September 7, 2020
Administrator's Corner

Hello TJ,
 
Welcome to week 3! I wanted to remind everyone that due to there being no school on Labor Day, this Friday, September 11th we will not have Office Hours and will have a regular school day with periods 1-3-7.  
 
Our enrollment continues to grow however we still need about 170 students and families to complete their Annual Family Update (http://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/). This is how we are funded as a school so it is critical that everyone completes this. I realize that this year has been confusing with all of the surveys and addendums to complete. If you received a confirmation email regarding your AFU, then you are good to go. The good news is that we still have a week to get this completed and our office staff and teachers will continue to reach out families that still need to complete this step.
 
I wanted to share too how inspired I've been by our students that have stepped up to speak out regarding sexual assault and pushing change. Over the past two years we have been working with our Challenge 5280 club on this exact topic and now with our new Advisement time each day plan to increase our educational outreach during this time. I look forward to continuing our work with the kids to make TJ the best school we can. We continue to encourage kids to use SafeToTell (https://safe2tell.org/) or if they want to talk to someone to reach out to their school counselor.  
 
Thank you for all of the encouraging and supportive emails that you've sent!
 
Take care,

Hola TJ,

¡Bienvenido a la semana 3! Quería recordarles a todos que debido a que no hay escuela en el Día del Trabajo, este viernes 11 de septiembre no tendremos horario de oficina y tendremos un día escolar regular con períodos 1-3-7.

Nuestra inscripción sigue creciendo sin embargo todavía necesitamos alrededor de 170 estudiantes y familias para completar su Actualización Anual de la Familia (http://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/). Así es como somos financiados como una escuela, por lo que es fundamental que todos completen esto. Me doy cuenta de que este año ha sido confuso con todos los addendums y addendums para completar. Si recibió un correo electrónico de confirmación con respecto a su AFU, entonces usted está listo para ir. La buena noticia es que todavía tenemos una semana para completar esto y nuestro personal de oficina y los maestros continuarán para llegar a las familias que todavía necesitan completar este paso.

También quería compartir lo inspirado que he estado por nuestros estudiantes que han dado un paso al al respecto con respecto a las agresiones sexuales y empujar el cambio. Durante los últimos dos años hemos estado trabajando con nuestro club Challenge 5280 en este tema exacto y ahora con nuestro nuevo tiempo de asesoramiento cada día planea aumentar nuestro alcance educativo durante este tiempo. Espero continuar nuestro trabajo con los niños para hacer de TJ la mejor escuela que podamos. Seguimos animando a los niños a usar SafeToTell (https://safe2tell.org/) o si quieren hablar con alguien para comunicarse con su consejero escolar.

Gracias por todos los correos electrónicos alentadores y de apoyo que has enviado!

Consacupe,
Mike Christoff
Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance
Monday-
  • No School - Labor Day
Tuesday-
  • PTO meeting: 6-7:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-

Thursday-

Friday- (please note special schedule!)
  • 9th Grade Advisement- 7:30 a.m.
  • Periods 1, 3, 7 (making up for having no classes on Monday)
Saturday-

Kudos Korner
  • Thanks to the counseling team and mental health team for supporting our students in numerous ways!
Reminder about this week's schedule
A reminder that due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 7th, there will be NO OFFICE HOURS on Friday, September 11th. 

Instead we will have an "odd day" regular schedule on Friday, September 11th - periods 1,3,7 and all students are expected to attend. The morning advisement group on Friday, September 11th will be for students in 9th grade starting at 7:30 a.m..
Bell Schedule
Virtual Tardy Policy for Remote Learning
TJ Spartans,
 
Punctuality is important, even remotely. Please be sure you are logging into your classes on time. If you are 5 minutes late to class, you will be marked Tardy. If you are more than 20 minutes late, you will be marked Absent.
 
If you arrive to class after 5 minutes or more for any reason, you should reach out to your teacher(s). To excuse tardies and absences, parents and guardians should call the automated attendance line at 720-423-7040. This line is for leaving messages only. You can also send an email to rebecca_moore@dpsk12.org.
 
Thank you!
The Student Excellence Team

Communication Expectations and Norms
In an attempt to support the needs of your students and while maintaining the work/life balance of our staff, we are adopting the following policies:
 
  1. Work day for teaching faculty will be from 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  2. Meetings will held be scheduled during of normal work hours unless otherwise agreed upon.
  3. Please use the email address listed in the staff directory when reaching out: https://tjhs.dpsk12.org/directory/
  4. Email with an understanding of a 24 hour return time expectation.
  5. Please free to reach out to us when it is convenient for you via email/Remind with the expectation that we will respond to you within 24 hours. 

Additional Technology and Materials Distribution - by appointment only
Dear Spartan Families, 

            TJHS will offer additional drive through pick up opportunities for Chromebooks, Hotspots and class materials distribution next Tuesday and Thursday morning by appointment only. 

If you would like to schedule a two-hour pick-up window please fill out our request form here:

The request form helps us ensure we have the proper level of staffing to handle demand. If you are returning damaged technology please make sure the power cord is returned with the unit. 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. 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.

TJ's New Advisement Program
In the 2020/2021 school year, all Spartans will be enrolled in an Advisement class. In this class, students will have a great opportunity to engage in social/emotional supports and discover more about your future through career/college planning activities. The Advisement class is on student schedules in the 'Alt' period, and our Mental Health and Counseling teams will provide live support and important content and resources for students. There will be credit for completion of this class. When you look at the bell schedule, you see SEL/ICAP in the mornings from 7:30-7:55. That is Advisement time. Each grade will log in once a week for live support and to complete the assignment that week. The other days of the week are for completing any additional assignments for that week's lesson, practicing and exploring the resources from the lesson, etc.
  • Mondays will be 9th graders
  • Tuesday 10th graders 
  • Wednesday 11th graders
  • Thursday 12th graders
Please remember, this is where your ICAP lessons (Individual Career and Academic Plan) will be conducted. ICAP is a graduation requirement so it is important that you participate in Advisement. Students, check out the Advisement Schoology Course for more information and instructions each week. Go to your 'Class of' folder for more information and instructions. We can't wait to engage with you!
Caregiver Support Group
Helpful Schoology Tips and Resources for Students
The district has put together a document that will allow students to access FAQs, videos, and resources to help them navigate the Schoology platform. Click here to access that document!
Interact Club News!
PTO News
We hope you are settling into your back to school routines. Remote learning is a big adjustment for parents, student and teachers. Our first monthly PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th from 6-7pm. The meeting will be virtual using Zoom. See the meeting details below to join. Normally, we start the school year with an overview of planned events and activities but this year that is difficult to do. So much of what we do is community building and support and that will look very different this year. We need to put our heads together in the coming weeks to decide how we want to move forward.
 
For this month, we are hosting a townhall meeting with Principal Christoff. TJ staff is working hard to address the many complicated facets of teaching during a pandemic but there are more questions than answers these days. Principal Christoff will inform parents on what is happening and plans that are in the works. Parents may submit questions in writing during the meeting by using the Zoom chat feature. If you are not available but have a question, please email it to TJHSPTO@gmail.com by Tuesday at 5pm. The meeting will be recorded and available for those not in attendance.
 
PTO meetings are the second Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm and will be virtual by Zoom so mark your calendars. PTO is a great way to connect to the TJ community and be informed so we hope you can participate. Everyone is welcome! If you would like translation services, please let us know.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83368831938?pwd=ZVVZOWpBVElvVHVlN3BmSzE3VUZFdz09
 
Meeting ID: 833 6883 1938
Passcode: 101454
 
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83368831938# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83368831938# US (Houston)
 
 
Questions or want to learn more? Email us at TJHSPTO@gmail.com
 
Esperamos que se esté asentando en sus rutinas de regreso a la escuela. El aprendizaje remoto es un gran ajuste para los padres, los estudiantes y los maestros. Nuestra primera reunión mensual de la PTO está programada para el martes 8 de septiembreth  de  6-7pm. La reunión será virtual usando Zoom. Consulte los detalles de la reunión a continuación para unirse. Normalmente, comenzamos el año escolar con una visión general de los eventos y actividades planificadas, pero este año eso es difícil de hacer. Mucho de lo que hacemos es la construcción de la comunidad y el apoyo y que se verá muy diferente  este año. Tenemos que juntar nuestras cabezas en las próximas semanas para averiguar cómo avanzar.
 
Para este mes, organizaremos una reunión del ayuntamiento con el director Christoff. El personal de TJ está trabajando tan duro para abordar las muchas facetas complicadas de la enseñanza durante una pandemia, pero hay más preguntas que respuestas en estos días. El director Christoff informará a los padres sobre lo que está sucediendo y los planes que están en las obras. Los padres pueden enviar preguntas por escrito durante la reunión utilizando la función de chat Zoom. Si no está disponible pero tiene una pregunta, envíela por correo electrónico a  TJHSPTO@gmail.com el martes a las 5 p. m. La reunión será registrada y disponible para aquellos que no estén presentes.
 
Las reuniones de la TDF son el segundo martes del mes de 6-7pm y serán reuniones virtuales de Zoom así que marque sus calendarios. PTO es una gran manera de conectarse con la comunidad TJ y estar informados para que podamos participar. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Si desea servicios de traducción, por favor háganoslo saber.
 
¿Tiene preguntas o quiere obtener más información? Envíenos un correo electrónico a TJHSPTO@gmail.com
King Soopers/TJ Fundraiser
Welcome back to school, Spartans! We'd love to have even more families join the King Soopers Community Reward Program. This is FREE money that supports TJ students and the school community. From April through June, 89 families participated which generated a donation of $1,500 to the PTO. Thank you to all who participated!  It is so easy to join - all you have to do is pick TJ as your rewards partner and then shop at King Soopers as you normally would. TJ receives a percentage of all purchases!!

It is easy to sign up. To get the benefits, you must register for the rewards program here...
  1. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards and sign in to your digital account or create a new one. Make sure your loyalty card number or alternate ID is associated with your digital account.
  2. Click on Enroll Now
  3. Search for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners or use code UT036
  4. Click Enroll
That's it! You are now ready to earn FREE money for the TJ community. At the point of purchase, you must swipe your loyalty card or type in your alternate ID for your purchases to apply to TJ. 
It takes approximately 10 days for the King Soopers Community Rewards total to begin displaying on your receipt. TJ receives payments from King Soopers quarterly. The percentage TJ receives varies by quarter.
You can view the total you earned during the last quarter by signing into your King Soopers account and selecting My Account. There is a tab for the Community Rewards Program. You can verify that TJ is listed as your Community Rewards beneficiary and see the amount you've contributed.
Thank you for your support!
Questions? Email tjhspto@gmail.com.
Resources for Families
  • All Colorado students who qualified for free/reduced lunch for the 19-20 school year are eligible to receive a one-time $279 food stipend. Families will be required to provide their students' State ID number on the application. This can be found in Infinite Campus under the "Summary" tab, under the student's date of birth. Please email me if there are other DPS students in the family needing their State ID number. More info on this program
 
Safe 2 Tell 

Colorado High School Mountain Bike League - For Boys and Girls!
Colorado High School MTB League information can be found at coloradomtb.org. There is no in-person competition this Fall, but weekly events to be completed by the teams for awards. The events start next week 8/24 and run through 10/17. Participation is not required in all events or all days of the week.

Please contact coach Bart Randle bartmancl@msn.com or Kenlynn White at kenlynn329@gmail.com for more information.
GT Corner
Hey GT Families!  We are here for you!

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 - COMING SOON!
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. 
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...?

September is National Suicide Prevention Month
According to the CDC, in 2018 more than 48,000 individuals die by suicide. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUTH SUICIDE?
Definitions: 


 

Suicide Risk Factors: Certain characteristics that are associated with increased suicide risk.

Warning Signs: A trait, attribute, or characteristic of the individual that is a 'sign' of suicidal thinking.                 Observable behaviors that signal possible suicidal thinking.

Resiliency Factors: Things that help people cope with stress.  The presence of resiliency factors can lessen the potential of risk factors to lead to suicidal ideation and behaviors.  


 

 

TJHS Data from 2019 students grades 9-12 (Healthy Kids Colorado Survey):
  • 35.3% of students report having feelings of depression in the past year
  • 13.4% of students seriously considered suicide in the past year
  • 7.4% attempted suicide in the past year
It is important to remember the signs and risk factors listed are generalities. Not all students who contemplate suicide will exhibit these symptoms and not all students who exhibit these behaviors are suicidal Students from all types of families can become suicidal.  Males are at higher risk of dying by suicide although females attempt more often than males. 
The Role of the School in Suicide Prevention
Children spend a substantial part of their day in school under the supervision of school personnel.   Mental Health providers, which may include a school psychologist, social worker, school counselor and/or nurse who are trained to intervene when a student is identified at risk for suicide are available at school. These individuals conduct a suicide risk assessment, warn/inform parents, provide information about community services and, with your request, provide follow up counseling and support at school. TJHS also has a school-wide 9th grade prevention program the mental health team implements every year (typically) during Ninth Grade Academy to the incoming freshmen class, in addition to several other universal and targeted supports. Please review the other prevention and intervention programming TJHS has in place by visiting our previous weekly TJ Newsletter: Click here 
WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY CHILD SAFE?
ASK: Talking about suicide does not make a student suicidal. Asking if someone is having suicidal thoughts gives him/her permission to talk about it. Asking sends the message that you are concerned and want to help.
TAKE SIGNS SERIOUSLY: Studies have found that more than 75% of people who die by suicide showed some of the warning signs in the weeks or months prior to their death. Reach out to TJ's mental health team if you are concerned or have questions. We are here to help! 
GET HELP: If you have concerns that your child is suicidal, seek immediate help from a mental health provider. Suicidal students need to be evaluated by an expert in assessing risk. Parents can contact school psychologists, social workers, counselors, or nurses for support. Parents may also want to consult with their insurance company to get a list of mental health providers covered by their policy. If there is immediate need for help you may take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
LIMIT ACCESS: To weapons, medication, sharp objects, and materials that could be used for hanging oneself. 
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE: Increase adult supervision. It is important that parents surround themselves with a team of supportive friends or family members who can stop in and help as needed. 
REASSURE YOUR CHILD THAT LIFE CAN GET BETTER: Many suicidal people have lost all hope that life can improve. The nature of teenage and young adult brain development impacts their ability to problem solve, think through consequences, regulate behavior and emotions. They may have difficulty problem solving even simple issues. We have to help them with this. Don't be afraid to talk through things out loud, so you are modeling your thought process for them. Remind your child that no matter how bad things are, the problem can be worked out. Offer your help. 
LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT: Avoid making statements such as "I know what it's like" or "I understand". Instead make statements such as "Help me understand what life is like for you right now," and "tell me more about that."

Resiliency Factors:
  • Family support and cohesion, including good communication
  • Peer support and close social networks
  • Being involved in school and community 
  • Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living
  • Adaptive coping and problem-solving skills, including conflict-resolution
  • General life satisfaction, good self-esteem, sense of purpose
  • Easy access to effective medical and mental health resources
 Resources:
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know": Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP
Resources: Denver Public School Mental Health and Assessment with Support from NASP, CCST, DCST; https://www.nami.org/; https://www.cdc.gov/ 
School Based Health Centers are OPEN!
https://www.denverhealth.org/services/school-based-health-centers

SBHC@dhha.org or call us at (303) 602-8958

Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic: 720-423-7190

Consent for Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic:

English:

Spanish:
Help Wanted at TJ!
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
Spartan Spirit Store
We are selling spirit wear at girls' softball games in September.

Tuesday's weather looks to be chilly and we'll have blankets, hoodies, sweatpants and winter hats to support Spartans!
We're working on details to get an online store running during this period of remote learning. Stay tuned!
News from the Future Center
Dear Class of 2021, 

I look forward to supporting you as you establish and achieve your plans for life after high school! 

Please be sure to access the TJ Future Center: 2021 Schoology course for resources to support your planning. 
You'll find a link in the Welcome message to set up an appointment with me so we can talk about your goals and the steps you'll take this year towards achieving these goals.  

Over the next week:  

  • Set up an appointment to meet with me using the link provided in the TJ Future Center:2021 Schoology course.  
  • Log in to MAIA Learning where you can research colleges and will be required to track your applications. You can log into MAIA through your DPS Portal. You'll then click See All Apps and proceed to MAIA. Check out the MAIA Learning Students Quick Guide linked in the TJ Future Center:2021 Welcome message.
  • Research scholarship opportunities. Use the resources provided in the TJ Future Center: 2021. Consider using google sheets to keep track of your research! 

Let me know what questions you have!

Here's to a great year, Spartans! 


Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
  • Remember - TJ gear is available in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact tjhs.store@gmail.com.
Class of 2021 - Seniors
 If you have ideas or want to help, contact any one of us:

Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com, Jen Abram jenabram18@gmail.com, Lisa Allen allenlisa85@yahoo.com, Colley Moe colley_moe@comcast.net, Teri Hertzel thetzel@comcast.net, John Trujillo trujillopotter@icloud.com  
Class of 2022 - Juniors
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!
 
If you need more information, contact tjhspto@gmail.com, Julie at rubin_j@comcast.net or Marlene at (TJSpartans2022@gmail.com).
Class of 2023 - Sophomores
Welcome back Sophomores and Sophomore Parents!

Class of 2023 Parents will be hosting a kick-off meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom and in-person, distanced outside - your choice! Parents please mark your calendar now and then watch for more details and sign-up soon. We look forward to planning some creative fundraisers and events with you all again this year to benefit the Class of 2023!

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 christy.jordan@comcast.net - many thanks!
Class of 2024 - Freshmen
The class of 2024 is in need of parent sponsors! If you are interested please reach out to PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.