March 5, 2015
Administrator's Corner

As we get closer to CMAS testing you might hear about students or families who are talking about opting out.  
 
DPS has given a clear message on the merit of these assessments:

"We believe that assessments provide valuable information for parents and students on where students stand on the mastery of the standards, and whether or not students are on track to graduate prepared for the 21st century. It is important for us to understand what is working and what is not working in terms of our curriculum, instruction, professional development and school leadership. This helps us ensure that every child receives an equitable education on the path to success. It is a disadvantage for you and your child to lose access to such important information." 
 
T echnically it is the state law and there isn't a Colorado "opt out" option, but DPS has chosen to provide this option to parents.  After a conversation with an administrator, parents need to submit a non-participation request for 2015 Spring CMAS. A simple email to the school will no longer be sufficient. The forms will be distributed at the time of parent/administrator meeting.  

Mrs. JoAnne Moreno
Administrative Assistant  
Click here for information about Choice of Studies for the 2015-16 school year. Please note: this will end March 13th! Please see Mr. Christoff or the counselors with any questions.
It's Almost Showtime!
Click here for your tickets!
Gifted and Talented News

The DPS Foundation has granted A-Z Funds for 13 Spartans to participate in a GT Celebration Night.  Please read the program offering below, and if interested in participating, contact Brian Weaver immediately at [email protected] for more details and next steps. Please put the word "Joseph" in the subject line.
  
 
With the backdrop of the Denver Center Theater's performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" as our main event, gifted High School upperclassmen will enjoy an evening of socialization and celebrations of all their high school achievements - academic, athletic, artistic and otherwise.  Steeped in the wonders of ancient Egypt, students will have a chance to share and discuss their college and career plans, ideas about their upcoming senior year, and to celebrate and bridge into their young adulthoods with like peers and mutual recognition.
A Big Thanks to the DPS Foundation
Heartfelt thanks to the DPS Foundation for granting TJ a Second Cycle Award for continued upgrades to TJ's Black Box Theatre and to help TJ students attend theatre performances.  The DPS Foundation has been incredibly generous to TJ theatre performers, theatre class students, and me - on stage and in the classroom - throughout the years - all the way back to TJ's blockbuster production of
Chicago.  Much of what we have been able to do onstage and in theatre classes is due to their generosity.  I encourage everyone to support these great people who pour their hearts and funds into DPS teachers and students.   
Peace,  Palmieri 
Quick Links
Winter Sports Survey
Please find the link below to our  
post season survey for the Winter 2014-15 sports season. This survey will provide you the opportunity to give us feedback on our work from this past season. The data that we collect from this survey will help us to reflect on our strategies/practices, and may inform some of our goals for the offseason. Please complete this survey by Wednesday, March 11th.
We appreciate your time in providing us with this feedback. 
It's Testing Time!
Testing Dates!
We have important upcoming testing, March 9th-16th. Click here for the schedule:
Testing Schedule
Click here for PARCC Practice Tests
Attention AP Students
Fees for AP Courses need to be paid to the treasurer by March 9. See your AP teacher, Mrs. Moreno, Mr. Christoff, or Ms. Alexander if you're not sure how much you owe.
Save the Date - Partners
The next TJ Partners meeting will be held on March 10 th at 6:00 pm in Room 111.  Agenda will be distributed via an email reminder the week before the meeting.
Germany, 2016
airplane-takeoff-sun-sm.jpg
Interested in traveling to Germany in 2016? Please come to room 217 for details! You can also e-mail [email protected]

or call: 720-423-7093
Congratulations!
Spartans shine at state! 
On Saturday, Feb. 28th, four TJ teams competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) State Competition. All of the students made us proud and had a lot of fun. The Spartan Six team took 2nd place overall. Way to go, robotics!
STEM Opportunity for Girls
Montana Tech University offers an on-campus summer camp for high school sophomore and junior girls to explore exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers through hands-on experiments, lab-based activities, and interactions with professors and STEM professionals.  More information about the MINES program is attached and also available online .

Attention ELA Families:
The next ELA District Advisory Committee (ELA DAC) Special Session is coming up on March 10 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the PPA Events Center. Those who attend ELA DAC will learn about Colorado Academic Standards, how DPS ensures effective teachers for our students (LEAP), summer learning opportunities and community resources available.This is a chance for ELA families to learn more about the resources and supports available to them, and to connect with over 30 community organizations and DPS resources. For more information, click here.

Kicking Into Gear With Coach Mac
Head Coach Chris McCallum helps the girls' soccer team reach new goals.
Sports are a significant aspect of high school culture, and they are among many outlets and forms of relaxation for teenagers. Even more important is a guide for those athletes to follow, often in the form of a coach, who pushes them to their limits - both physically and emotionally. At Thomas Jefferson High School, head coach
Chris McCallum has jumped into this position of leadership for girls' soccer, taking his players into the season with a new work ethic and positive energy. Read More
Congratulations, DECA!
TJ DECA sent 9 competitors to compete at the 65 th Annual DECA State Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor Hotel. With about a foot of snow on the ground, the weather proved to be a mighty foe but the Conference went on as planned with few delays. Over 2,500 students in total came to compete in their chosen event from Apparel and Accessories to Sports and Entertainment Marketing. This year was special as it marked the 50 th Anniversary that Colorado DECA and the Broadmoor have been partners in the State Leadership Conference. Sunday evening Property Manager Ann Alba welcomed the students at the opening ceremony with a promise of excellence from the 5-Star, 5-Diamond resort. The keynote speaker for the conference was professional entertainer and hypnotist Bryan Fiese, who made an immediate impact on the competitors when he hypnotized 25 of them on stage in just a few minutes. On Monday, students were off and running with a total of 2 Role Plays and several workshops to attend before getting a chance to let off some steam at the DECA Dance. On Tuesday the competitors that scored high enough went on and competed in the Finals for their event. TJ DECA represented our school and community with class and character during our 3 days at the conference, once again drawing praise form the Broadmoor staff for being professional young men and women. Although none of the TJ students placed in the top 3 of their event - Sabrina Winger, TJ Senior, was a Finalist in Accounting for the third year in a row. A big shout out to the members of TJ DECA from myself and Mr. Showers for making us proud and for continuing the tradition of making TJ DECA "The Standard by Which Others are Measured."
Sincerely, Matt Nicolo

Microsoft is excited to announce DigiGirlz 2015  

is open for registration! 

Please join us on April 15th, 2015 for a full day of great activities including hands on development, career panel, and more.   It is a great opportunity to meet other young ladies interested in technology while connecting with Microsoft employees in their work environment.

Come dream about your future possibilities, share your great ideas and have a lot of fun with a technology leader!

The event is free; registration is now open on a first come, first served basis.

Register:  https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/117360 

Location: Microsoft Store: Park Meadows Mall

Address: 8505 Park Meadows Center Drive
Lone Tree, Colorado 80124       303-824-6772

Time: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

  • Students in grades 7-9 are welcome to register  
  • Online release forms must be signed and submitted prior to attending event
  • Transportation to the event is the participant's responsibility
  • Breakfast and lunch will be provided
  • See registration link for additional information

DigiGirlz, a Microsoft YouthSparkprogram, gives high school girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. For information on global DigiGirlz events:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/digigirlzday.aspx

 
Congratulations to the SkillsUSA Competitors!
The competition for SkillsUSA was held on February 5 th, 6 th, 12 th, and 13 th. Students competed in 3d animation, web design, video, photography, and programming. Congratulations to the following SkillsUSA students who qualified for the SkillsUSA Colorado State Conference. The state conference will be held in Colorado Spring on April 8 th, 9 th, and 10 th.  

 

State Qualifiers- PHOTOGRAPHY

1st Place- Katelin Kelly

2nd Place- Alec Stolz

3rd Place- Anja Oss

Runner Up- Paula Mortel

 

State Qualifiers: WEB DESIGN

1st Place- Jacob Neumann & Josh Schaffer

2nd Place- Morgan VanderReit & Rachel Sadler

Runner up: Chase Remme & Jeremy Isaac

 

State Qualifiers: 3D ANIMATION

1st Place: Luis Avila & Jame Ambrosen

2nd Place: Hunter Holmes and Sam Trout

3rd Place: Stephanie Chavez and Tyler Weiskopf

Runner up: Bobby Vlier and Noah Gomez

 

State Qualifiers: VIDEO

1st Place: Travis Domagala & Weston Wilkins

2nd Place: Long Le & Chris Scarborough

 

State Qualifiers: PROGRAMMING

1st Place: Nick Capra

2nd Place: Declan Kahn

3d Place: Julio Munoz

Runner up: Natan Getschel
Cap and Gown Time For Seniors
If your senior has the half page "Custom Graduation Announcement Order form" from Josten's  that was mailed to their home in February they can mail that back with check or money order - deadline was March 1st but they will take it with a money order next week as well.  Students can also go to milehighschoolsupply.com and place the order there.  If they go to "grad orders" they can order with a credit card.  If they go to "order forms" they can print the form, fill it out and mail it in with a money order.  At this time the milehighschoolsupply.com is the best web site to order the custom announcements and the cap, gown & tassel.
Developing a Love for Technology
Hamdi Hassan and Monee Southall's dedication results in prestigious award.
TJ seniors Hamdi Hassan and Monee Southall were both thrilled when they were notified that they were the 2014 Colorado Aspirations Award winners. The pair was recognized for their outstanding achievements in technology by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). They will be honored on Sunday April 26th, on the University of Colorado campus, and have the opportunity to meet with other high school women pioneering their way in technology. Read More
Upcoming College Fair

 Please Join Us For The Historically Black College and University College Fair!

 

March 6th, 2015

Period 7 & 8 in the Gymnasium

 

All 11th and 12th Grade Students & Families Are Invited to Attend

 

Please Bring a Copy of Your Most Recent Transcript and Resume.

(Sample resume templates are on Ms. Buffington's door).

 

Recruiters from the following schools will be present:

1.       Bethune-Cookman

2.       Kentucky State

3.       Langston

4.       LeMoyne-Owen College

5.       Lincoln University (MO)

6.       Southwestern Christian College

7.       Tougaloo College

8.       Tuskegee University

9.       Wilberforce University

 

This Event Is Sponsored by Thomas Jefferson High School AVID and The Thomas Jefferson Black Student Alliance.  

 
News from the Future Center
Seniors and families! 
   
Future Center news!  Scroll down to the bottom to see scholarship and summer opportunities. 

The Denver Spring College Fair
�What: The Denver Spring College Fair, Co-sponsored with Colorado Council on High School/College Relations
�Where: University of Denver, Daniel L. Ritchie Athletic Center: Gates Field House
�When: Sunday, March 15, 2015, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
  Host Contact: Leanna Roaf, [email protected]
 
Please let Ms. Maez know when...
You're accepted into college (bring in or email acceptance letters/emails).
You complete scholarship applications (see the attached scholarship checklist to help you organize what you need for your scholarships.)
You're awarded a scholarship or ANY time you get money from a college (might come with acceptance letter).
You receive financial aid award letters.
Important College Events:

All events in the Future Center, unless otherwise noted.

3/6/15- HBCU College Fair at Thomas Jefferson. 

3/7/15- 8:00am-3:00pm, HBCU College Fair, East High School,  registration by 2/27= $5 or pay $7 at the door.  Click here to register. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

3/15/15- 1-5pm, Spring College Fair, University of Denver (See details below)
Important Scholarship Information
FormSwift Scholarship for College Students
Due- 4/30/15
Amount-  $1,000
Either Write a One-Page Business Plan, Make a Brief PowerPoint, or Make a Two-Minute Video about one of the following topics for a chance to win the FormSwift Scholarship:
�         How Student Organizations Could Use FormSwift
�         The Benefit of FormSwift to Schools & Colleges
�         Registration Documents That Should Be Online
�         How Volunteer Groups Could Use FormSwift
�         The Environmental Benefits of E-Signature/Paperless Documents
For more info, click here.

Denver Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships accessible to DPS students interested in attending non-profit, Colorado colleges/universities.  Students must meet the following conditions to qualify:
  1. Must be a graduate of DPS and have attended DPS high school all four years
  2. Must have applied to three other scholarships
  3. Demonstrate financial need (DACA students will need to show proof of Free and Reduced Lunch status).
  4. Students who are ineligible for Federal Student Aid must be lawfully present in the United States or apply to be lawfully present in the United States.
This year, two tiers of the DSF scholarship exist:
 
Bachelor's/Associate's Degree Scholarship:
  1. Meet the above eligibility conditions.
  2. Have a 2.75 GPA at graduation
  3. If you receive this scholarship, you will have four years to complete a bachelor's degree or two years to complete an associate's degree.
Certificate/Trade Scholarship:
  1. Must meet the above eligibility conditions.
  2. Have between a 2.0-2.74 GPA at graduation.
  3. If you receive the scholarship, you will have one year to complete the certificate/trade program.
For students who would like to attend a bachelor's or associate's degree program and have below a 2.75 GPA, if you attend college for one year and finish with a 2.0 GPA or higher, you can become eligible for the DSF scholarship your second year of college.

John Lynch Family Foundation Scholarships
Due- 3/6/15
Amount- $5,000-$15,000
Scholarships for seniors who are student athletes and scholarships specifically for senior student athletes with disabilities or Down Syndrome.  Click here for more information. 
 
Colorado Educational Services and Development Association (CESDA)
Due- 3/6/15
Amount- $1,000 
1. Applicant must be a first generation student, or member of an underrepresented ethnic or racial minority, and/or show financial need.  2. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Colorado. (Open to non-resident students. Eligible students include Asset, DACA and non-eligible U.S. permanent resident).  3.  Applicant must enroll at a 2 or 4-year Colorado college or university in the fall of 2015 and take a minimum of 6 credit hours.  4. Applicant must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.80 on a scale of 4.00.   5. Applicant will be selected by, but not limited to, the following criteria: leadership and community service-particularly within minority communities, past academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments, personal attributes special abilities, academic goals, and financial need.  Click here for more information. 
 
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Latina Scholarship
Due- 5/15/15
1. Applicant must be a female of Latino Heritage or be able to demonstrate dedication to community service and empowerment of the Latina/o community. 2. Applicant must plan to attend an accredited university in the Fall of 2015 as a freshman or first year student. 3. No hard copy applications will be accepted.  All applicants must use this platform for submission and consideration.  Click here for more information. 

See Ms. Maez in the Future Center for questions.      
Summer Program for Seniors
Apply for the Goodwill Summer Bridge Mentoring Program!  You will be connected with a mentor who can help support you through your first year of college.  Additionally, you will be connected to other students that will be attending your college.  There will be fun events such as Red Rocks Film on the Rocks, Rockies games, rock climbing, etc.   If you are interested, please see the description and application.  There is no GPA or ACT requirement, but you need to apply before 3/20/15. 

Helpful Financial Aid Links:
 Colorado institutional scholarships- Includes helpful instructions on how to apply to scholarships at ALL Colorado colleges and universities.
Click here for a link to Denver Scholarship Foundation's scholarship directory.