October 6, 2016
Administrator's Corner

Hello Spartans, 

We wanted to thank all the students, staff, faculty and parents who helped make Homecoming 2016 a huge success! 

The week was filled with incredible events such as the Unity Project. The interactive art exhibit was installed in the front of TJ for the students and surrounding community to experience in order to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and to bring people together. The junior and senior class competed in a friendly competition in our annual Powder Puff touch football game. We also had, by all accounts, one of the best pep rallies in recent memory followed by a very well attended tail gate carnival and celebration to prepare for the big Homecoming Football game. While the game didn't end in our favor we did have an action packed and exciting football game Friday night where we also honored and recognized the Homecoming Court. The dance was also a success as was the All TJ Reunion celebration planned and hosted by the Class of 86.

Thank you to all who participated in Spirit Week as well as the Homecoming events! 

Hola Spartans,

Queríamos dar las gracias a todos los estudiantes, el personal, profesores y padres que ayudaron en hacer el regreso a casa "Homecoming" 2016 un gran éxito! 

La semana estuvo llena de acontecimientos increíbles tales como el Proyecto de la Unidad. La exposición de arte interactiva se instaló en la parte delantera de TJ para los estudiantes y la comunidad que rodea a la escuela una experiencia con el fin de celebrar la singularidad de los individuos y para unir a la gente. La clase "Junior" y "Senior" competió en un juego amistoso en el juego anual de fútbol de toque, "Powder Puff". También tuvimos, por todas cuentas, una de las mejores reuniones de ánimo en la memoria reciente, seguido de un carnaval portón trasero muy bien atendido para celebrar el gran juego de fútbol de regreso a casa "Homecoming". Mientras que el juego no terminó en nuestro favor tuvimos un juego lleno de acción y emocionante el viernes en el que también honramos y reconocimos la corte de "Homecoming". El baile también fue un éxito como lo fue la celebración de la reunión de TJ  planeado y alojada por la Clase de '86. 

Gracias a todos los que participaron en la Semana del Espíritu, así como los eventos de "Homecoming"!

Andrew Skari
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
SAT Prep
We will begin the after school study sessions today,  October 6, 2016 from 3-4 p.m. and they will be every Thursday through March. There will be snacks and gift cards given out. We will also offer four FREE Saturday Mock SAT exams (dates TBD soon). 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!
Parent/Student Portal 
If you haven't done so already, please sign up ASAP!
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.
Kudos Korner
  • Kudos to the Southmoor South Neighborhood Association, which presented a check to TJ for $750 from the summer golf tournament proceeds.  Way to go, TJ! Thanks to the Southmoor community for always supporting the TJ community!
Yearbook Deadline for Senior Pictures
If your Senior needs their portrait taken,have them see Mr.Forrester in room 110.  Photo II students can help!  Senior Portraits are due!  If you plan on submitting a quote with your photo - they are also due by Oct 9, 2016   See guidelines here!
TJ Kitchen - Now Hiring Students!
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.
Give Hope, Give Life, Give Blood!
TJHS is again hosting their annual blood drive for Bonfils Blood Center.  The drive will be held on October 12 th , 2016 in room 111.  Students and teachers can sign up with Deb Samuels, the school nurse, located downstairs in the language hallway.

Requirements:
  • 16 or 17 year olds must have a consent signed by a parent.
  • 18 year olds can consent themselves.
  • Donors must not weigh less than 110 pounds or more than 350 pounds.
  • Donors cannot have gotten a tattoo or body piercing in the last 12 months.
  • Donors cannot have an active infection or illness.
  • If you have recently returned from a country where Zika is present, 28 days must have passed before donating blood.
Blood donation is very important, each donation can save up to 3 lives! 
See Deb Samuels TODAY or call 720-423-7061!
Donations Requested
Activities coordinator Sara Andolsek is reaching out to ask for donations to help with monthly games and activities that will take place throughout the year.  Donations are to acknowledge students and the fun, hard work they put into the school year.  Just a simple donation of gift cards (Starbucks, Chipotle, Burger King, McDonalds etc), individually wrapped candy, or school apparel that you are willing to give away would be much appreciated! Donations can be brought to the main office or directly to Sara in room 107. Please email  sara_andolsek@dpsk12.org with any questions!
Taking Center Stage
Seven young actors and one director work hard to perfect a hilarious play.
Every year, TJ theatre students put on several incredible shows ranging from memorable drama class productions in the Black Box theatre to massive spring musicals. As expected, this year's fall play is one to be remembered. The Nosemaker's Apprentice: Chronicles of a Medieval Plastic Surgeon is guaranteed to bring boundless laughter throughout the crowds due to its hilarious content. Read more
Choir and Theatre News
The choir concert is October 25th!  The Nosemaker's Apprentice will be October 14/15-Tickets pre sale and at the door. CASH/CHECK only! Students with ID $5.00 and Adults $10.00

Here's our link for the San Antonio Trip on GoFundMe
TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
Thank you for your support in keeping our attendance at its best!
Strengthening Families - Begins October 18th
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
~ Managing Stress ~

What Is Stress?
Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.
When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response .

Is Stress Good or Bad?
  • Some stress is normal and even useful.
  • It can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time. Stress can help students finish assignments or do well when performing.
Healthy Ways to Relieve or Avoid Unhealthy Stress
  • Learn better ways to manage time; help your child with this. They may need guiding and modeling initially. You may get more done with less stress if you make a schedule. Teach your teen to prioritize their responsibilities. 
  • Find better ways to cope. Look at how they deal with stress. Be honest about what works and what does not. Think about other things that might work better. Some ideas:
-   Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.
-   Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.
-   Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to with someone you trust.
-   Encourage your teen to do something they like- A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
-   Help your teen learn how to relax the body and mind. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, mindfulness exercises, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong. A few smart phone apps such as Headspace and Smiling Mind also provide guided exercises and tools. 
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP
References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( http://www.cdc.gov/ ); National Association of School Psychologists ( http://www.nasponline.org
Love Your Library!
Don't forget!
The TJHS Library is open every school day from 7:15 until 3:30pm.  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).
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
Class of 2017 - Seniors
Parents of Seniors / Class of 2017 
Senior Photos for Yearbook  -  Due by Oct 9th
Stay CONNECTED - TeamApp - TJ Class of 2017, Twitter @2017tjhs, facebook TJHS 2017 Spartan Support -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1190003977681582/

Questions:  TJHS2017@gmail.com
Thanks for helping to make TJ and the Class of 2017 Great!
Class of 2018 - Juniors
  • Class of 2018: Oktoberfest Parent Social. Join us for a back to school celebration and fundraiser for the Class of 2018.

    Come get to know other parents while enjoying German snacks and beverages.
    Hosted by the Aldridge/Sensenbrenner family
    When: Saturday, October 8th
    Where: 3710 E. Dartmouth Avenue
    Time: 7:00pm

    Suggested donation of $20 per person. Money raised will be put toward senior year activities for the class of 2018. Any questions or to RSVP please email Kary Cramer at karycramer@msn.com
  • Class of 2018 parents--this is the year we get big in our fundraising efforts so our kiddos have a big senior year. Please email karycramer@msn.com if you're interested in helping out at any point this year. We need you!
Class of 2019 - Sophomores
  • Join us for appetizers, chili and drinks to raise money for TJ Class of 2019 on Saturday, October 15 from 6-10pm.  We want to make sure our students have a legendary senior year!  Admission is $20.00/person and includes dinner and drinks/cocktails. Please join us to support the Class of 2019!
  • If you are interested in helping with fundraising contact Debi Kelley at  getaholdofdebi@gmail.com
Class of 2020 - Freshmen
  • The class of 2020 is looking for parent liaisons to work with TJ on fundraising, community building, etc.
Town Hall & Visioning Meeting and Workshop
Get involved!
Join Councilwoman Kendra Black this fall to learn how Denver is changing and share your ideas at her office's interactive Town Hall and Visioning meeting! We will discuss restaurants, retail, walkability, safety, public art, streetscaping, and how to maintain our strong, stable neighborhoods and parks. Using your vision, the councilwoman will develop a work plan to implement your ideas in the follow­-up workshop.
 
Follow-­up Workshop: Oct. 25 6-7:30 pm 
OR  Oct. 29, 12:30-2 pm at TJ
 
Please  take 2 minutes  to fill out the visioning survey by clicking here.   Our work will help inform the citywide Denveright  effort.
News from the Future Center
graduation_cap.jpg
Seniors and families!  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will now open on October 1st, a change from the January 1st date of prior years.  Students will now apply for financial aid concurrently with college applications.  To help support families through these changes, Denver Scholarship Foundation is hosting a FAFSA workshop on October 11th, from 3-7pm.  At this event, students and families will receive guided support in completing the FAFSA.  If you would like to sign up or would like more information, please contact Rena Maez at rmaez@denverscholarship.org or at 720-423-7134. 
 
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 |   www.denverscholarship.org