularly a surviving parent and/or younger brothers and sisters. Many teens have been told, "Now, you will have to take care of your family." When an adolescent feels a responsibility to "care for the family," he or she does not have the opportunity--or the permission--to mourn. Sometimes we assume that teenagers will find comfort from their peers. But when it comes to death, this may not be true. Many bereaved teens are greeted with indifference by their peers. It seems that unless friends have experienced grief themselves, they project their own feelings of helplessness by ignoring the subject of loss entirely. As we strive to assist bereaved teens, we should keep in mind that many of them are in environments that do not provide emotional support. They may turn to friends and family only to be told to "get on with life."
Relationship Conflicts May Exist
As teens strive for their independence, relationship conflicts with family members often occur. A normal, though trying way in which teens separate from their parents is by going through a period of devaluation. If a parent dies while the adolescent is emotionally and physically pushing the parent away, there is often a sense of guilt and "unfinished business." While the need to create distance is normal, we can easily see how this complicates the experience of mourning. We know that most adolescents experience difficult times with their parents and siblings. The conflicts result from the normal process of forming an identity apart from their family. Death, combined with the turbulence of teen-parent and sibling relationships, can make for a real need to "talk-out" what their relationship was like with the person who died.
Signs a Teen May Need Extra Help
As we have discussed, there are many reasons why healthy grieving can be especially difficult for teenagers. Some grieving teens may even behave in ways that seem inappropriate or frightening. Be on the watch for:
* symptoms of chronic depression, sleeping difficulties, restlessness and low self esteem.
* academic failure or indifference to school-related activities * deterioration of relationships with family and friends
* risk-taking behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, fighting, and sexual experimentation
* denying pain while at the same time acting overly strong or mature
To help a teen who is having a particularly hard time with his or loss, explore the full spectrum of helping services in your community. School counselors, church groups and private therapists are appropriate resources for some young people, while others may just need a little more time and attention from caring adults like you. The important thing is that you help the grieving teen find safe and nurturing emotional outlets at this difficult time.
A Caring Adult's Role
How adults respond when someone loved dies has a major effect on the way teens react to the death. Sometimes adults don't want to talk about the death, assuming that by doing so, young people will be spared some of the pain and sadness. However, the reality is very simple: teens grieve anyway. Teens often need caring adults to confirm that it's all right to be sad and to feel a multitude of emotions when someone they love dies. They also usually need help understanding that the hurt they feel now won't last forever. When ignored, teens may suffer more from feeling isolated than from the actual death itself. Worse yet, they feel all alone in their grief.
Be Aware of Support Groups
Peer support groups are one of the best ways to help bereaved teens heal. In a group, teens can connect with other teens who have experienced a loss. They are allowed and encouraged to tell their stories as much, and as often, as they like. In this setting most will be willing to acknowledge that death has resulted in their life being forever changed. You may be able to help teens find such a group. This practical effort on your part will be appreciated.
Understanding the Importance of the Loss
Remember that the death of someone loved is a shattering experience for an adolescent. As a result of this death, the teen's life is under reconstruction. Consider the significance of the loss and be gentle and compassionate in all of your helping efforts. Grief is complex. It will vary from teen to teen. Caring adults need to communicate to children that this feeling is not one to be ashamed of or hide. Instead, grief is a natural expression of love for the person who died. For caring adults, the challenge is clear: teenagers do not choose between grieving and not grieving; adults, on the other hand, do have a choice -- to help or not to help teens cope with grief. With love and understanding, adults can support teens through this vulnerable time and help make the experience a valuable part of a teen's personal growth and development. While the guidelines in this article may help, it is important to recognize that helping a grieving teen will not be an easy task. You may have to give more concern, time and love than you ever knew you had. But this effort will be more than worth it. By "walking with" a teen in grief, you are giving one of life's most precious gifts -- yourself.
Copyright 2007, Center for Loss and Life Transition
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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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Don't forget!
The TJHS Library is open every school day from 7:15 until 3:00 p.m. Yes, we are open during lunch. Yes, we are open during office hours on Wednesday. Yes, the computers are available during these times.
AND...tutoring is offered in the Library on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3pm until 4pm, with a
math and social studies tutors on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. They also offer Science on alternating Tuesdays and Language arts on Thursdays.
Also, find the "hidden-in-plain-sight" trivia question in the library, answer it correctly, and if your name is drawn from the correct answers, get a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks, Chipotle, or other teenage friendly place of conspicous consumption (librarian's choice of gift card).
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Student and Adult Volunteers Needed!
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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 Thibideau in the office
to buy your shirt.
Profits from these shirts support After-Prom Event for 2017.
So please support our Seniors and a safe, fun Prom 2017.
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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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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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Community Conversation Theme for GT
Self-advocacy
Office Hours
After school Wednesdays in 146A
Lunch Bunch and Educator Lunch PDU
Students Wednesday in Room 134, Educators TBD
Student and Family Advisement
· All day Wednesday, by appointment/referral with Specialist
· Wednesday after school, Future Center for college essay writing
· Thursday afternoon, DPS Cares by appointment
Chess
Angels and Spartans Chess Meet
at East High School
Nov. 10, 2016
at 2:30 in the afternoon
Library Conference Room
Transportation is on your own. See Mr.Weaver for bus tickets if needed.
Confirmed, participating Spartans will be excused from 8th period by the GT Office.
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News from the Future Center
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College Applications- Deadline 11/28/16
· Naviance has all documents you need to apply to college.
· Before transcripts can be sent, you must complete a college checklist with Ms. Maez.
· The first 50 students to complete the check list will receive a Chipotle coupon.
College/Scholarship Essay Help- Wednesdays during Office Hours
· Before Wednesday during office hours, email or bring a copy of your essay to the Future Center.
· Include the prompt and who the essay is for.
· First come, first served!
· For seniors applying to college only.
College Visits:
· Sign up in Naviance and put it on your calendar!
· You're responsible for any missed work in your classes.
· Schools with a star next to the name and in bold are application workshops. Be prepared to submit your application with support from the college representative.
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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