Administrator's Corner
Good morning Spartans!
I hope everyone is doing well. Please note that there will be no school for students this Friday, Oct. 16, Monday, October 19th, or Tuesday, October 20th. Classes will resume on Wednesday, October 21.
We are excited to host the first-ever virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences next week on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 4-7 p.m. each day. These will take place on a Google Meet, much like how we did Back to School Night. We will send out a separate communication mid-week with a specific link for each teacher where you can schedule an appointment for your conferences, so stay tuned.
We are so proud of our Spartans for staying engaged and involved during this strange time. Keep up the good work!
¡Buenos días espartanos!
Espero que todos estén bien. Por favor note que no habrá escuela para estudiantes este viernes, 16 de octubre, lunes, 19 de octubre, o martes, 20 de octubre. Las clases se reanudarán el miércoles 21 de octubre.
Estamos emocionados de ser anfitriones de las primeras Conferencias virtuales de padres y Maestros la próxima semana el martes 20 de octubre y el miércoles 21 de octubre de 4-7 p.m. cada día. Estos tendrán lugar en un encuentro de Google, como lo hicimos la Noche de regreso a la Escuela. Enviaremos una comunicación separada a mitad de la semana con un enlace específico para cada profesor donde puedes programar una cita para tus conferencias, así que permanece atento.
Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros espartanos por permanecer comprometidos e involucrados durante este extraño tiempo. ¡Sigue con el buen trabajo!
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Monday-
Tuesday-
- Colorado Colleges - FREE Application Day! (details below)
- Tech and Materials pickup by appointment only (details below): 11-1
- PTO Meeting via Zoom - 6:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-
- Virtual GT Student and Family Information Night for 10th-12th Grade: 5:30 p.m. (details below)
Thursday-
- Tech and Materials pickup by appointment only (details below): 11-1
Friday-
- NO CLASSES FOR STUDENTS, No Office Hours (teacher Comp day)
Saturday-
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- During the past two weeks, we have had two of our TJ Journal staff members publish their writing in the Denver Post!
We are so proud of these passionate and strong writers! Way to go!
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Colorado Free App Day - TOMORROW!
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Tuesday, October 13th is Colorado Free App Day! For the fee waiver codes to apply for in-state schools, click here.
Counselors will be available for support all day on the Google Meet Advisement links: TJAdvisement1 and TJAdvisement2.
Ms. Webster from the TJ Future Center will be available in the Google Meet: TJFutureCenter
Admissions reps will also be available for support virtually throughout the day. Check the TJ Future Center Schoology for full details!
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Career Conversations for Students - Tomorrow!
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Career Conversation #Creative #GraphicDesign
Tuesday, October 13⋅12:00 - 12:30pm
My name is Zack Fifer, and I am a Graphic Designer for Circuit Media. I am an artist and creative to my core, painting, and illustrating when I was young to graduating from MSU Denver with a BFA in Communication Design. I am inspired by the non-conventional, rethinking current systems to implement more sustainable practices. Aside from creating, I like to skateboard and I am a self proclaimed master vegan cook.
Career Conversation #Med #ERdoc #WomeninSTEM
Tuesday, October 13⋅12:30 - 1:00pm
Career Conversation #Entrepreneurship
Tuesday, October 13⋅1:00 - 1:30pm
My name is Patrick Tcheunou and I am the Co-founder and CEO of Smart Globe International, LLC that presents Bibamba Artisan Chocolate. My wife and I handcraft and package premium chocolate products in Denver. We source our cacao and other ingredients from the family farms we own and operate in Cameroon, Central Africa, my native country.
Before committing exclusively to Bibamba, I had over 12 years of combined experience in various industries such as metallurgy, energy and heavy manufacturing. My international experience extends to Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Asia. I am fluent in French and English and a couple of other languages. I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Thermal Engineering and Energy, and a Master's of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Some of my interests are justice, economic fairness, questioning social norms, running, traveling and going to night clubs.
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Conflict Resolution Month Art Contest!
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Hey TJ! Did you know that Colorado is the only state to dedicate an entire month to conflict resolution?
In honor of this and to celebrate, TJ is having a Conflict Resolution Art Contest! Draw, paint, decorate: What does conflict resolution mean to you? What does it look like? Use your art to explain and express!
Submit your final artwork to Ms. Lupo through email (emily_lupo@dpsk12.org) by Friday, October 23.
The top 3 winners will receive an awesome prize and be featured in the TJ Journal!
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Virtual Tardy Policy for Remote Learning
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To excuse a student's absence or tardy please call the TJHS automated attendance line at 720-423-7040 or email Rebecca_moore@dpsk12.net
Tardies are required to be excused within 24 hours of occurrence.
Absences are required to be excused within 48 hours of occurrence.
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A collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Forward Together helps parents and teens become more connected.
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Helpful Schoology Tips and Resources for Students
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Parents! We know that some of you would like more information about how to access Schoology. Please click on this helpful link to learn more! |
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Chromebook and Materials Distribution - By Appointment Only
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Dear Spartan Families,
TJHS will offer additional drive through pick up opportunities for Chromebooks and class materials distribution on Tuesday 10/13 and Thursday 10/15 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm by appointment only. To schedule a two-hour pick-up window please fill out our request form here: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46 If there are inclement weather conditions please call 720-423-7003 upon arriving at the pickup location. If you miss your pickup appointment your items will be returned to stock and you will need to resubmit your request for a future pick-up date
If you are returning damaged technology please make sure the power cord is returned with the unit
We are out of Wifi Hotspots and we don't know when additional units will be made available.
In order to comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public School Nursing Services, we ask that families remain in their cars at all times in order to practice social distancing and allow TJ staff to deliver the items to your car. (See map below) We will place it in the trunk, backseat or hand it through a window. If you are on foot or bike please wear a mask and maintain 6-feet of distance from other people. TJ staff will be wearing masks for everyone's protection. If you have any questions please email Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org. Estimadas familias espartanas,
TJHS ofrecerá oportunidades adicionales de recolección de Chromebooks y distribución de materiales de clase el martes 10/13 y jueves 10/15 de 11:00 am a 1:00 pm solo con cita previa.
* Si hay condiciones climáticas adversas, llame al 720-423-7003 al llegar al lugar de recogida.
* Si pierde su cita de recogida, sus artículos se devolverán al stock y deberá volver a enviar su solicitud para una fecha de recogida futura
* Si está devolviendo tecnología dañada, asegúrese de que el cable de alimentación se devuelva con la unidad.
* Nos hemos quedado sin puntos de acceso Wifi y no sabemos cuándo estarán disponibles unidades adicionales.
Para cumplir con el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado y los Servicios de Enfermería de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, pedimos que las familias permanezcan en sus automóviles en todo momento para practicar el distanciamiento social y permitir que el personal de TJ entregue los artículos en su automóvil. (Ver mapa abajo) Lo colocaremos en el maletero, en el asiento trasero o lo pasaremos por una ventana. Si va a pie o en bicicleta, use una máscara y mantenga una distancia de 6 pies de otras personas. El personal de TJ usará máscaras para la protección de todos. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org. عائلات سبارتان الأعزاء ،
ستوفر TJHS رحلة إضافية من خلال فرص الالتقاط لأجهزة Chromebook وتوزيع المواد الصفية يوم الثلاثاء 10/13 والخميس 10/15 من الساعة 11:00 صباحًا إلى 1:00 مساءً عن طريق تحديد موعد فقط.
* لجدولة نافذة استلام مدتها ساعتان ، يرجى ملء نموذج الطلب هنا: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46
* إذا كانت هناك ظروف جوية قاسية ، يرجى الاتصال على 720-423-7003 عند الوصول إلى موقع الالتقاء.
* إذا فاتك موعد الاستلام ، فسيتم إرجاع العناصر الخاصة بك إلى المخزون وستحتاج إلى إعادة تقديم طلبك للحصول على تاريخ استلام في المستقبل
* في حالة إعادة التكنولوجيا التالفة ، يرجى التأكد من إرجاع سلك الطاقة مع الوحدة
* لقد نفدنا من نقاط اتصال Wifi ولا نعرف متى سيتم توفير وحدات إضافية.
من أجل الامتثال لإدارة كولورادو للصحة العامة والبيئة وخدمات التمريض في مدرسة دنفر العامة ، نطلب من العائلات البقاء في سياراتهم في جميع الأوقات من أجل ممارسة التباعد الاجتماعي والسماح لموظفي TJ بتسليم العناصر إلى سيارتك. (انظر الخريطة أدناه) سنضعها في صندوق السيارة أو المقعد الخلفي أو نسلمها عبر النافذة. إذا كنت على الأقدام أو على الدراجة ، يرجى ارتداء قناع والحفاظ على مسافة 6 أقدام من الأشخاص الآخرين. سيرتدي موظفو TJ أقنعة لحماية الجميع. إذا كان لديك أي أسئلة ، يرجى إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org.
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Black Lives Matter at TJ!
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TJ Spartans! Interact club and BSA (Black Student Alliance) are working together to produce shirts that involve the TJ community with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Purchasing these shirts not only donates money to social justice organizations such as Grassroots Law Project, but also casts your support to the Black community at TJ.
T-Shirt sizes range from S-XL and are a 50/50 blend. Each shirt costs 20 dollars, but if you order more than one, all shirts are $15 each; payments will be made through Venmo.
The order form below will be open through October 26th
and the expected pick-up date will be before Thanksgiving break in the TJ parking lot. Thanks for the support, Spartans!
https://forms.gle/KpSTcWd7Qs1LPBMD7
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Virtual Open House - October 28th
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Join us on Wednesday, October 28th from 6 to 7pm for a Virtual Open House!
Meet teachers & staff, learn about the school, and hear from our student panel! This open house is intended for prospective students and their families.
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¡Únase a nosotros el miércoles 28 de octubre de 6 a 7 pm para una jornada de puertas abiertas virtual!
¡Conozca a los maestros y al personal, aprenda sobre la escuela y escuche a nuestro panel de estudiantes! Esta jornada de puertas abiertas está destinada a futuros estudiantes y sus familias.
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Veterans' Suicide Awareness Month
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JROTC recently completed its first Community Service Learning Project for the year, teaming up with the Pikes Peak Veteran's Suicide Project in Colorado Springs to raise money and promote social awareness of this national crisis.
Did you know on average 22 military veterans commit suicide each day in this country?
The JROTC classes took their classroom learning and applied it to their project, selling suicide awareness shirts and participating in a virtual walk for the cause. Overall the students raised $1050.00 for the Pikes Peak organization.
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The October PTO meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13th from 6-7pm by Zoom. Here are the meeting details ...
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 833 6883 1938
Passcode: 101454
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83368831938# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83368831938# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
We are pleased to have staff members Brittany Nicolo and Natalie Koncz join us to discuss staff wellness. The PTO has worked closely with Brittany and Natalie over the last few years to support the staff wellness activities that they organize. In addition, PTO normally hosts a staff dinner during fall conferences. Since everything is different this year, we will talk about other ways to show our appreciation. Also on the agenda is a review of our finances which includes planning for this year's classroom grants.
We hope you can join us! If you can't make it, the video recording and meeting minutes will be available on the PTO website next week.
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| Make Amazon Prime Day Count for TJ! |
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can support TJ while you shop Amazon Prime Day deals on October 13th & 14th. If you are not a Prime member, your purchases still support TJ anytime when you shop through AmazonSmile.
All you have to do is select Thomas Jefferson High School Partners and the PTO receives a portion of all qualifying purchases. This is such an easy way to support your TJ community! Purchases you were going to make anyway can make a difference. Simply shop at smile.amazon.comor with AmazonSmile turned ON in the Amazon Shopping app. |
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DPS Custodians and Bus Drivers Needed!
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During this time of COVID our schools need more than ever to stay clean and safe for our kiddos and staff!
The reason for this email is to ask a favor - We have a dire need for Custodians and Bus Drivers!
We currently have 70 custodian vacancies.
Custodian Job Description:
The Custodian works under the direction of the Facility Manager and/or Assistant Facility Manager, cleaning the facility and performing grounds work in accordance with DPS guidelines. They may perform minor maintenance activities on facilities and equipment.
· Must be at least 17 years of age
· They must pass a reading test (8th grade reading level), Interview, Criminal Background Check and Fingerprints.
· High school diploma or equivalent required for FT
· All full time shifts are 8 hours a day - based on location, 8 hours between 12:30pm and 11:00pm, usually Monday - Friday
· All part time shirts are 4 hours a day - between 5:00pm-11:00pm
· $14.77/an hour! These positions are eligible for medical, vision benefits as well as sick, personal and vacation time
Bus Driver Job Description:
The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of elementary, middle, and high school students, including students with special needs, on regular routes, excursions and athletic trips.
· Must be at least 21 years of age.
· Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Colorado commercial driver's license (CDL) - Class B with P2S endorsements if this license is not currently held.
· $20.34/an hour!
· Benefit eligible with minimum hours
· High school diploma or equivalent required
If interested they can text DPSFIELD to 97211 to speak to a Recruiter
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All orders placed through the online store last week will be shipped to Carrie Oss's home (only a couple blocks from TJ) and we will arrange dates and times for order pick ups sometime around October 23rd.
We hope you had fun shopping for TJHS spirit wear! GO SPARTANS!!
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TJ Food Drive and Distribution Program
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This year the Thomas Jefferson High School PTO has established a Food Bank in an effort to ensure families who need food assistance are supported. Non-perishable food items are being collected continually throughout the school year and distribution dates will be scheduled toward the end of each month. To make contributing as easy as possible, donations can dropped in the "TJ Food Bank" box at any of the following locations:
· 7996 E. Jefferson Place, Denver, CO 80237
· 7500 E. Dartmouth Avenue #25, Denver 80231
· 2750 E. Bates, Denver, CO 80210
· 3732 S. Sebring Ct, Denver, CO 80237
· 6895 Eastmoor Dr, Denver, CO 80237
· 7925 E. Mexico Ave, Denver 80231
· 2805 S. Gilpin St, Denver, 80210
· 3614 S. Hudson St, Denver, 80237
· 3004 S. Milwaukee Cir, Denver, CO 80210
· 3734 S. Oneida Way, Denver, CO 80237
· 3771 S Rosemary Way, Denver, CO 80237
In preparation for the colder months to come, during October we are also requesting donations of NEW adult and children sized hats and gloves. Hats and gloves will be given to families at the October food distribution date on October 22 (time TBD).
Thank you for your support!
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Career Opportunity for Students: The Youth Apprentice Program
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Are you interested in earning money now and starting your career into a modern, in-demand career? The DPS Youth Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for current 10th-12th grade students to begin to gain hands-on experience as an employee of a company, earn $40,000 in the course of 3-years, and more. Learn more about the program here.
Students and parents can also check out the CareerWise Hiring Hub to learn more about current apprenticeship openings and start the process. Attached to this email is also a 'How To Apply' Guide that will help students create an account, search for companies, and more.
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The GT Student and Family Information Night for all 10th - 12th graders will be held Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm via Google Meet.
Remember to SAVE the DATE and watch for an invitation in your email.
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 2024 Cohort - doyqstu
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2023 Cohort - b7vpvfn
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2022 Cohort - orzg7to
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2021 Cohort - by7mjwi
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 affective 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
Our District GT Partner is Brian Beard, brian_beard@dpsk12.org, and you may receive GT newsletters from his office with internship and university opportunities.
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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 Did You Know...?
Depression can hit at any time in your life. Often, the last thing you feel like doing is exercising, but studies show it can actually help you feel better. Research suggests performing an exercise program 30 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week, may help keep depression at bay, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep and self-esteem. Gym membership not required! Many of these exercises can be performed at home or work.
1) High Intensity Interval Training -This type of exercise involves spurts of rigorous activity followed by intervals of less intense movements or rest.
2) Posture Exercises-Recent studies show a slouched body posture can evoke feelings of depression, while standing upright can actually help reverse them. So start stretching!
3) Yoga- Yoga not only helps your flexibility and strength, it can also help you relax. One theory is yoga increases a neurotransmitter in your body called GABA, which results in calming the mind.
4) Breathing-Studies suggest taking deep breaths where you exhale longer than you inhale stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This puts the brakes on the sympathetic system, helping you calm down. Try this- Breathe deeply into your belly for a count of 4. Then exhale for a count of 6. Repeat 5 times
5) Group Exercise-Mental health experts say group classes can help you find that sense of belonging, as well as encourage you to work harder during your workout. Exercising at a higher intensity level gets your heart pumping and blood flowing, energizing you to face the day.
6) Running-Running can stimulate the release of "feel good" endorphins, which are believed to be responsible for the euphoric mood some runners experience after an energizing run called "runner's high."
7) Get outdoors-Going for a long bike ride or walk along a beautiful path can help take your mind off your troubles as you focus on appreciating the landscape while engaging in a decent cardio workout. Aim for 30 minutes and try to add uphill work to boost that intensity.
8) Laugh-Experts say laughter can cause physical changes in your body, including increasing endorphin production and affecting your stress reaction, resulting in a relaxed feeling. It even burns calories.
9) Jump Rope-Jumping rope is an inexpensive exercise routine you can take anywhere. You can vary the intensity going from high, involving one jump each time the rope passes, to a lower level by slowing the rope and adding an extra little jump.
10) Tone Up-Lifting weights addresses muscle imbalances and strengthens you, enabling you to perform daily activities with more ease. Mental health experts say toning up not only gives your backside that lift, but also your spirits, as you see the positive results of your hard work. Don't have weight? Use household items!
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School Based Health Centers are OPEN!
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| https://www.denverhealth.org/services/school-based-health-centers
Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic: 720-423-7190
Consent for Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic:
English:
Spanish:
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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
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News from the Future Center
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Spartan Seniors and Supporting Adults,
Please be sure to log in to your TJ Future Center Schoology Course several times a week. Seniors, you have a few upcoming assignments due to help you with your planning for life after high school.
Review and complete the FAFSA: My Planner content together as soon as possible. It will help you prepare for FAFSA (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid) submission. FAFSA is now open for application. Be sure to start and submit the 2021-2022 FAFSA!
Review the Fall Timeline Grid at the end of the linked post and watch the embedded videos for more information about the college access process.
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Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
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Remember - TJ gear is available in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact tjhs.store@gmail.com.
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If you have ideas or want to help, contact any one of us:
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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!
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Class of 2023 - Sophomores
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$23 for '23!
$700 has been raised so far this week for 2023! Thank you parents who have donated so far! Can we get to $1,000 by the end of the week? Please join us in helping the class of 2023! It's super easy, just click on the PTO Square link and support the Class of 2023! WHATEVER amount you can give - $23 $230 $50 $100 - any amount is so helpful! (Please scroll down to CLASS OF 2023 and hit the custom button or amount of your choice and follow the online payment instructions from there!)
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 Click-n-Shop is Back! Body Bark - another easy fundraiser for 2023! This month Body Bark clothing is donating a portion of the proceeds we order back to Class of 2023! Go to BodyBark.com and use discount code TJ2023 during the month of October! You will receive 10% off your order and The Class of 2023 will receive 15% of our total orders.
Body Bark offers premium basics which make for perfect layering essentials or stand-alone tees. Experience the luxury of these soft tees. Available for men and women. Click-n-Shop here: Bodybark.com questions to: cpoirier@bodybark.com
Keep on the lookout for our cool new class of 2023 Fundraiser - it's something that everyone needs and wants! More details coming next week!
We always need more help and input!! If you have any ideas or comments and would like to get more involved, please contact Catherine Poirier cpoirier@bodybark.com or Christy Jordan
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The class of 2024 is in need of parent sponsors! If you are interested please reach out to PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.
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