September 23, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Good morning Spartans, 
 
Thanks to all who made Homecoming week/weekend a success! 
 
This Wednesday during Office Hours we will have our annual Honor Roll Assembly in the auditorium, followed by the Honor Rock n Roll party in the cafeteria! 
 
Next week we will officially launch School Deets, TJ's new mobile app. Stay tuned for more details!
 
The end of the first six week grading period is this Friday, Sept. 27th. Be sure to finish strong, Spartans!

Buenos días Spartans,

Gracias a todos los que hicieron de la semana de Homecoming/fin de semana un éxito!

Este miércoles durante las horas de oficina tendremos nuestra Asamblea anual del Rollo de Honor en el auditorio, seguida de la fiesta Honor Rock n Roll en la cafetería!

Próxima semana lanzaremos oficialmente School Deets, la nueva aplicación móvil de TJ.

El final del primer período de calificación de seis semanas es este viernes 27 de septiembre. ¡Asegúrate de terminar fuerte, espartanos!


Mike Christoff
Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 9/23-9/27
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
  • PTO Parent Happy Hour at the Wellshire (details below)
Wednesday -
  • Office Hours - 2:14-2:55 p.m.
  • Honor Roll Assembly - 2:15 p.m.
  • Honor Rock & Roll Party - 3-5:00 p.m.
Thursday-

Friday

Saturday
  • Gymnastics fundraiser (details below): 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Kudos Korner


  • Congratulations to Houston Hood! He is participating in the CareerLaunch internship program, which has allowed him to work alongside JFK High School's Technical Specialist. Click here to read the full article!

ELA DAC Meeting Registration Now Open - Closes tomorrow!
DPS is excited to invite all of our English Language Acquisition families to attend the English Language Acquisition District Advisory Committee (ELA DAC). The ELA DAC will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 24 at the New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd. We will provide information about ELA Program and Services, share community resources available at the Mexican Consulate in Denver and gather feedback about how Title I funds should be spent in parent engagement activities. Register here. Questions? Email FACE_Events@dpsk12.org.
Spartan Spirit Store
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.  
Come to Energy Day Festival for FREE 
Energy Day is Colorado's first FREE family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for ALL ages. Energy Day will feature exciting exhibits and interactive demonstrations that will teach students and their families about various forms of energy and how through STEM education, they can find an exciting career in the energy industry. Come down and support our local schools, energy experts, and the amazing kids out there looking to learn and develop their skills in STEM education!

What will you see at Energy Day?
  • Kendrick Castillo Memorial Tournament - FIRST Robotics Competition (see below for more information)
  • Denver Museum of Nature and Science will be there with Rockets
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory created an escape room
  • Children's Museum of Denver is bringing their kinetics engineering exhibit showing force and motion
  • Colorado School of Mines Engineering Design Department is hosting an onsite engineering design contest (winners will receive cash GC's!)
  • Industry professionals will be available to speak with and instruct students about career path choices
  • Energy Day Academic Program Awards Ceremony, recognizing and celebrating students for their hard work in Denver-area STEM competitions, will begin at 1:00
  • We are raffling gift cards for educators!
  • Freebies and giveaways will abound, so come out and celebrate STEM!
TJ Tutoring
Picture Retakes - October 3rd!
New TJ Mobile App!
We hope that by now you've downloaded the  new and improved mobile app! 

Our official launch will happen during the week of September 30
Stay tuned for more details.

The goal is to increase communication with parents and streamline information that families receive. If you did not download the app at registration, please see below and do so as soon as possible to prepare for the launch!
TJ Gymnastics Fundraiser
PTO News
Homecoming week was a big success! Thank you to all the parents who supported Spirit Week with their time, financial donations and food. Our students had a wonderful week.
 
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Parent Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 24th from 5-7pm at the Wellshire Golfer's Pub.  We hope to see you there!

Questions? Looking for ways to get involved? Email 
TJHSPTO@gmail.com  or visit the  PTO page  of the TJ Journal.
TJ Parent Happy Hour - Save the Date
You are invited! The PTO is sponsoring a TJ Parent Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 24th from 5:00-7:00pm. Please join us for a casual get together in the Golfer's Pub at the Wellshire Golf Course (3333 S. Colorado Blvd 80222). Stop by and say hello!  PTO will provide a some appetizers and a cash bar is available. Look for us on the patio outside the Golfer's Pub located on the west side of the building. Whether you are new to TJ or a returning parent, this is a great opportunity to connect with other TJ parents. We look forward to seeing you there!
TJ Talks
Please RSVP to any of the following TJ staff members:
-        Samanda Davis, Social Worker - (720)423-7072 and Samanda_Davis@dpsk12.org
-        Natalie Koncz, School Psychologist - (720)423-7077 and Natalie_Koncz@dpsk12.org
-        Maggie Kennedy, Counselor - (720)423-7114 and MARGARET_KENNEDY@dpsk12.org
College Fair
Chipotle Volleyball Fundraiser - October 7
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 Photos & Quotes: Due date: Friday, October 11, 2019 by the end of the school day. *Quotes are optional.

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.
FREE Workshop
King Soopers Fundraiser
King Soopers just made FUNDRAISING for TJ even EASIER!
 
All you need to do is register your King Soopers loyalty card number or alternate ID (e.g. phone number) to earn money for TJ. After you register for the program,  a percentage of ALL of your King Soopers purchases will go to TJ.
 
Important: At the point of purchase, you must swipe your loyalty card or type in your alternate ID in order for your purchases to count toward TJ's fundraising.
 
In order to get benefits from the use of your loyalty card/alt id you MUST:
2. Click on Enroll Now
3. You will then see a page where you can choose your organization
4. Search for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners either by name or UT036 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.
 
That's it! You are now enrolled and can help raise EASY MONEY for TJ's classroom grants, student events and staff appreciation.  Thank you!
 
Questions? Email TJHSPTO@gmail.com
News from the Future Center
College Admissions Representatives Visits:
  • University of Denver
    • o   Mon., Sept. 23 @ 10:15-11:19 (4th period)
  • University of Redlands
    • o   Mon., Sept. 23 @ 12:04-12:55 (6th period)
  • Corban University
    • o   Fri., Sept. 27 @ 10:15-11:19 (4th period)
  • Northern Arizona University
    • o   Fri., Sept. 27 @ 12:04-12:55 (4th period) 
12th graders - sign up in Naviance
 

TJ's FAFSA Workshop is October 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm!
FAFSA eligible 12th graders need to make a 1-hour appointment at  https://tinyurl.com/y4pmocom

Bring all of the information below:
 2018 Federal Tax Return (1040 or 1040A or 1040EZ) (student & parents, if applicable/filed)  
        NOTE: If 2018 tax returns have not been completed, please bring 2017 tax return
 2018 W-2 and Other Income Statements- required for student & parents (if applicable)
 2018 untaxed income records (if applicable)
o        Social Security benefits statement
o       Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
o       Veterans benefits records
o       Disability benefits records
 Additional records (if applicable)
o       Values of businesses or investment farms (other than primary home)
o       Net Values of investment properties (other than primary home)
o       Net Values of stocks, bonds, or other investments
 
12th graders:
Please sign up for College Admission Representative Visits 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...?

We are starting week 6 of the school year already!? 
Now that we are settling in, we wanted to review a few simple things
you can do to maintain healthy routines and activities for your child.
High School
Topic
College
Pick an organizer:
- It can be old-school calendar/planner
- It can be a an online app (myHomework, for example)
- At the start of the year, check in often to make sure your kids are logging assignments accurately (it will help prevent stress and confusion down the road!)
 
Talk to Teachers (your kid ):
- Most kids this age should have enough confidence to speak to teachers on their own; if they have not nailed those skills yet, help them! Practice with them, role-play, coach them on appropriate interactions- and encourage them to do it themselves.







Study & Work Habits

Make the most of Office Hours:
- New students should always go see their professors à introduce themselves, and make that connection; at some point, they will need help and having that established beforehand can make all the difference.
 
Get a (part-time) Job !
- Finding a part time job helps freshman meet new people, learn to manage time effectively and earn cash! The recommended amount of time per week= 10 hours.

Talk About How High School is Weird:
- Transition from 8th to 9th grade is tough! There is a significant developmental difference between 14 and 18 year olds (emotionally, physically, mentally). Normalize the fact that this is a lot to adjust to, and let them know you're sure they will figure it out (but you can be there to help if they want)
 
Take Time to Find Your People:
- Friendships and relationships can shift drastically during the first few weeks of school, so remind your child not to take it too personally if their old friends turn in to acquaintances and they don't immediately find new besties. Remind them it is okay to take a breath and look around to find people with whom they really connect.







Social Life & Relationships

Say Goodbye Before Move-In Day :
- Don't save your meaningful goodbyes to the last minute when your child is at their dorm and ready to unpack, make new connections and settle in. Have a conversation ahead of time about when you will regularly check in, the expectations you have for them, and how much you will miss them J
 
Don't Get Stuck in a Bubble :
- While freshmen can be drawn to people to look and think like them, it can be healthy to connect with others whose background, views and experience is different from their own. Encourage and remind them to listen with an open mind, and to treat others with respect and compassion.

Hail, Self-Care:
- As teenagers experience rising rates of depression and anxiety, remember it is critical to exercise and sleep enough, and to eat a healthy diet (8-10 hours of sleep for teens). Kids who follow healthy habits in these areas tend to bounce back better from stresses.
 
Own Your Hobbies:
- Remember to foster your kids' innate sense of joy and resilience by supporting and praising things they love about their child.







Health & Well-Being

Find the Mental Health Center:
- Many schools have expanded their resources to support students, as the number of students seeking mental health supports grows. Be explicit with your student- if they notice a prolonged dip in their mood, they need to seek out support from the mental health center or medical center on campus.

Get a Grip:
- You know your kids can vibe off you, right? If you want them to feel excited and ready to take on a new phase of their life, be sure to manage your own jitters about the upcoming changes. Remind yourself, they went off to Kindergarten, middle school, high school- and yes; you did a lot of the work, but so did they. Let them thrive on their own.
 
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know": Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP.  . Resources: Parent Circle, "Back To School Lessons," Melanie Acevedo- September 2019.
Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
  • Click here for Food Resource Hotline information
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
  • Great news! All Class T-Shirts are now available (as well as other TJ gear)  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
Thank you to all who contributed snacks, drinks and time to the bonfire on Monday night.  We earned over $200 for the class of 2021!  
  • Class of 2021 Parent Fundraising Party in October! Details to follow.

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
The class of 2022 needs 2-4 additional parents to join parent Julie Rubin in planning fundraising events. 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 or Julie directly at rubin_j@comcast.net.
Class of 2023 - Freshmen
  • Stay tuned for more information!