Administrator's Corner
It's time for October count!
We are at the point in the year where it is time to get funding from the State for all of our students. As of 9/20, we are at 1238 students enrolled. The actual count day is
October 2nd
. Please have your students here that day as we do not want to miss getting funding for any student. We appreciate your support in getting our students here!
¡Es hora de contar en octubre! Estamos en el punto del año en el que es el momento de obtener fondos del Estado para todos nuestros estudiantes. A partir del 9/20, estamos en 1238 estudiantes inscritos. El día de conteo real es el 2 de octubre. Por favor, tenga a sus estudiantes aquí ese día, ya que no queremos perdernos la obtención de fondos para cualquier estudiante. Agradecemos su apoyo en la obtención de nuestros estudiantes aquí!
Paula Hammel
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Week at a Glance - Week of 9/30-10/4
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- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
- TJ Talks Presentation: 6:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday
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- College Fair: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Office Hours - 2:14-2:55 p.m.
- CCT Magnet fall open house for 8th graders: 6-8:00 p.m.
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- 399 students made the honor roll with a 3.0 or above for Spring of 2019! If you ask how they got there, we have CE (Concurrent Enrollment) and AP (Advanced Placement) courses. In 2019, we had 524 AP exams taken by 350 students. ½ of all students who take an AP course get a 3 or higher. We have 422 students who took CE in 25 different classes that we offer.
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Pictured in photo (l to r): Mark Grapengater, Eileen Robinson, Bryan Dean, Michael Christoff, John Boozer |
- On September 17th, Mr. Christoff was presented with a check for $750 from the All For One Golf Tournament.The annual tournament is sponsored by members of the Southmoor Park South Neighborhood Association. Proceeds from the tournament are shared among Thomas Jefferson High School, Hamilton Middle School, Southmoor Elementary, and Samuels Elementary. To date, All For One Golf has donated over $20,000 to these local schools! Tournament Director, John Boozer, is passionate about supporting Southeast Denver schools which keeps our community vibrant. Title Sponsor, Bryan Dean of American Family Insurance and AFOG committee member, Mark Grapengater are both current DPS parents and understand the value of supporting local schools. TJ is grateful to receive this support from community and looks forward to our continuing partnership. Thank you, AFOG!
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We hope that by now you've downloaded the
new and improved mobile app!
It's the official launch week!! Stay tuned for 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!
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Please RSVP to any of the following TJ staff members:
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Picture Retakes - October 3rd!
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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
[email protected]
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.
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Thank you to the parents who came out for the Parent Happy Hour last week. We had a lovely evening on the patio recognizing old friends and making new ones. If you didn't make it, we missed you! Fortunately, there will be another chance to get together later in the year.
The PTO's next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8th at 6 p.m. in room 111. We've got money on our mind and need to make some decisions. We'll be talking about a budget and allocating funds for class activities. This will be an important discussion so try to be there. We need as many voices as possible to participate. While we try very hard to keep the meetings to one hour, this meeting may run a bit longer. Plan for the meeting to end between 7- 7:30. We'll provide some snacks while we discuss business matters, so nobody gets hangry.
Questions? Looking for ways to get involved? Email
[email protected]
or visit the
PTO page
of the TJ Journal.
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Chipotle Volleyball Fundraiser - October 7
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Please note: these are two separate flyers for separate fundraisers. This is your chance to justify having
Chipotle twice in one week!!
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Chipotle Gymnastics Fundraiser - October 9
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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.
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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!
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News from the Future Center
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College Admissions Representatives Visits:
· DigiPen Institute of Technology Mon., Sept. 30th - 10:15-11:19 (4th)
· Weber State University Mon., Sept. 30th - 12:04-12:55 (6th)
· Eckerd College Tues., Oct. 1st - 10:15-11:19 (4th)
· University of Delaware Tues., Oct. 1st - 12:04-12:55 (6th)
· Loyola University New Orleans Thurs., Oct. 3rd - 10:15-11:19 (4th)
· Colorado College Thurs., Oct. 3rd at 12:04-12:55 (6th)
· Western Washington University Fri., Oct. 4th - 10:15-11:19 (4th)
· DePauw University Fri., Oct. 4th - 12:04-12:55 (6th)
12th graders - please sign up in Naviance
TJ's FAFSA Workshop is October 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm!
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
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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Did You Know...?
About the mental health and social emotional programs offered this year at
Thomas Jefferson High School to support Whole Child...
1. LifeSkills - Life Skills is a universal prevention program that reduces the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse by targeting social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance use and other risky behaviors. Compounded with Life Skills, we will teach Marijuana Education Initiative's Impact Awareness Program (MEI) which engages students in reality based conversations about the common uses of marijuana, health and behavior risks associated with marijuana use and abuse, and informed decision-making about marijuana. The focus is on substance prevention, however, LifeSkills also covers communication, relationships, coping, problem solving, and decision-making.
2. Sources of Strength - This is a universal mental health wellness prevention project that utilizes the power of peer social networks to increase help seeking behaviors and connections between peers and caring adults with a focus on Hope, Help and Strength.
3. Challenge Day - The Challenge Day program is 6 ½ hours and takes place in our school's gym. Challenge Day Leaders work to create trust and connection in the morning by helping participants step out of their comfort zones through music and games. Participants begin to recognize stereotypes and labels that exist among them, and are then willing to share and connect as human beings. During the afternoon, participants examine the impact that bullying, oppression and other forms of violence has on their lives and the lives of people around them. They find commonality and a sense of belonging through a deeply memorable exercise known as Cross The Line. This program goes beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts, building compassion and igniting a movement of positive change. The experience is inspiring and awakening for students and adults - many say it's "the best day of my life!"
4. Teen Intervene -Teen Intervene is a counseling model program designed to help young people who are beginning to struggle with alcohol and/or drugs. This program helps youth identify the reasons they have chosen to use alcohol or other drugs, examine the effects of substance abuse in their lives, and learn to make healthier choices. The goal of the program is to help teens reduce and ultimately eliminate their substance use. This program involves 2-4 sessions of individual counseling, starting with a thorough assessment to understand the child's needs and how we can best support the student and family. Each session is about 45-60 minutes, with the last session including parent/family participation.
5. Random Acts of Kindness - RAK is a non-profit organization that believes in spreading kindness throughout schools, communities and homes. The idea is that the power of kindness can change the way people see and experience the world. There are thousands of simple actions we can take every day to spread kindness throughout our community; RAK provides resources, instructional content and inspiration to make it happen!
6. TJHS Leadership Class - Here at TJ, our leadership class works hard to implement programs that outreach to our feeder schools and community to help foster academic and social-emotional development, as well as qualities of leadership and relationships.
7. Signs of Suicide (SOS) - This program was been developed by the highly regarded non-profit organization that created the Signs of Suicide Program for Middle and High Schools, used by thousands of schools nationwide since 2000. It has proven successful at increasing help-seeking by students concerned about themselves or a friend and is the only school-based suicide prevention program to show a reduction in suicide attempts in a randomized, controlled study (American Journal of Public Health, March 2004). It teachers students to A.C.T.- Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult. SOS is implemented to students, staff and parents.
9. END Violence Program: The goal of the END Violence Project is to create long lasting and systemic change in our school communities so that ALL children feel safe, welcome, and supported. The END Violence Project is a youth-centered program that addresses interpersonal violence (e.g. domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking) with schools, students, families, and communities. Schools participating in the END Violence Project develop the capacity to better work with students who experience trauma due to interpersonal violence. Available resources include psycho-educational groups, support groups, individual counseling, and activities for healthy relationships for all students through partnership agencies.
10. GSA - Gay Straight Alliance: GSA is a student-run club that provides a safe and inclusive place for students to meet, support and talk about issues related to sexual orientation, prejudice, discrimination and intolerance. Students strive to further educate themselves along with the school community about sexual orientation and gender identity issues. The adult supports in GSA provide a space to empower the youth to advocate and organize for events such as Ally Week and Day of Silence. Students in GSA work together to stay current on LGBTQI+ issues in order to create a platform that supports their outreach efforts. The GSA groups meets every Friday during lunch with a goal for each meeting. Each week is prioritized to facilitate the goals of that week. For example, one meeting is around Team Building, the next Friday a guest speaker, followed by Community Outreach and lastly, Fun (no agenda for the meeting, listening to music, enjoying each other's company). Ultimately, GSA functions as a support group and provides a safe place for youth to feel themselves.
11. 9th Grade Organizational Support Group: Facilitated by one of our social workers and one of our counselors, this group focuses on providing bi-weekly direct support to 9th grade students who are struggling with aspects of organization, and are willing to participate in the group.
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP.
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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 [email protected].
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Fundraising "Fiesta" Party for the Class of 2021 (Adults Only)
When: October 26th at 6pm
Where: Vanderiet's Home
Cost: $20/person....Includes Mexican Buffet, Beer/wine
If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation to the Class of 2021,
please contact
[email protected]
.
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
[email protected]
; or
[email protected]
to find out more. Class sponsors are Jason Klimczak and Elizabeth Lynch. Parent sponsor is Jen Abram - she can be reached at
[email protected].
CLASS OF 2021 SHIRTS ON SALE
Long sleeve $15 Short Sleeved $10
See Mrs Lynch in Room 11
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Class of 2022 - Sophomores
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If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Julie Rubin ([email protected]) or Marlene Talavera ([email protected]). Our first even will be a planning evening on Thursday, October 10th at 6:00 pm. Email us for the address.
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 - Well do they need ME??
PARENTS! YES! We DO need you!! Who would like to join our fun TEAM of 2023 parents to help plan some great fundraising and get-to-know one another events to benefit our kids' Class of 2023!!??
Jump in! Email or call
Christy Jordan
[email protected] or 303-210-2676 or
Catherine Poirier
[email protected] or 303-875-7073. We'll put together a list of 2023 parents who are willing to help in ANY way and get this ball rolling!
Together we will raise money and build community over the next few years to help support all the fun upcoming traditions and activities for our faster-than-you-can-imagine Seniors in 2023!! From Senior Sleep Out, Senior Homecoming support, Prom, After Prom and more we have a ton to do and need an army of parents to each take a small piece! We look forward to hearing from many of you!
We've got IDEAS yes we do, we've got ideas how 'bout YOU?!???
Class of 2023 - they're counting on you and me!
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